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2017 Ram 3500 Electrical Problems

33 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

33
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
Jan 2024Dec 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Electrical Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #18V332000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Owner Complaints (33)

highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

You purchased a 2017 Ram 3500 that was advertised with 234,000 miles, but when you registered it, you discovered the actual mileage was 380,000 miles — a difference of 146,000 miles. This discrepancy suggests the odometer may have been tampered with or rolled back. You've already filed a police report about this odometer fraud.

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NHTSA #: 11709698
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2025

FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE (ABM). FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU). BOTH HAVE FAILED AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED *TWICE* AT DEALERSHIP IN UNDER 40,000 MILES. WARNING LIGHT AND AUDIBLE WARNING INDICATED PROBLEM. BRAKE RESPONSE DANGEROUSLY INADEQUATE. THIS PROBLEM IS UNDER NHTSA 24V-896 / FCA C4B. HOWEVER THIS VIN APPARENTLY EXCLUDED AND/OR NOT RECOGNIZED AS INCLUDED IN RECALL BY FCA/NHTSA. THIS IS IN ERROR AND MUST BE REMEDIATED.

NHTSA #: 11645725
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2025

The cruise control stop working and we received a service electronic braking system warning and the trailer brakes stopped working

NHTSA #: 11644434
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2024

ABS light goes on and off constantly, cruse control will not work. Truck has 29,000 mikes and has been doing this for 3 years

NHTSA #: 11628804
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

The abs and traction control lights flash on and off. They also have remained off and the back on for while. Happens a lot during summer and when driving for a while. While on cruise control and the lights comes sudden loss of power and agrressive engine slow down causing the vehicle to shake. Has happen multiple times.

NHTSA #: 11621257
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2024

On two separate occasions I had total brake loss , the truck has under 21,000 miles on it and while driving and trying to stop I have total brake loss , today I almost rear end a car due to the failure, luckily for them I have relatively good reflexes and I don’t panic , if either of those were not true I possibly could of killed the two occupants of the car in front of me , I was traveling approximately 70 miles an hour on the interstate had had to apply my brakes. When I did I had absolutely no brakes at all, no idiot lights or anything warning me of the problem, this was the second time this occurred , the first time I was on my way home at night and went to stop at a stop sign at an intersection and again total brake loss , both these times I limped home , hoping I would make it home safely. This needs to be investigated before some dies

NHTSA #: 11615707
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2024

Abs and traction control lights come on, simultaneously canceling cruise control. Vehicle speed immediately slows, and traffic behind me catches up quickly as it takes a few seconds to react and get the vehicle back up to speed. Also, no abs in wet condition, etc. Bumps in the road cause the system to go out and come back on. It's become such a problem that I've had to pull the fuse for abs, which means no more cruise control. But also activates the red brake warning light. So if another problem comes up, I won't know as the brake light is already on.

NHTSA #: 11604949
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2024

I've been waiting for replacement parts for Technical Service Bulletin S2005000004 for over 8 months. It's my understanding from the dealer I visited that I could have a complete failure of electronics and/or brakes. Many warning lights and warning messages are displayed on the dashboard. Dodge has not issued a recall. I've been towing an 18,000lb RV around the country off and on for a number of years and was never made aware of this danger.

NHTSA #: 11592429
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was undergoing DOT inspection, the DOT inspector advised the contact to shift in neutral (N), and to activate and squeeze the brake controller manually. The contact was then advised to shift into drive (D) and to release the brake pedal while squeezing the brake controller. The contact stated that upon following the instructions, the vehicle moved forward. The DOT inspector determined that the brake controller was malfunctioning because the trailer brakes failed to prevent vehicle movement when manually activated. The contact stated that the company's mechanic replaced the 7-way pins, the 7-way pin trailer cable, the 7-way pin wiring harness box, and module, the brake controller assembly, the wiring on the front and rear axles, the brake assemblies; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the brake controller was set at the max 10, the brake wire connector displayed 6.5 Volts, while the voltage should be 13.2 Volts. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,388.

NHTSA #: 11583133
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2024

The anti lock brake controller is failing and keeps the traction controller and cruise control from working properly.

NHTSA #: 11581050
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2024

issue with reoccurring Electronic Brake System Failure message along with ABS and Stability Control faults. This is now the third time this error has appeared. Twice they replaced both the ABS controller and hydraulic unit.

NHTSA #: 11580010
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2024

The ABS and traction control lights keep chiming and flashing. This condition disables the cruise control as well and possibly the 4WD system. Parts aren’t available at this time from the dealership and after doing research, this seems to be a very common problem with the 2017-2018 Ram 2500/3500 models.

NHTSA #: 11566765
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2024

ABS control module has failed part number 68347098AA this part has been on back order for over a year dealers do not have a firm date on the delivery, This is a safety issue that dealers can not repair.

NHTSA #: 11564289
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

ABS control module has been back order since June 2023. Abs light flashes and bing on regular bases. Cruise will not work when the ABS light is on. I’ve been on a wait list since June 2023, truck is very annoying trying to drive with constant binging. Towing my 5th wheel is very concerning with on going ABS module problems.

NHTSA #: 11558868
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

Random occurrences of an audible bell along with error messages stating, "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Brake System" flash momentarily on the dash. They may also stay on for prolonged periods of time. Cruise control is inoperable when the error messages flash, or stay on. The ABS trouble indicator light is also on during these events. The abrupt cancellation of cruise control in traffic is dangerous, especially when towing a trailer. The problem started (for me) just after purchasing the vehicle, used, with 27,428 miles on March 9, 2023. I suspect the pervious owner traded this vehicle on another vehicle because of this problem. I tried to get out of the purchase of this truck because of this problem. Dealer would not allow that without much expense on my end. So, I'm stuck with the problem. It has the potential to be very dangerous. Luckily, I had purchased an extended warranty but the dealer said I needed to wait a month or so before I took the vehicle to a Ram service center so the warranty would be fully established. I purchased the vehicle for pulling purposes and I do that regularly. In the similar cases I have read about, the owners say that the dealers are not helpful and the vehicle has to be kept for long periods of time for evaluation. I have not had time to get it properly diagnosed yet but the problem is exactly like the many others cases I have read about.

NHTSA #: 11558613
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2023

While driving the vehicles message display center says "service emergency braking system", the traction control indication light turns on and off, the abs indicator light turns on and off, the park sense indicators turn on and off, and if cruise control is on it is deactivated and turns on and off. An audible chime indication is also sounded when the message center displays a message. With the traction control and abs turning on and off creates an extreme safety problem especially with the winter months ahead. The vehicle has not yet been looked at by a anyone but an appointment has been made with the local dealership. This first started while driving on 11/11/2023. However, the indicator lights and chime still occur while the vehicle is in park and motor running.

NHTSA #: 11555233
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2023

Service Electronic Braking System and Service Anit-Lock Braking System alarm lights. Code C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electric Failure. This issue is related to Anti-Lock braking that can cause injury to my safety and family safety. Problem is very well know and fully reproducible at dealers. Vehicle has been at dealer for long term waiting for dealer to find/repair issue .Dealer is at loss for repair. Dealer repair for this was change HCU and ABS Module. This repair has shown to not work in many scenarios and multiple repair and replace of the same units are not fixing the issues.

NHTSA #: 11555362
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2023

When I hit a bump my ABS warning light and my traction control light come on on the dash. My cruise control stops working. Had it scanned and there is an error code C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - motor pump (open recirculation test). - internal electronic failure. It comes on and off more often when hitting a bump. This is apparently common and should be a recall.

NHTSA #: 11550090
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2023

On 32600miles abs and traction control start glitching. Happened to me on the highway pulling a rv and using cruise control, all of the sudden I lost cruise control on 70 mph and ABS with traction lights came on and off several times and end up go away, I stopped in the safe area and check all related parts on the vehicle that related brakes and abs, fluid was up to level all parts, brakes, wiring was good where I was able to see. After I continued to drive, abs did same thing several times, end up abs and traction lights came on and stayed for a while and all of the sudden for no reason came off for several miles. Sims like bad connection or abs module failure.

NHTSA #: 11547025
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2023

ABS and traction control. Is available for inspection. Loss of these functions increases the risk for loss of control. Has been inspected by the dealer. Parts to fix are in high demand and are not available until March of 2024. Warning lamps ABS and the traction control laps are on. First appeared in August 2023.

NHTSA #: 11544866
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2023

The traction control and ABS warning lights come on and go off intermittently without cause. When the lights are on, anti lock braking and cruise control are non functional. The ABS portion of this issue is an extreme safety hazard. This is a known common issue of this year vehicle

NHTSA #: 11538488
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Aug 2023

Truck spun out with my baby in the back seat due to not have abs or traction control due to a abs and hcu failure.

NHTSA #: 11538519
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2023

ABS warning has been going on and off for 2 years This is the same problem that the current class action lawsuits make reference to. I have had this problem for a long time and parts to repair it have not been available. Recently my wife ran into a bullard in a wet parking lot that she felt was a result of the antilock brake system. I only use the truck when it is absolutely necessary due to this problem. It scares me to think that I might not be able to stop this heavy vehicle. I hope this gets resolved soon.

NHTSA #: 11533545
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2023

The ABS and Electronic breaking lights keep go on and off each time it does it it turns off the cruise control

NHTSA #: 11526441
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2023

ABS Pump Motor Control electrical failure. Bad ABS pump and module.

NHTSA #: 11524756
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jul 2021

Front turn signals, driver side headlight, passenger side fog light all went out at the same time. Tested bulbs and all are good. Message on dash said they were out and yes they were. Checked grounds all good. Found the big plug under fuse box moved it around and lights came back on. Connectors are very lose in the plug we will we need to change harness?

NHTSA #: 11423208
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2021

2017 Dodge Ram 3500. Consumer stated they have experienced numerous issues with vehicle from, power steering, electrical and fuel pump issues. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A HARD TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE LIFTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR THE ENGINE REPLACED.

NHTSA #: 11419871
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2019

I HAVE A RAM 3500 TOWING A 15 000 LBS CAMPER WITH THE FACTORY INTEGRATED BRAKE CONTROLLER WILL NOT STOP MY CAMPER. LESS THAN 30 MPH THERE IS VERY LITTLE STOPPING WITH THE SYSTEM SET ON ALL MAX SETTINGS. I HAVE SPOKE WITH RAM ,/DEALER AND WAS TOLD SYSTEM IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING ALL OVER THE WEB. RAM SHOULD BE MADE TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. THERE IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON YOUR SITE SAYING THE SAME THING

NHTSA #: 11266862
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
Filed: Aug 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500 CARGO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND PROVIDED AN INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE READING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO HAVE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INSPECTED. THE MECHANICS WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PLACED NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE TIRE STORE CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR. THE TIRE STORE WAS ABLE TO RESET THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE GOES BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 09/25/2019. *TR

NHTSA #: 11242150
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2018

THE ELECTRIC FAN WENT OUT AFTER 1YEAR JUST OVER 50,000 MILES AND IT SEEMS IT HAPPENING ON ENOUGH VEHICLES THAT THE FAN IS ON BACK ORDER. THE DAYTONA DODGE DEALERSHIP MISDIAGNOSED RADIATOR AND REPLACED IT, AND REFUSED TO REIMBURSE AFTER IT WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE GOOD. THIS MIGHT HAVE MADE INSTALLING FAN EASIER. I MENTIONED THIS IN CASE IT'S A ON GOING PRACTICE.

NHTSA #: 11162088
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Jul 2018

2017 LEXUS ES 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FLAW IN THE SOFTWARE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE AND WAS TOTALED. *JS THE CONSUMER INQUIRED IF THE ACCIDENT WAS RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP THAT BECAME A SAFETY RECALL. *JS

NHTSA #: 11103310
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2018

THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER HAVE BEEN LITTLE TO NO TRAILER BRAKING POWER AT LOW SPEEDS.

NHTSA #: 11103453
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2018

FROM A DEAD STOP OR TRYING TO MERGE IN TRAFFIC WHEN HITTING THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS A 2 TO 3 SECOND HESITATION NO POWER AT ALL, THEN TAKES OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AFRAID THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE WEB TALKING ABOUT IT, THEY ARE CALLING IT A DEAD PEDAL. HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE THIS A RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11072049

Other 2017 Ram 3500 Issues