2011 Dodge RAM 2500 Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 20, 2026 · 210 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 210 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2011 Dodge RAM 2500, 70% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 38,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “tie rod” (20% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Tie rod: mentioned in 41 of 210 complaints (20%)
  • Ball stud: mentioned in 16 of 210 complaints (8%)
  • Attempted steering: mentioned in 15 of 210 complaints (7%)
  • N49 13V: mentioned in 14 of 210 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 85 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles9 · 11%
10k–25k miles13 · 15%
25k–50k miles38 · 45%
50k–75k miles11 · 13%
75k–100k miles8 · 9%
100k–150k miles5 · 6%
150k+ miles1 · 1%

How serious are the reports?

Of 210 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 2 an injury.

Dodge RAM 2500 steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2006, with 231 complaints
1995: 141995141996: 20201997: 101997101998: 24241999: 361999362000: 38382001: 692001692002: 20202003: 15920031592004: 1401402005: 15320051532006: 2312312007: 19920071992008: 1751752009: 15520091552010: 1521522011: 21020112102012: 109109

n = 1,914 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2012 RAM 250010939%42,300
2011 RAM 250021070%38,500
2010 RAM 250015264%38,000
2009 RAM 250015572%60,000
2008 RAM 250017555%60,000
2007 RAM 250019955%66,561
2006 RAM 250023134%89,000
2005 RAM 250015336%95,925
2004 RAM 250014024%90,340
2003 RAM 250015924%86,079
2002 RAM 25002013%84,500
2001 RAM 25006915%50,000
2000 RAM 25003818%50,520
1999 RAM 25003612%49,000
1998 RAM 25002411%116,000
1997 RAM 2500105%—
1996 RAM 2500207%203,000
1995 RAM 2500145%100,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 135 complaints
2011: 6201162012: 9201292013: 242013242014: 13520141352015: 222015222016: 6201662017: 2201722019: 1201912020: 2202022021: 1202112024: 220242

n = 210 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyNov 6, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V529000 · 271,733 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyJul 6, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V350000 · 242,780 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The steering became uncontrollable and wobbled so violently I could not keep my hands on the wheel. It will be open for inspection at any time. The safety of all other road users and pedestrians were put in grave danger. Due to the complete loss of steering control. This has happened to other ram…

Received Nov 12, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11624723

Yesterday, 3/22/2024, I was driving northbound on I-15, fat left lane, approx. 80 mph/posted highway speed. Suddenly lost steering control on my 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins diesel truck. Front end/tires began vibrating, all steering control lost, truck veered to the right across 3 lanes of traffic…

Received Mar 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11579069

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph and making a left turn, the braking system malfunctioned and the vehicle would not immediately slow down. Additionally, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn…

Received Jan 13, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11387896

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2011 Dodge RAM 2500s have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 210 owner complaints about steering for the 2011 Dodge RAM 2500 (70% of the 298 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Dodge RAM 2500 steering?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do steering problems start?

The median reported mileage is 38,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about steering problems on the 2011 Dodge RAM 2500?

The most frequent phrase is “tie rod”, in 41 of 210 complaints, followed by “ball stud” (16).

See all 2011 Dodge RAM 2500 problems or steering problems across all RAM 2500 years.