Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Ram 1500
The 2017 Ram 1500 has a notable number of owner complaints and recall campaigns, particularly affecting steering, engine, and electrical components. With 13 recalls and 884 complaints, buyers should conduct comprehensive inspections, especially given the severe nature of some issues. However, given the breadth of issues, further verification during a test drive and detailed questioning of the seller are advised.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Ram 1500 has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 885 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V010000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V411000 Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V406000 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V632000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V475000 Crank Position Sensor Tone Wheel may Delaminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V757000 EGR Cooler May Crack and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V347000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V486000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V100000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V821000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V434000 Possible Broken Fuel Tank Valve/FMVSS 301 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V198000 Differential Pin Retaining Screw may Loosen NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 230 complaints
- Engine 156 complaints
- Electrical System 110 complaints
- Power Train 98 complaints
- Service Brakes 91 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 90 complaints
Of the 885 complaints on file, 80 report a crash and 16 a fire; across all 885 complaints, owners report 77 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine stall risk
How to check: Check for any stalling tendencies during idling or acceleration.
Steering issues
How to check: Test steering at various speeds for any unusual looseness.
Electrical system faults
How to check: Inspect all electronics for glitches or failures.
Brake performance concerns
How to check: Test brakes for unusual noise or decreased effectiveness.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or rough idle.
Red flag: Rattling or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Active engine or electrical warnings
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Feel for smooth and responsive steering.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe for smooth gear shifts and acceleration.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or hesitation
- 05
Braking at stop sign
What to check: Ensure smooth and effective braking.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or make noise
- 06
Parking
What to check: Check tailgate latch functionality.
Red flag: Tailgate fails to latch securely
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the crankshaft sensor been serviced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Has the steering system had issues?
- What is the current condition of the brakes?
- Have there been electrical repairs?
- Is there a history of fuel system issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Full maintenance history
- Accident history report
- Title and registration documents
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Ram 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.