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: power train
176 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and there was a loud popping and breaking sound coming from underneath the vehicle, causing the rear wheels to lock up. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear driveshaft had fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed the failure and recommended the installation of a new driveshaft, rear differential assembly, and failed pinion gear. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 250,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were old and fractured. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the motor mounts were fractured and that the vehicle backfired due to piston failure. The dealer replaced the motor mounts. The contact stated that the motor mounts were replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle was at a specialty shop for the engine to be replaced. While at the specialty shop, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were not replaced. The vehicle remained at the specialty shop unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Power train, Jun 23, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, an abnormal clunk was heard coming from under the vehicle before the rear end of the drive shaft disconnected. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he lost control and the vehicle had jumped the curb into a ditch before coming to a stop on a culvert. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries to his neck however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed and parked at the contact's home address, where it remains until further investigation. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, May 23, 2025
The gas tank fell onto the road while driving to pick up my daughter from the bus. I immediately pulled over due to the sound. I then saw the front of the gas tank on the ground , half a mile down the road I was traveling there are alot of pit holes and that could of ended in a fire or worse with my tank dragging the ground. I have taken it to the dealership that would help repair the recall but they have yet to repair or give me information about what the manufacturer has said on what to do. They told me it is to rusty underneath to repair and contacted manufacturer. I am without a vehicle its been almost 2 weeks and I have a 6 year old child and my own health issues that inquire dr appointments. I have no money for a rental and no family or friends who can help with rides. I am unsure of what to do next I just know this is extremely frustrating considering I had purchased this vehicle only a few months ago.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ram1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 17V821000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had confirmed that parts were ordered; however, when the vehicle was brought into the dealer for the recall repair, the contact was informed that parts had not been ordered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the rear pinion nut detached. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on various occasions after turning off the vehicle and removing the key from the ignition, the gear shifter inadvertently shifted from the park(P) to neutral(N). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
Power train, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while her husband was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 3, 2022, crash
The timing chain and timing tensioner are loose when the economy is on. Have to drive it in tow mode for it to stop. Then the truck jumped forward an hit another vehicle. Now, I have to pay 1600 to get it fixed.. If dodge would've put good quality parts in we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Power train, Sep 20, 2022
When the truck is loaded to approximately 75% - 100% GVWR and nose up on a moderate to steep incline upon releasing the brake and not depressing the accelerator immediately permitting the truck to roll back even slightly the engine will stall . Upon engine stall brake power assist is lost and brake pedal becomes very difficult to depress and is extremely difficult arrest the motion of the truck. This truck in question is equipped with a Cummins diesel engine & Asin automatic transmission.
Power train, Aug 1, 2022
This is additional information for NHTSA tracking number 11476438. Through an online search, this issue seems to pertain to not only our vehicle class, but others equipped a HEMI engine. As this happened to me, it is very dangerous. A rapid deceleration on a highway, at highway speeds is dangerous. As the vehicle is decelerating on its own, brakes are not employed. Thus, no brake lights to warn others of the deceleration. Luckily, I had an attentive driver behind me. Should I have been trapped in the the inside lane, I cold have been over-run by a truck or worse cause a chain reaction of rear-ends potentially injuring many. Upon contacting Chrysler today, they didn't seem to have any concerns as it was beyond the warranty period. They seem to be completely absolving themselves of any accountability if the vehicle is beyond its warranty period. They appear to not be concerned of the safety of others once the warranty expires. Concerning our vehicle, all maintenance has been timely and supporting documentation is available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2022, crash
My car had suddenly and without any warning broken down in the middle of the street, putting me and 2 other passengers at extremely high risk considering we were in a busy highway, which left us stuck in the car until we managed to run for safety to the side of the road. My Vehicle is a Doge Ram 2011 5.7 Liter V8 with 80K mileage. VIN# [XXX] The crash was caused by the Driveshaft completely separating and dragging on the asphalt, while the rear axle seized and resulted in a loss of power, and the rear differential to leak all the fluid. At first, I sent the car via a tow truck to an independent service center, which has been providing all the needed maintenance to my car for the past 5 years. In the process of trying to fix the vehicle and inspecting the issues which apparently turned out to be really expensive to fix ( Rear Differential $1400 used ). We discovered that there's a recall conducted on the vehicle from the manufacturer, that I didn't have any prior knowledge to related to this malfunction. Then I immediately took the vehicle to the nearby dealership, who acknowledged the recall at first only, but before conducting the repair they changed their minds and stated that I should've brought the car and fixed the undersized pinion shaft splines only and avoided the whole crash! Obviously I would've done that if I knew. To conclude: The vehicle crashed due to a safety issue that shouldn't be blamed on the customer. and the dealership (Advanced Automotive Trading Co) is refusing to address the exact detailed issue which they addressed in the recall description. and wouldn't take responsibility. PS: I'm an American living in Jordan, and I couldn't find anyone to really report my problem to here, that's why I'm submitting a complaint to NHTSA. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
I have read there is a rear differential recall and it is not listed on the recall list. I am worried my carrier bearing will fail possible causing severe damage possibly death.
Power train, Service brakes, Feb 20, 2022
In January 2021 I had to replace the driver's side caliper and CV axle, due to caliper malfunction. In February 2022 I had the same problem and had to replace the CV axle and caliper again due to caliper malfunctioning a second time.
Power train, Engine, Mar 24, 2021
ENGINE CODE READING MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 3 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 80K MILES. VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE AND IS HARDER TO CONTROL, AND LOSES ACCELERATION, IS RANDOM, ALMOST CAUSING A MULTI-CAR PILEUP. ISSUE IS THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS. IT IS DESCIBED IN THIS COMMUNICATION HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2021/MC-10187058-9999.PDF THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH ANYTHING WITH A 5.7, 6.0 OR 6.4 HEMI MOTOR. SPARK PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES WERE REPLACED 3/21/21, DRIVEN AGAIN ON 3/22/21, SAME ISSUE, ALMOST CAUSING ANOTHER CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF POWER ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MERGING, AND THEN SHAKING ALMOST SENDING THE VEHICLE INTO BRIDGE.
Power train, Jan 1, 2021
RAM 1500 4WD HAS 79000 ON VEHICLE NOT USED TO TOW AND ALL MAINTENANCE (FLUIDS,FILTERS ,ETC) PERFORMED AS SCHEDULED. TRANSMISSION FLASHED A MANUAL SHIFT CODE OF "4" AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE IN CLARKSVILLE TENNESSEE STOPPED BY AUTOZONE AND HOOKED UP TO COMPUTER SAID "A SHIFT SOLENOID BAD. CALLED DEALER OUT OF WARRANTY SO I TOOK TO MR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL ON TRANSMISSION. COULDNT REBUILD BECAUSE OF THE METAL SAVINGS IN TRANSMISSION. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE DUE TO THE USAGE OF THE VEHICLE
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.
Steering, Power train, Feb 4, 2020
2011 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BUY BACK PROGRAM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR STEERING AND AXLE FAILURES.*JS
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2020
CURRENTLY HAS A HAZARDOUS MALFUNCTION THAT IS PUTTING MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS AT RISK. IN THE SPAN OF 2 MONTHS, I HAVE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY "LOCK" UP WHILE IN DRIVE ON NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (SUNNY AND CLEAR, NOT TOO BRIGHT, NOT TOO WINDY OR WET AT ALL, NO FOG) WHEN PERFORMING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROPRIATE TURN SPEEDS. YOU WOULD BE UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OUT OF HARM'S WAY WHEN THE WHEEL TENSES AND LOCKS UP COMPLETELY LIKE THIS. MY FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THIS ISSUE WAS TURNING ON A RIGHT LANE WITH YOUR OWN PROTECTED LANE AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT FOR THE TURN. IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON ME AND I EASED MY FOOT FORCIBLY ONTO THE BRAKE SO THAT I COULD AVOID BRAKING TOO HARD AND CAUSING THE TIRES TO SPIN OUT OR WORSE, HITTING THE POLE THAT IS DIRECTLY 200 FEET AWAY (APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 35MPN AND BRAKE REACTION TIME WAS 2 SECONDS, ACCOUNTING FOR INITIAL NOTICE OF THE SUDDEN TENSION AND LOSS OF COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE TRUCK'S STEERING.). THE SECOND ENCOUNTER OCCURRED WITHIN A 2 MONTH SPAN, THIS TIME CAREFULLY APPROACHING A STREET INTERSECTION. I FORTUNATELY REALIZED WHAT WAS OCCURRING AND TRIED TO MOVE FAR RIGHT AND OUT OF HARM'S WAY BUT I COULD ONLY MAINTAIN MY APPROPRIATE LANE. AT FIRST I COULD NOT TAKE OUT THE KEY OR TURN IT ON OR OFF. IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE TO MY REALIZATION. I PUT IT INTO PARK AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE TRUCK BACK ON AND CONTINUE MY WAY TO WORK. HOWEVER, I COULD ONLY BE PARANOID THAT THIS COULD OCCUR TO ME UNDER MORE SEVERE OR WORSE CONDITIONS LIKE RAIN OR FOG. WHAT IF THIS MALFUNCTION WERE TO OCCUR TO ME IF I WAS ON A VERY ELEVATED HIGHWAY OR HAD SOMEONE TAILING ME AT THAT VERY INSTANCE?
Power train, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WITH THE GEAR IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT STAY LOCKED AND RANDOMLY SWITCHED INTO OTHER GEARS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,426.
Power train, Jul 9, 2019
I HAVE BROKEN MANIFOLD BOLTS. TOOK IT TO MIENEKE THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD SEE THE BOLTS SHAKING SO HE KNEW THEY WERE BROKEN.
Power train, Jul 6, 2019
1. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE TRUCK MY SERVICE 4WD DRIVE LIGHT COMES IN AND WHEN I SLOW DOWN AT 30MPH OR LOWER IT GOES OFF. I CHANGED OUT THE 4WD MOTOR ALREADY AND STILL HAVE THE ISSUE. 2. WHEN I RELEASE THE GAS IN TOWN AT A SPEED OF 40MPH OR LESS YOU CAN HEAR A CLICKING COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PUT IT IN TOW/HAUL THE NOISE WILL GO AWAY THOUGH.
Steering, Power train, May 30, 2019
PULLING OFF A ROADWAY MAKING A RIGHT TURN, TRUCK STALLED, CANT TURN STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING! EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! RESTARTED IT, VERY HARD TO START LIKE IT WAS OUT OF TIME.AFTER RESTART, DROVE ABOUT TWO MILES , AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DINGED THE WARNING CHIME. CONTINUED TO FLASH ENGINE LIGHT. HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT CODE READ AND THE PROBLEM IS # 5 CYLINDER MISFIRE. WORN LIFTER OR CAMSHAFT.THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A TRUCK WITH PERFECT MAINTENANCE! AT 125,000 MILES.
Power train, Mar 31, 2019
AT 171599 MILES REAR AXLE PINION SEAL FAILED. HIGH PITCH HOWLING SOUND WAS EXPERIENCED WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED. SEAL FAILURE RESULTED IN LOSS OF REAL AXLE OIL WHICH LEAD TO PINION BEARING FAILURE. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT ALL REAR AXLE COMPONENTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POSSIBLE METAL CONTAMINATION.
Power train, Jan 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS WITH DICK POE CHRYSLER JEEP (6501 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX 79925, (915) 778-9331), BUT THEY WERE CANCELLED EACH TIME DUE TO PART UNAVAILABILITY. THE RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.