How common are electrical system problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?

NHTSA lists 18 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Ram 3500, which makes up 8% of the 225 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?

Yes, recall 16V739000 covers the electrical system and involves replacing the alternator with a revised part, free of charge, though it applies to specific cab/chassis and police package configurations.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Ram 3500 is 87,269 miles, though individual complaint mileages in the sample range much lower and higher.

Do electrical failures on the 2011 Ram 3500 involve fires?

NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents connected to electrical system complaints for this model year, with no reported crashes or injuries.

How does 2011 compare to other Ram 3500 model years for electrical complaints?

The 2011 Ram 3500 had 18 electrical complaints (8% share), compared to 17 complaints (11% share) in 2010 and 53 complaints (14% share) in 2012.

2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 18 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 8% of its 225 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,269. A related recall (16V739000) covers alternator replacement, though it targets specific cab/chassis configurations.

Electrical System complaints: 18; 8% of 225
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 87,269 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicles stall or shut off without warning at highway and low speeds, sometimes accompanied by loss of power steering and power brakes.
Owners report complete electrical shutdowns where engine, lights, and power systems fail simultaneously, sometimes with fuse box noise even after the key is removed.
Headlights fail suddenly and stop illuminating, in one case traced to a failed headlight module.
Smoke or burning odors originate from under the hood, in some cases escalating to reported engine fires.
Trucks die unexpectedly on rough roads and require the driver to manipulate the ignition to restart, with owners noting the same issue across multiple family-owned trucks.

When 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 22, 2011, latest Mar 3, 2026.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2011 to Mar 2026; peak Sep 2017 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500

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.

Electrical System complaints by Ram 3500 model year

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

200521 (11%)
200678 (30%)
200724 (11%)
200819 (11%)
20098 (8%)
201017 (11%)
201118 (8%)
201253 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical system problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?: NHTSA lists 18 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Ram 3500, which makes up 8% of the 225 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?: Yes, recall 16V739000 covers the electrical system and involves replacing the alternator with a revised part, free of charge, though it applies to specific cab/chassis and police package configurations.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Ram 3500 is 87,269 miles, though individual complaint mileages in the sample range much lower and higher.
Do electrical failures on the 2011 Ram 3500 involve fires?: NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents connected to electrical system complaints for this model year, with no reported crashes or injuries.
How does 2011 compare to other Ram 3500 model years for electrical complaints?: The 2011 Ram 3500 had 18 electrical complaints (8% share), compared to 17 complaints (11% share) in 2010 and 53 complaints (14% share) in 2012.