3C7WRLEL3HG7342122017 RAM 4500
2017 RAM 4500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 7 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 5 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2017 RAM 4500
2017 RAM 4500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 7 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 5 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 7 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Engine recall)
- 3 injuries reported across 5 owner complaints
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Engine/Powertrain is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
5 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (60%), Engine/Powertrain (40%). 2 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- RAM
- Model
- 4500
- Year
- 2017
- Trim / Series
- DP
- Body Style
- Incomplete - Chassis Cab (Number of Cab Unknown)
- Vehicle Type
- INCOMPLETE VEHICLE
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 6-cyl 6.7L
- Manufacturer
- CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA
- Assembly
- SALTILLO, COAHUILA, MEXICO
- GVWR
- Class 4: 14,001 - 16,000 lb (6,350 - 7,258 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SALTILLO, COAHUILA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Engine recall
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
6.7L Cummins diesel: DEF/SCR system failures, NOx sensor faults, and urea injector failures leading to engine derate — class action lawsuits pending
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2017 RAM 4500 report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
7 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 7 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 7 recalls is ~65%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
RAM has a below-average recall completion rate (82%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~23 months). Verify completion before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~23 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SummaryChrysler (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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.Read full details...
~35% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
SummaryChrysler (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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SummaryChrysler (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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT
SummaryChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdfRead full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
SummaryChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.Read full details...
~34% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION" were filed AFTER recall campaign 18V100000 (2018-08-02) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
1 in 2 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
5 complaints analyzed across 2 system categories
Service Brakes leads owner complaints (60%), most reported when the vehicle was 7–9 yrs old. Also common: Hydraulic (40%), Power Train (40%).
Based on 5 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
5 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 there is a abs module recall on this truck we rear ended a city bus three people seriously injured . and hurt we have been calling for 5 years no help please help [XXX] blackjack towing and recovery [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 4500. The contact stated while towing 3 vehicles and driving 60 mph, when the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but began to change to the right lane when he heard a loud abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transfer case to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 4500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION. AFTER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SPITZER DODGE (30101 S. DIXIE HWY, HOMESTEAD, FL) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ..*BF DETERMINED IT WAS A RELAY AND SPITZER FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY. NO ISSUES SINCE JANUARY 2019.*JB
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 5 NHTSA complaints on file for the RAM 4500 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2019 to 2026.
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 86/100 in 2026.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2021, 2026) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,614 (~$527/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2017 RAM 4500 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
30% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
RAM has been fined $105M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 3C7WRLEL3HG734212 |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Make | RAM |
| Model | 4500 |
| Series | DP |
| Vehicle Type | INCOMPLETE VEHICLE |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Incomplete - Chassis Cab (Number of Cab Unknown) |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 6.7 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA |
| Assembly City | SALTILLO |
| Assembly Country | MEXICO |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 3C7 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | G |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 734212 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 7 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 5 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 12:22:03 AM.