How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Ram 3500?

NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, making up about 9% of the 310 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 3500 transmission?

Yes. Recall 18V100000 addresses shifter and Body Control Module software issues, and recall 17V821000 covers a related power train BTSI inspection and software update. Neither recall requires drivers to stop driving immediately.

At what mileage do transmission issues typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 15,300 miles.

What kind of transmission problems do owners describe?

Owners report the truck jumping out of park, chatter in 5th gear on manual models, unexpected downshifting on grades, delayed acceleration response, and rear-end vibration at highway speeds.

2017 Ram 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, about 9% of the year's 310 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 15,300. Two related recalls (18V100000 and 17V821000) cover shifter and BTSI software issues.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 27; 9% of 310
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 15,300 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the truck jumping out of park unexpectedly due to a faulty shifter, in one case rolling down an embankment.
Some describe a chatter or vibration from the transmission in 5th gear on the manual G56 transmission, occurring at any speed or load.
Others report the automatic transmission downshifting on its own while descending mountain grades, forcing the vehicle to slow unexpectedly in traffic.
Several owners describe a dangerous delay of several seconds between pressing the accelerator and the truck responding, sometimes called a dead pedal.
A few report a rear-end shake or vibration that intensifies above 40 mph, with dealers unable to resolve it.

When 2017 Ram 3500 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 9, 2017, latest Apr 21, 2026.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Apr 2026; peak Jan 2018 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ram 3500

NHTSA 18V100000Feb 8, 2018Transmission & Powertrain180,462 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201311 (10%)
201439 (19%)
201532 (24%)
201619 (14%)
201727 (9%)
201823 (3%)
201918 (13%)
202012 (10%)
202111 (18%)
2022114 (60%)
20231 (6%)
20246 (14%)
20257 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Ram 3500?: NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, making up about 9% of the 310 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 3500 transmission?: Yes. Recall 18V100000 addresses shifter and Body Control Module software issues, and recall 17V821000 covers a related power train BTSI inspection and software update. Neither recall requires drivers to stop driving immediately.
At what mileage do transmission issues typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 15,300 miles.
What kind of transmission problems do owners describe?: Owners report the truck jumping out of park, chatter in 5th gear on manual models, unexpected downshifting on grades, delayed acceleration response, and rear-end vibration at highway speeds.