2011 Dodge Ram 5500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 3rd-worst out of 5 model years, with a Caution verdict. Steering problems dominate, making up 48% of its 23 complaints, with 4 recall campaigns filed.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 Ram 5500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Tie rods fracture or corrode at low speeds, causing a loud clunking noise before steering fails.
- Sudden loss of steering power has occurred while driving around 5 mph, in one case leading to a multi-vehicle crash.
- Owners report engine compartment fires linked to the diesel fuel heater electrical connector recall.
- Check engine lights come on with no diagnosable cause, leaving the issue unresolved even at the dealer.
- The windshield washer fluid reservoir has cracked, leaving drivers without a way to clear the windshield in 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
- Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 model ranks 3rd-worst among 5 model years with a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict. Steering complaints, including tie rod fractures, are the top reported issue.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Ram 5500?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 48% of complaints, mostly tie rod fractures reported at a median mileage of 46,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Ram 5500 have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA campaign 13V527000 covers a left tie rod assembly that may break on 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5,500 trucks.
- Were there fires reported on the 2011 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA lists 2 fire complaints, including an engine compartment fire linked to the diesel fuel heater connector recall 14V635000.
- How does the 2011 Ram 5500 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model's Complaint Index of 50 is worse than 2008 (25) and 2010 (0), but better than 2009 (75) and 2012 (100), which are both rated Avoid.