VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Ram 5500 year — the 2011 model ranks #2 of 5 Ram 5500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (32% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Ram 5500 years?

Ram 5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted51 complaints2008: 21 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 34 complaints2012: 51 complaints
Ram 5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 5500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1132%
Engine618%
Fuel System618%
Electrical System412%
Other39%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 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.

“DRIVER WAS TRAVELING EAST ON NICHOLSON LANE, SLOWED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO NEBEL ST. AT WHICH TIME HE WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH OR LESS. THE DRIVER MADE THE TURN AND LOST STEERING ON THE 2011 DODGE RAM 5500 AND WENT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC ON NEBEL ST. STRIKING 3 VEHICLES. THE ACCIDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 1, 2013 · crash

“2011 DODGE RAM 5500. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE AND DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 1, 2014 · fire

“2011 DODGE RAM 5500. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE AND DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 23, 2013 · fire

“RECEIVED SAFETY RECALLS #P65/NHTSA 14V-635 AND #N63/NHTSA 13V-527 CHRYSLER STATES IN THEIR NOTICE THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE BUT THEY WOULD SEND A LETTER TO THE VEHICLE OWNER WHEN THEY ARE. HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO CHECK ON THE PARTS. AS OF THIS DATE NOTHING HAS BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 9, 2015

2011 Dodge Ram 5500 — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2011 model at #2 of 5 Ram 5500 years. It is one of the Ram 5500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Ram 5500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (11 complaints), engine (6 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500. 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 5500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram 5500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 5500 years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 5500 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.