2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
50/100
#2 most-complained of 3 Ram 3500 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 has a complaint index of 50 out of 3 model years tracked, ranking 2nd worst. NHTSA lists 225 complaints, 5 recalls, and steering issues account for 73% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 42,000 miles for that category.
- Complaints
- 225
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering164 (73%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (13%)
- Engine26 (12%)
- Electrical System18 (8%)
- Fuel System16 (7%)
- Brakes12 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (4%)
- Other6 (3%)
- Structure & Body3 (1%)
- Airbags2 (1%)
What owners report
- Steering can suddenly pull or jerk to the left at highway speeds, sometimes causing the vehicle to veer into a curb or oncoming traffic.
- Owners describe an abnormal noise from under the rear of the truck just before a steering-related loss of control.
- Some drivers report the steering momentarily locking for a second during turns at low speed.
- A drive shaft has penetrated the cab floor near the pedals in at least one case, leading to a fire.
- Owners report smoke or burning odors coming from under the hood while driving at low speed in parking lots.
- The factory trailer brake controller has been reported to either lock up the trailer brakes or fail to engage them at all.
2011 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 16V739000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System74,811 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
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.
- NHTSA 14V635000Oct 8, 2014Engine315,325 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
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.
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.
2011 compared with other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 164 of 225 complaints (73% share), with a median failure mileage of 42,000 miles.
- Are there recalls on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 steering?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 13V529000 covers a left tie rod assembly issue on 2008-2012 Ram 2500/3,500 4x4 trucks, and recall 11V350000 covers tie rod end inspection and replacement on 2008-2011 models.
- How does the 2011 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- Among 3 model years with data, 2011 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 2nd worst, better than 2012 (complaint index 100) but worse than 2010 (complaint index 0).
- Did the 2011 Ram 3500 have any fire complaints?
- NHTSA lists 5 fire incidents among the 225 complaints, including reports of smoke from under the hood and an engine fire.