2011 Dodge RAM 3500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other RAM 3500 years
- More complaints than other years 4th of 18 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 5 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500. That ranks 4th out of 18 RAM 3500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (164 complaints, 73%), typically at around 42,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 225owner complaints
- 5safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 3complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering problems | 164 | 73% | 42,000 | “tie rod” (23%) | — |
| Suspension | 28 | 12% | 34,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 21 | 9% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 17 | 8% | 96,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 11 | 5% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 9 | 4% | 122,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 4% | 15,600 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | 3% | 137,500 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 5 | 2% | 1,700 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 2% | 50,675 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 1% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1% | 123,476 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 1% | 121,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 1% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 1% | 129,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 0% | 129,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0% | 14,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | 5,157 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 0% | 5 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0% | 4,875 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2011 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls (5)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel; fuel system, diesel
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
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 assembly
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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
A mechanic at professional auto shop diagnosed the failed TIPM. It caused the fuel sending pump in the fuel tank to stop pumping. The truck stalled while driving on the highway leaving me stranded in 2-degree weather. I read online that there was a lawsuit for this issue but don't know how to file…
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the OEM trailer brake controller indicated that the trailer brake was disconnected even though it was attached correctly. The failure occurred while different trailers were hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified…
While driving 70mph on the interstate, the truck randomly shut off. I lost power steering. Luckily I was going straight and there were no curves in the road, and I managed to pull the truck and trailer to the side of the road. All electrical assist, steering and brakes turned completely off, radio…
Other Dodge RAM 3500 years
← 2010 RAM 3500 · 2012 RAM 3500 →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 3500 | 366 | 8 |
| 2011 | 225 | 5 |
| 2010 RAM 3500 | 150 | 9 |
| 2009 RAM 3500 | 105 | 5 |
| 2008 RAM 3500 | 173 | 9 |
| 2007 RAM 3500 | 210 | 11 |
| 2006 RAM 3500 | 257 | 8 |
| 2005 RAM 3500 | 196 | 4 |
| 2004 RAM 3500 | 214 | 4 |
| 2003 RAM 3500 | 286 | 6 |
| 2002 RAM 3500 | 44 | 0 |
| 2001 RAM 3500 | 130 | 1 |
| 2000 RAM 3500 | 58 | 1 |
| 1999 RAM 3500 | 104 | 0 |
| 1998 RAM 3500 | 105 | 0 |
| 1997 RAM 3500 | 125 | 1 |
| 1996 RAM 3500 | 124 | 1 |
| 1995 RAM 3500 | 108 | 1 |
See all Dodge RAM 3500 problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500?
Owners most often report steering, suspension, engine problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 164 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500?
Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RAM 3500 model years, the 2011 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.