2011 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 689 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 28 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingMar 8, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Campaign 18V160000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitFeb 6, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Campaign 13V038000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, axle, spindleDec 24, 2010
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAM 1500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCE A NOISE (GROWL, GRIND) COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE BEARING WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY SEIZE.
A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 10V656000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
214 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2023
With no warning the TIPM malfunctioned leaving my truck in a crank with no start scenario and stranded. Then my starter died trying to resolve. Starter replaced and mechanic found the TIPM fuel relay corroded and malfunctioning. Chrysler dealers tell me no new TIPM is available as far as they can search across Canada and they have no ETA when they expect availability of the part. So now I can’t even repair the truck? Every other 2011 Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge had been recalled for the EXACT same part back in 2014-2015 investigation. Why was the 2011 Ram truck excluded from this recall??? A few searches online and it’s evident the majority of 2011 ram owners have run into this issue, and lots of reporting of it. So now I have a vehicle that has 0 parts available to fix (straight from multiple Chrysler dealers parts dept) and is pretty much only good to be used as a paper weight now and I have to look at buying another vehicle because this part isn’t even available? A Recall should be issued for the TIPM is 2011 ram and/or if this part is not available, fair market value buy back from Chrysler/FCA should be mandated, and they can buy back this paperweight of a truck I am now stuck with no solution to even get it repaired with new OEM parts.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 15, 2022
The vehicle's fuel pump continues to run even when the vehicle is turned off causing the overheating of electrical wiring and draining the battery, it's a serious issue and a fire hazard that will set the fuel tank on fire, I filed a complaint back in June and no action has been taken.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2022
Car would not start fuel pump was the root cause. The replacement of the fuel pump did not fix starting problem. The issue ended up being the fuse to the fuel pump was not getting power. The current fix is a wire jumper from the cigarette lighter fuse to fuel pump fuse.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2022
Wireless ignition node and key . Cave in will not work ,can not move truck stuck in park gear
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) was defective. The contact stated that a relay switch bypass was performed to correct the failure. The contact then notified the manufacturer of the failure and the manufacturer acknowledged that the failure was common; however, there were no recalls on his vehicle. The manufacturer then referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,108.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2021
WIN IGNITION UNIT CAN Turn off BY KEY FOB MOVEMENT WHEN DRIVING CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING Control *** Fuel pump remains on when vehicle is off and key fob is removed. Risk of fuel pump fire and electrial FIRE. **TIPM SHORTS AT FUEL PUMP RELAY CAUSING FUEL pump to continually operate and drain battery and risk of fire FUEL pUMP TO CONTINUALLY RUN AND operate RISK OF FIRE DAMAGE TO Surroundings. fuel pump runs WITH VEHICLE IGNITION OFF AND KEY REMOVeD CAUSING A DRAIN ON THE VEHICLE battery until battery is fully discharged.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on the fourth attempt the vehicle started. The contact took the vehicle to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred when the temperature was cooler. The contact stated he has also experienced the vehicle stalling and seizing. The contact stated that the fuel pump remained operational after the key was removed from the ignition. The battery was also discharged, and the contact was hearing abnormal sounds. The contact called Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat of Spokane (10701 N Newport Hwy, Spokane, WA 99218:(509) 321-7300) and Findlay Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Post Falls (550 N Alberta St, Post Falls, ID 83854: (208) 457-1900) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 14, 2021
In march/ 2020 my truck shut off 3xs going down the hwy with me and my kids in it . all without any warning. Upon the third event it caused my truck to began losing power to my headlights and tail lights and no hazards as well ? Which i thought was a very concerning matter especially at night... Very dangerous and it could have had one of us hurt or even killed . i payed 150 for a wrecker and hauled it to a mechanic that night . over the course of the next few days they checked it and no signs of the same thing recurring while at the shop . payed another 75 dollars amd drove truck for another couple months and then the same thing happening again . yet this time i was lucky enough to be just pulling out of my driveway . took to mechanic again paying a friend 75 to carry by tow dolly . only to be told nothing was wrong . its like my truck is possessed . later on the truck ended up shorting my fuel pump and my tipm costing me alot of money 1400 to replace the tipm. And 535 to replace the fuel pump . then 1 yr later again the security light on dash came on and bam it burnt my fuel pump up again , thus causing me to fork out another 535 plus a by pass relay harmess for 135. Luckily i have had no more issues out of the fuel pump . knock on wood ... But the truck still shoots the security light on and causes all my lights to stop working and puts me in harms way whenever the truck feels like acting up . this is ridiculous and dangerous bc might i add me and my family were in the vehicle in almost every instance that occured. And thats not safe . i thought highly of dodge but now im starting to wonder if its even safe to have me and my family. In this truck again . luckily the last two time the incident occured i was leaving my house so i was able to have help getting it back in my drive way when it unlocked from its lock down mode. But there has 5o be some type of issue that can be resolved after the amount of money payed for the repairs and the cost of truck as well
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently shut-off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the exterior lights would start flashing. The contact initially had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they replaced an unknown sensor however, the failure recurred after a while. The contact would reset the battery for the vehicle to restart. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2021
If I am driving and a lifter gives out and the vehicle shuts down then ANYTHING can happen at any speed. SO wtf are ya'll talking about this is not a safety concern? So if u want to get into how many people are in harms way if this fails we are talking about Thousands to Millions. AS THESE CARS GET OLDER WE WILL ONLY SEE THIS HAPPEN MORE OFTEN. Build a terrible product u need to get called out for the terrible design because u wee trying to screw people out of repair money by the terrible design. These companies should be sued out of existence. They dont care about the longevity of their product and should not be allowed to sell to AMERICANS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2021
Fuel Pump Relay inside the TPIM failed as did in the same unit that has been previously recalled in other vehicles.Chrysler Recall P54. Without warning the relay failed while hiking in the desert. I returned to a dead battery and a 17 mile hike back out to cell signal to get help. If this failure happened while driving down the road the results could have been a very deadly crash. Why is this part under recall on other vehicles and not this one? It is the same part!
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2021
Fuel pump relay malfunction while driving the fuel pump stops and the vehicle shuts off putting myself and others at risk of traffic accident with no warning other models have a recall but not this one
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 25, 2021
FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS I HAVE HAD AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN AND A HUMMING SOUND JUST FOUND OUT IT IS MY FUEL PUMP RUNNING NONSTOP WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM MY TRUCK I WAS TOLD IT WAS DO TO THE TIPM ( TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) HAS GONE BAD AND IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2021
THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE TO PUT THE KEY IN REPEATEDLY JUST TO GET IT TO CATCH SO IT'LL START. DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER I'M DRIVING DOWN THE STREET OR OUT ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRUCK JUST TURNS OFF. I'VE HAD IT SHUT DOWN GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, ON THE HIGHWAY WITH PEOPLE COMING UP ON ME GOING 70 MPH. I CALLED DODGE & THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST 6-8 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPAIR. I'M FINDING THAT A LITTLE HARD TO SWALLOW, SINCE I'VE DONE NOTHING TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE A WRECK
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2021
THE FUEL PUMP HAS FAILED. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND I AM NOT SURE WHY IT HASN'T BEEN ADDRESS. TRUCK HAS TROUBLE STARTING AND WILL CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER AS IF OUT OF FUEL. BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER WERE CHECKED AND ARE PERFECT. I WAS HAVING TROUBLE THE PAST FEW WEEKS STARTING THE TRUCK, NOW I WENT TO START IT AND IT WILL NOT START NO MATTER WHAT. NOT A BATTERY ISSUE AS THE LIGHTS ALL TURN ON. IT MUST BE A TIPM ISSUE AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE CAR ACT ODDLY AT TIMES.
Electrical system, Dec 31, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS WIFE WHO OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP AS NEEDED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE CONTACT CALLED GRISSOM CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2920 W BROADWAY, BUNKER HILL, IN 46914, (765) 689-7000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SELL A REPLACEMENT KIT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 14, 2020
FUEL PUMP RELAY SWITCH INSIDE THE TIPM COMMONLY FAILED ON A VARIETY OF CHRYSLER VEHICLES. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2020
NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP14004 MY RAM 1500 2011 HAS A FUEL PUMP INTERNAL RELAY IN THE TIPM. THE BATTERY RUNS DOWN EVERY NIGHT WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IT HAS A BRAND NEW INTERSTATE BATTERY. MY ALTERNATOR HAS TESTED OUT TO BE IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION. PREVIOUS TO MY BATTERY DYING THE TRUCK WOULDN'T START FOR SEVERAL MINUTES WITHOUT CYCLING THE KEY -- NOW ALL I HAVE IS A DEAD BATTERY EVERY MORNING.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 6, 2020
FOR SEVERAL MONTHS MY 2011 RAM 1500 RAN ROUGH AND AT TIMES WOULD NOT START. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE TPIM ON SEVERAL DODGE PRODUCTS HAD THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FAIL OF WHICH SEVERAL MODELS WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THIS. MY RAM VIN DID NOT SHOW A RECALL SO I CALLED DODGE CORP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS TO RECALL THIS UNIT. THE FAILURES THAT OCCURED THAT WERE RECALLED HAD THE SAME TPIM BOX. WHY IS MINE NOT CONSIDERED. I WOULD LIKE A RECALL ADDED FOR THIS MODEL AND THE FIX THAT WAS MADE TO FIX MINE BE REFUNDED. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT SHOULD BE DONE... [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND AFTER MANIPULATING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED. TOWBIN DODGE (275 AUTO MALL DR, HENDERSON, NV 89014, (702) 558-3800) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,500.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 23, 2020
WHEN DRIVING FOR AN HOUR OR SO, ELECTRIC SYSTEM LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON, LIKE RIGHT NOW. WHEN DRIVING ALSO FEELS LIKE TRUCK WILL DIE AND THEN PICKS UP AGAIN, THESE THINGS ARE WHEN TRUCK IS IN MOTION.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 23, 2020
THE VEHICLE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A BUSY STREET AND HIGHWAY ALMOST GETTING INTO TWO ACCIDENTS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN MY VEHICLE
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING, SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN, THE POWER WINDOWS, AND THE FUEL PUMP OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT VARIOUS FEATURES ON THE KEYFOB FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TIM SHORT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (99 TIM SHORT DR, MOREHEAD, KY 40351) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Aug 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT HIS RESIDENCE, WHEN HE NOTICE THE FUEL PUMP WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2020
THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HAS SHORTED OUT THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND MELTS ALL WIRING IN THE AREA. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH RAM IN THE 2011 YEARS. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE TRANSMISSIONS START SHIFTING SUPER HARD INTO GEAR AND JERKS THE WHOLE TRUCK REALLY BAD.