2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 176 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, 26% of all 689 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles. Two related recalls cover rear axle pinion bearing lubrication and BTSI/transmission software issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 176
- 26% of 689
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 44,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the rear axle pinion bearing seizing or lacking lubrication, sometimes causing a loss of vehicle control.
- Some describe the rear driveshaft disconnecting while driving around 45 mph, causing a loss of control.
- Others report a shudder or vibration in the transmission around 1,500 rpm, feeling like a miss between gears.
- Several owners describe the transmission shifting into limp mode along with illuminated 4WD and engine warning lights.
- Some report the vehicle rolling or reaching high speed while shifted into park, requiring the driver to shift to neutral to stop.
- Owners also report grinding or squeaking noises from the rear end, later diagnosed as a defective rear axle.
When 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 15, 2011, latest Sep 18, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
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.
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.
- NHTSA 13V038000Feb 6, 2013Transmission & Powertrain278,674 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, 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 N08.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ram 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 176 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Ram 1500, making up 26% of the 689 total complaints filed for the model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission or drivetrain?
- Yes. Recall 13V038000 covers rear axle pinion bearing lubrication issues, and recall 17V821000 covers transmission software and BTSI inspection/replacement on related Ram models.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Ram 1500?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Are these transmission problems dangerous?
- NHTSA records 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 Ram 1500.