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, Jul 22, 2014
THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS GONE OUT IN MY VEHICLE AND I WAS ADVISED AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY IGNITION SWITCHES OUT FOR DELIVERY AND THERE WAS A 3 WEEK DELAY FOR GETTING IN THE PART. THIS TELLS ME THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS PART. I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND HAVING TO GET A RENTAL CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2014
INSERTING THE KEY FOB TURNS ON ALL ELECTRICAL WITHOUT TURNING THE KEY. AFTER THE ENGIN IS RUNNING, YOU CANNOT TURN IT OFF WITH THE KEY. IT CONTINUES TO RUN WITH THE KEY REMOVED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 25, 2014
MY TURN SIGNAL SWITCH DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE WHEN TURNING LEFT. I TURN IT DOWN TO SELECT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND DOES NOT WORK AT ALL ANYMORE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2014
WHILE STARTING FROM A STOP IF YOU MOMENTARILY HOLD YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATE. WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR BEGINS FORWARD THEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND CAR SHUTS DOWN FROM 1 TO 10 SECONDS. IF YOU ARE PULLING INTO A BUSY ROAD WHERE YOU MIGHT MOMENTARILY SPIN THE ENGINE UP IN ORDER TO HAVE BETTER RESPONSE YOU ARE LEFT STUCK OUT IN THE ROAD IN TRAFFIC. ALSO HAPPENS IF YOU ARE TOWING ON AN INCLINE AND YOU SPIN UP ENGINE BEFORE RELEASING FOOT BRAKE. YOU WOULD DO THIS IN ORDER TO NOT ROLL BACK. THEY SAID THE CODE SAYS YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE WITH 2 FEAT. I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD HAPPEN THEY SAY IT'S NORMAL. VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THIS HAS OCCURRED. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2014
THE WIRELESS IGNITION MODULE HAS BECOME DEFECTIVE. IT WILL NO LONGER HOLD THE KEY FOB IN PLACE ONCE THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THE KEY SIMPLY FALLS OUT BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO TURN OFF WHILE STILL IN GEAR NOW. ADDITIONALLY, SOMETIMES THE MODULE WILL NOT TURN, OR WILL NOT TURN COMPLETELY, WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED AND YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES IT WON'T TURN COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION ONCE THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL K08 ISSUED IN AUGUST 2010 ADDRESSES THESE ISSUES IN THE 2010 RAM TRUCKS BUT FOR SOME REASON IT DOES NOT COVER THE 2011 MODELS. DODGE HAS TOLD ME IT IS MY PROBLEM TO FIX AND NOT THEIR DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND LOSE POWER. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE FUEL PUMP REMAINED RUNNING AND CAUSED POWER TO DRAIN FROM THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEFECTS WERE ALL DUE TO A FAULTY TPM (TOTALLY POWER MODULE) AND THE MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2013
MY RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL AND MY BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING . I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE TIPM OR A FANCY FUSE BOX . MY COMPLAINT IS THAT CHRYSLER IS AT FAULT FOR THIS DEFECT WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE LACK OF LIGHT SIGNALS. THEY NEED TO IDENTIFY AN IMMEDIATE AND A ROBUST FIX TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS IN MY OTHER VEHICLES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LIGHT SIGNALS HAS BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 50 YEARS . ANY INVESTIGATION AND FOLLOW UP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 27, 2013
BEGAN WHEN I PURCHASED TRUCK OF INTEGRATED BRAKE FAILURE LATER TURNED INTO BAD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VISOR SHORT, NEW BRAKE CONTROLLER AND LOTS OF HOURS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WIPERS COME ON, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, NO TURN SIGNALS (INSIDE OR OUTSIDE) NO HEAT, NO RADIO NO TRAILER BRAKES. NOW VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DODGE FOR 2 WEEKS. THEY REPLACED, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WIRING HARNESS, TPMS AND PROBLEM REMAINS. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS NO INDICATORS AND WIPERS CONSTANTLY ON. PROBLEM BEGAN AROUND 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASE AND PLAGUES ME TODAY. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I AM CHARGED 100.00 PER VISIT. CUSTOMER CARE WILL NOT PROVIDE ME WITH OPTIONS I MUST DICTATE MY CHOICES. TERRIBLE SERVICE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AND SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE TURNING SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THREE OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RECTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF UPDATED 1/17/2014 *JS
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD READ THAT THE KEY WAS DAMAGED WHEN THE DOOR WAS AJAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE UNTIL A MINIMUM OF 35 MINUTES OF CLOSING THE DOOR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE MAIN COMPUTER MODULE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43, 000....UPDATED 11-12-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CRANK, AND WHEN THE VEHICLE DID START, IT WOULD NOT CUT OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MAIN COMPUTER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 14, 2013
AFTER PASSING A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY TRUCK SHUT DOWN.THE ENGINE CUT OFF ,DASH LIGHTS AND PARK LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER ERRATICALLY AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ORDER TO STOP THE LIGHTS FROM FLICKERING I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY (THEY FLICKERED WITH THE SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION). AS THE LIGHTS FLICKERED I COULD HEAR RELAYS CLICKING UNDER THE HOOD AND DASH. AFTER WAITING A WHILE I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND ALL SYSTEMS CAME BACK ON AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE TRUCK AND DRIVE IT HOME. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHECK IT OUT UNTIL WED THE 18. ALL SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE NORMAL. I HAVE TO GO TO WORK . I' M DRIVING IT 60 MILES ROUND TRIP EVERYDAY. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 14, 2012
RIGHT KNEE BUMPS THE LARGE KEY TURNING IT, AND SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES USUALLY WHILE CORNERING OR SLOWING FOR A CORNER. *JB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2011, fire
MY RAM 1500 INEXPLICABLY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND AFTER SITTING OUTSIDE FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED, AS WERE THE BED COVER, THE TAILGATE, AND THE RAM BOXES. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE BED OR RAMBOXES. WE WERE ALERTED TO THE FIRE AT AROUND 6 AM BY 1) AN EXPLOSION AND 2) NEIGHBOR ALERT. WHEN WE WENT OUTSIDE THE TRUCK'S BED WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE, AND THE FIRE LOOKED TO BE FROM UNDERNEATH AND COMING UP AROUND THE BED. THE EXPLOSION WAS EITHER THE SPARE TIRE OR THE GAS TANK. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE ENTIRE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED, AND COMPLETELY BURNED/MELTED, ETC., WITHIN 25 OR SO MINUTES WHEN THE FIRE DEPT. FINALLY ARRIVED TO PUT IT OUT. THE FIRE MARSHAL DECLARED THAT THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED, AS DID THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S LAB AFTER THEY EXAMINED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. WE LIVE IN A GATED, VIDEO MONITORED SMALL COMMUNITY AND REVIEW OF THE TAPES SHOWED NO STRANGE ACTIVITY. THERE IS NO HISTORY OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA, AND CERTAINLY NO ARSON. THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE TRUCK WAS WET (IT WAS PARKED ON A CONCRETE PARKING SPACE) AS THE SPRINKLERS HAD RECENTLY RUN (GRASS, SHRUBS). REALLY NOT SURE IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE RAM, BUT GIVEN THAT ARSON ALSO SEEMS VERY UNLIKELY I THOUGHT WE SHOULD DOCUMENT THIS IN CASE THERE ARE OTHER EVENTS. *KB
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2011
THERE WERE NO SPECIAL EVENTS BEFORE PROBLEM SHOWED UP, OTHER THAN THE ENGINE MUST ATTAIN NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELING , UPHILL-DOWNHILL- OR ON LEVEL, IF YOU ARE ABOVE 45MPH AND YOU STOP APPLYING GAS PEDAL TO COAST. THE VEHICLE WILL COAST UNTIL YOU REACH APPROXIMATELY 40MPH AT WHICH TIME THE TRANSMISSION WILL DOWNSHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. THIS CAUSES AN ABRUPT SLOWING WITHOUT ALERTING VEHICLE BEHIND YOU. THIS COULD IN EFFECT CAUSE A REAR COLLISION BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ACTIVATED, AND THE GEARING IS LOW IN REAR AXLE WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SLOW AT A FASTER RATE THAN NORMAL. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THERE ALL THE TIME, ONE TIME IT DID NOT APPEAR WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE AS IT HASN'T HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER, FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, 3 TIMES. FIRST TIME THEY HOOKED COMPUTER TO VEHICLE AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. SECOND TIME HOOKED COMPUTER TO VEHICLE DROVE IT AND TOOK MORE READINGS. THIRD TIME THEY WERE TO TAKE MORE READINGS AND TRANSMIT TO CHRYSLER, ALSO AT THAT TIME THEY WERE TO WORK ON TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM NOT FIXED, WHEN I RETURNED HOME THAT EVENING I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM DEALER STATING THAT CHRYSLER WAS TO GIVE THEM A COMPUTER FLASH OR PROGRAM THAT MAY FIX THE PROBLEM, AND IT COULD TAKE 3 TO 6 MONTHS TO OBTAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT I WAS TOLD THAT CHRYSLER HAD AT LEAST 3 OTHER VEHICLES WITH SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE IS AND THEREFORE THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED IN WRITING BY DEALER OR CHRYSLER CORP. NO PARTS WERE REPLACED THAT I AM AWARE OF. I ALSO DROVE ANOTHER TRUCK SAME EQUIPMENT IT DID NOT EXHIBIT THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT CERTAIN IF THIS IS A PLOY TO SKIRT THE LEMON LAW OR NOT. AT ANY RATE THE PROBLEM NEEDS ATTENTION SOONER THAN LATER, ALSO THIS IS CAUSING HIGHER FUEL CONSUMPTION BECAUSE OF HAVING TO FEED GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COASTING! *TR