2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 has a complaint index of 86, the second-worst of 8 model years, ranked "Avoid." Steering complaints dominate, making up 73% of the 225 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 42,000, plus five recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #2 of 8 Ram 3500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 225
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering suddenly pulls or jerks to one side at highway speeds, sometimes causing the truck to veer into oncoming traffic or hit a curb.
- Steering can briefly lock up during turns at low speed, causing a temporary loss of control.
- A front drive shaft has penetrated the cab floor near the driver's legs, leading to a fire in at least one case.
- Electrical system failures include burning odors and smoke from under the hood while driving at low speed.
- The factory trailer brake controller either locks the trailer brakes or fails to engage them, risking jackknifing.
- The engine bay has caught fire near the top of the engine on at least one 6.7-liter diesel truck.
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
- Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Ram 3500 ranks second-worst among 8 model years with a complaint index of 86 and an "Avoid" verdict. Steering problems account for 73% of its 225 complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2011 Ram 3500?
- Steering is the top problem area, with 164 complaints (73% share) and a median failure mileage of 42,000. Owners report sudden pulling, jerking, or brief lockups while turning.
- Does the 2011 Ram 3500 have steering recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 13V529000 for a left tie rod assembly issue on 2008-2012 Ram 3500 trucks and recall 11V350000 for tie rod inspection and replacement on 2008-2011 Ram 2500/3,500 4x4 models.
- How does the 2011 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model's complaint index of 86 is higher than every year except 2012, which has an index of 100. Earlier years like 2005 (index 14, "Good") and 2009 (index 0, "Caution") report far fewer complaints.
- Are there fire risks with the 2011 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 5 fire incidents for the 2011 Ram 3500, including electrical system smoke and an engine fire, plus a drive shaft related fire in the transmission area.