VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 sits mid-pack among Ram 1500 years: 988 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 701, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 36 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (227), transmission (179), and engine (156), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

988

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

53

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

36

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System22723%
Transmission17918%
Engine15616%
Fuel System14415%
Other475%
Steering455%
Suspension404%
Lighting303%
Brakes253%
Body & Structure232%
Tires & Wheels202%
Speed Control192%
Airbags131%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Latches & Locks40%
Seats30%
Seat Belts30%
Driver Assistance20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V160000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 218,617 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Consequence

If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

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.

13V038000TransmissionFebruary 6, 2013 · 278,674 units

Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Consequence

If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy

On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

10V656000SuspensionDecember 24, 2010 · 60,382 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAM 1500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCE A NOISE (GROWL, GRIND) COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE BEARING WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY SEIZE.

Consequence

A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

HIT A DEER WITH MY TRUCK. FUEL PUMP RUNS ALL THE TIME. HAD TRUCK TESTED. WAS PURL PUMP RELAY BYPASS KIT. OTHER MODELS ARE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON. ALSO TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. TESTED THAT TOO. IT'S THE LR SOLENOID IN THE COM. NONE OF THIS ISSUES WAS WRONG BEFORE HITTING THE DEER. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 7, 2019 · crash

The timing chain and timing tensioner are loose when the economy is on. Have to drive it in tow mode for it to stop. Then the truck jumped forward an hit another vehicle. Now, I have to pay 1600 to get it fixed.. If dodge would've put good quality parts in we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 3, 2022 · crash

2011 RAM WITH 53,000. METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. DROVE ALL DAY AND SHUT IT OFF. SMELLED LIKE GAS. INSPECTED FOR LEAKS. DIDNT SEE ANY WITH A QUICK LOOK OVER. WENT INOT HOUSE. CAME BACK OUTSIDE 10 MINUTES LATER AND TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS PARKED 4 FT AWAY FROM OUR HOUSE AND COULD HAVE BURNT THE WHOLE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2018 · fire

HIT A DEER WITH MY TRUCK. FUEL PUMP RUNS ALL THE TIME. HAD TRUCK TESTED. WAS PURL PUMP RELAY BYPASS KIT. OTHER MODELS ARE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON. ALSO TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. TESTED THAT TOO. IT'S THE LR SOLENOID IN THE COM. NONE OF THIS ISSUES WAS WRONG BEFORE HITTING THE DEER. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 7, 2019 · crash

HIT A DEER WITH MY TRUCK. FUEL PUMP RUNS ALL THE TIME. HAD TRUCK TESTED. WAS PURL PUMP RELAY BYPASS KIT. OTHER MODELS ARE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON. ALSO TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. TESTED THAT TOO. IT'S THE LR SOLENOID IN THE COM. NONE OF THIS ISSUES WAS WRONG BEFORE HITTING THE DEER. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 7, 2019 · crash

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 1500: 988 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2011 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (227 complaints), transmission (179 complaints), engine (156 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

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.