VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Ram 4500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Ram 4500 years?

Ram 4500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted19 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 19 complaints
Ram 4500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 4500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1267%
Suspension317%
Brakes211%
Fuel System16%

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 have recalls?

4 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.

13V527000SteeringNovember 6, 2013 · 36,151 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. 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

On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, 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 R16.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD. THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 31, 2014

“DODGE HAS REFUSED TO REPLACED THE CRITICAL PART AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED BY DODGE EARLY IN 2014 ABOUT THE RECALL. DEALER SAID THAT REPLACEMENT WOULD BE MADE IN MAY 2014. WHEN CONTACTED IN MAY DEALER SAID THE REPLACEMENT WOULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2014. TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 18, 2014

“OUR DELIVERY DRIVER WAS RETURNING TO SHOP AFTER A DELIVERY. HE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BECOMING VERY HARD WHEN HE PUSHED ON IT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, HE HAD NO BRAKES. HE THEN SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND STARTED TO COAST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 20, 2014 · crash

2011 Dodge Ram 4500 — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 Ram 4500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (12 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500. 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 4500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram 4500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 4500 years to avoid are 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 4500 years belongs to 2010.

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.