How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500?

NHTSA lists 16 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Ram 2500, which is 5% of the 298 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission?

Yes. Recall 17V821000, reported December 20, 2017, covers a range of Ram trucks including the 2011-2017 Ram 3500/4,500/5,500 Cab Chassis line and related powertrain vehicles for a BTSI software and inspection issue. It does not require parking outside or stopping driving.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Ram 2500?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 44,761 miles.

Were there any fires linked to transmission complaints on the 2011 Ram 2500?

Yes, NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires among the transmission & powertrain complaints for this model year, with no crashes or injuries reported.

How does the 2011 Ram 2500's transmission complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2011 Ram 2500 had 16 transmission & powertrain complaints (5% share), compared to 13 complaints (6% share) in 2010 and 35 complaints (12% share) in 2012.

2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 16 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500, about 5% of its 298 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 44,761 miles, and two fires were reported. A related recall (17V821000) covers a BTSI/park-related transmission issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 16; 5% of 298
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 44,761 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loud explosion-like failures with vibration, smoke, and fire coming from underneath the vehicle at highway speed.
Some describe the transmission failing to shift into drive when the vehicle sits idling, requiring a restart to move again.
Others report the rear differential or bearings overheating and melting, producing a burning smell and temporary loss of acceleration.
A pattern of the transmission locking up and idling excessively when stopped, sometimes causing the truck to creep forward even with the brake depressed.
Several owners tie steering shake or loss of control while cornering to a driveline or track bar problem rather than the transmission itself.
One owner referenced recall 17V821000 as unresolved months after notification, delaying repair of the park/shift mechanism.

When 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 24, 2011, latest Aug 30, 2024.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2011 to Aug 2024; peak Jan 2011 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ram 2500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201013 (6%)
201116 (5%)
201235 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500?: NHTSA lists 16 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Ram 2500, which is 5% of the 298 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission?: Yes. Recall 17V821000, reported December 20, 2017, covers a range of Ram trucks including the 2011-2017 Ram 3500/4,500/5,500 Cab Chassis line and related powertrain vehicles for a BTSI software and inspection issue. It does not require parking outside or stopping driving.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Ram 2500?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 44,761 miles.
Were there any fires linked to transmission complaints on the 2011 Ram 2500?: Yes, NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires among the transmission & powertrain complaints for this model year, with no crashes or injuries reported.
How does the 2011 Ram 2500's transmission complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2011 Ram 2500 had 16 transmission & powertrain complaints (5% share), compared to 13 complaints (6% share) in 2010 and 35 complaints (12% share) in 2012.