VehicleVerdict

2017 Ram 1500 transmission problems

The 2017 Ram 1500 has 97 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 8% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

97

Transmission complaints

8%

Share of year

9

Crash-involved

3

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

18V100000TransmissionFebruary 8, 2018 · 180,462 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V198000TransmissionMarch 23, 2017 · 30 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.

Consequence

A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.

What owners report

I WAS PARKED ON AN UNPAVED FLAT CAMPGROUND ROAD.TRUCK WOULD NOT GO FROM PARK TO REVERSE, SO AFTER WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH ADVISED TO RETURN TO PARK, I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS. THEN AGAIN TRIED REVERSE AND THE TRUCK JUMPED INTO DRIVE CAUSING IT TO GO INTO A SMALL POND. AFTER WHICH THE VEHICLE WOULD NO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 13, 2018 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2017 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA has 97 complaints about the 2017 Ram 1500 transmission — 8% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2017 Ram 1500 transmission?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 17V198000, 17V821000, 18V100000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.