2011 Dodge Ram 5500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
50/100
#2 most-complained of 3 Ram 5500 years
The 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 2nd worst among 3 model years with data. Steering issues, mainly tie rod fractures, dominate at 48% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,000.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering11 (48%)
- Engine6 (26%)
- Fuel System6 (26%)
- Electrical System4 (17%)
- Other3 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of steering power at low speeds, traced to a fractured or corroded tie rod.
- A loud clunking noise from the driver's side often precedes discovery of a fractured tie rod end.
- Vehicle fires reported near the engine compartment, linked to a diesel fuel heater electrical connector recall.
- Check engine light stayed on with dealers unable to diagnose or clear the issue while under warranty.
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir tank cracked, leaving no fluid to clear the windshield while driving into sun glare.
2011 Dodge Ram 5500 recalls
4 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 5500 years
Frequently asked questions
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500?
- Steering is the top problem area, making up 48% of complaints (11 of 23), mostly tie rod fractures with a median failure mileage of 46,000.
- Are there recalls on the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering steering (tie rod assembly), electrical (alternator), engine (fuel heater connectors), and transmission/powertrain issues.
- How does the 2011 Ram 5500 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 2nd worst of 3 years with data. The 2012 model scores worse at 100, while 2010 scores 0.
- Did the 2011 Ram 5500 have any fires reported?
- NHTSA lists 2 fire incidents among the 23 complaints, tied to the engine and electrical system, including one linked to the fuel heater connector recall.
- How many complaints does NHTSA show for the 2011 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA lists 23 complaints for the 2011 Ram 5500, including 1 crash and 2 fires, with no reported deaths.