VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 293 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Ram 3500 year — the 2011 model ranks #4 of 22 Ram 3500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 56% of all reports (165 of 293), far ahead of engine at 27.

293

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering16556%
Engine279%
Suspension269%
Electrical System186%
Fuel System165%
Brakes114%
Transmission93%
Other62%
Tires & Wheels52%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seats21%
Body & Structure21%
Airbags21%
Lighting10%
Speed Control10%

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

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

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.

16V739000Electrical SystemOctober 13, 2016 · 74,811 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Consequence

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

14V635000Fuel SystemOctober 8, 2014 · 315,325 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Consequence

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

13V529000SteeringNovember 6, 2013 · 271,733 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence

A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. 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 N49.

11V350000SteeringJuly 6, 2011 · 242,780 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 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.

TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATLY 45 MPH ON SMOOTH PAVED ROAD. SUDDENLY SHOT TO LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY. IT ALSO FELT AS IF THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION. HOWEVER, EVERTHING OCCURRED IN AN INSTANT. SO, ACCELERATION MAY JUST BE PERCEIVED. WITNESS, FOLLOWING DESCRIBED SAME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 14, 2017 · crash

Don’t know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. I believe I believe it was exhaust? Fire department would write out report and send it to me. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 10, 2023 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRONT AXLE OF THE VEHICLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 15, 2013

Don’t know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. I believe I believe it was exhaust? Fire department would write out report and send it to me. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 10, 2023 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 27, 2014

2011 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 293 complaints put the 2011 model at #4 of 22 Ram 3500 years. It is one of the Ram 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (165 complaints), engine (27 complaints), suspension (26 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. 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 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 years belongs to 1991.

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.