You have to expect some recalls now and then when you buy a new or used vehicle. No auto is perfect the day it’s released to the public. But some vehicles have more recalls than others. The 2017 RAM 2500 has certainly had its share.
How many recalls has the 2017 Ram 2500 had?
Ten, these include:
- Wheel fractures causing air loss
- Water pump may catch fire
- Vehicle may roll down hills (x2)
- Fire extinguisher might be inoperable
- Truck may be stuck in cruise control
- Tailgate may pop open (x2)
- Steering knuckle might fail
- Steering linkage might separate
Now that we know what the recalls are, we have a few questions to answer: What do these recalls entail, do they affect you, and how do you get them fixed? Read on and we’ll let you know.
Wheel Fractures May Cause Rapid Air Loss in Tires
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V499000
Affecting 1,765 potential units, including 2013-2017 RAM 2500s and 3500s, this recall had to do with 8.5-inch aluminum Katla wheels. The outer surface of these wheels had a tendency to fracture which could result in rapid air loss in the truck’s tires.
This might not sound as scary as an airbag failing to deploy or power steering going out, but if the tires are not secure, they are liable to blow out or go flat, which can be disastrous on a crowded highway.
The recall in this instance was issued by Streetcar ORV LLC on August 30, 2017, and the repairs involved free replacement wheels. Owners were asked not to call Chrysler, but Streetcar at 1-248-926-0256, with the extension number 500.
Water Pump May Lead to Fire Hazard
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V562000
Affecting 443,874 units, including 2013-2017 RAM 2500s, 3500s, 4500s and 5500s carrying a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine and a Concentric-brand water pump, this recall had to do with the water pumps leaking coolant.
The water pump may be the last place you expect to see a fire hazard in your truck, but the leaked coolant created a major potential for fire in the engine.
Chrysler notified owners on February 26, 2018 with the recall number T51 and offered free replacement pumps.
Vehicle May Roll Down Hills
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V821000
Affecting 1,482,874 units, including 2016-2017 Ram 2500s and several other Dodge trucks, this recall concerned the park function. Pushing the brake pedal for too long could cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to get stuck in the open position.
If a truck can’t go into park, then it’s liable to roll down a hill, and a 2500 is a lot of truck to go rolling down a hill.
Chrysler issued a notification to owners on February 26, 2018 under the recall number T79 and began making repairs, which involved inspecting the BTSI and making software updates.
Fire Extinguisher May be Clogged or Otherwise Inoperable
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V824000
Affecting a potential 61,791 units across the Dodge, Chrysler and RAM brands, this recall involved a fire extinguisher that had the potential to be clogged or otherwise inoperable.
In the worst-case scenario, the pressure built up under the nozzle could cause it to fly off of the extinguisher and injure someone. But even in the best-case scenario, you would be dealing with a fire only to find that your extinguisher doesn’t work.
Chrysler notified owners to get in touch with the extinguisher manufacturer, Kidde, at 1-855-262-3540 for a free replacement on February 14, 2018 under the recall number T82.
Vehicle May Roll Down Hills, Again
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V100000
This recall affected an estimated 180,462 units, including everything from the RAM 1500 to the 5500 Cab Chassis with a date of 2017 or 2018.
Once again, pressing the brake pedal could leave the truck unable to get into park, and once again, this meant that the truck could roll down a hill.
Chrysler issued the notification for this recall, numbered U11, on February 26, 2018, updating the Body Control Module software.
Cruise Control Will not Deactivate
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V332000
Affecting a potential 4,815,661 units, including a number of 2014-2018 RAM 2500s, this recall had to do with the cruise control system failing to disengage. This was caused by a short circuit in the wiring of the vehicle.
If the vehicle cannot disengage from cruise control, then the driver’s control over the vehicle is compromised, which can lead to an accident on the highway.
Chrysler sent a notification on June 4, 2018 and corrected the software in affected vehicles.
Tailgate May Pop Open Unexpectedly
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V486000
Affecting 1,149,223 potential units, being 1500, 2500 and 3500 models dated 2015 to 2017, this recall had to do with the tailgate actuator limiter tab fracturing, allowing the tailgate to fly open in traffic.
Were the tailgate to unlatch, anything being stored in the box could fly out into the road and, at the very least, you’d lose some of your cargo. At worst, this could lead to an accident for the person driving behind you.
Chrysler issued a recall notification on September 17, 2018 under the recall number U74 and replaced the limiter tab where necessary.
Steering Knuckle May Fail
NHTSA Recall ID: 18E096000
Affecting 847 2013-2018 RAM 2400s and 3500HDs equipped with AEV 3″ Dual sport aftermarket suspension kits with the part numbers of N0436000 and N0436001, this was another Streetcar recall.
If these suspension kits were not installed correctly, they were likely to weaken the steering knuckle, compromising driver control and potentially leading to an accident.
Streetcar notified owners to have a new steering knuckle installed at the company’s expense on December 3, 2018.
Steering Linkage Might Separate
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V021000
Affecting 795,575 2014-2018 Ram 2500s, as well as a number of RAM 3500s, this recall concerned the outboard steering linkage, which was prone to loosen, with the drag link becoming detached.
The risk here is a loss of steering control, which could lead to an accident on the road.
Chrysler began notifying dealers and owners on March 22, 2019 to have the tightness of these parts tested, and welded or replaced as necessary under the recall number V06.
Tailgate May Pop Open, Again
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V347000
Once again, the tailgate could pop open due to the actuator limiter tab fracturing. This time the recall affected 1,103,209 trucks, including 2015-2017 RAM 2500s.
Chrysler notified owners on May 23, 2019 to have the tailgate latch replaced.
Am I Affected, and What Do I Do?
Here’s how you find out if you’re affected: Get your VIN and punch it into the NHTSA lookup page.
If you’re affected, here’s what you do next: Call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 to find out how to get your free repairs.
Simple as that.
