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: suspension
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Oct 22, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding and rubbing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake service. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, the independent mechanic confirmed the abnormal grinding and rubbing sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V656000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not confirmed the failure but had agreed to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Suspension, Jan 13, 2024
Rear axle spindle started to grind then locked up and ripped assembly housing apart. Recall on certain trucks of same year same model
Suspension, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear passenger’s side wheel bearing was defective. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 30, 2022, crash
Yesterday, the Front Right Wheel completely separated from the axel while driving 25 mph. The truck veered sharply to the right, crashing into the driver's side of a fortunately unoccupied parked car, and continued to the right into the curb. I was not seriously injured, though my neck was strained. The tire and rim were destroyed, and it appears that the metal attachment from the wheel to the car was completely sheared through. There was also extensive Front End damage. Had I made it another mile to the parkway, this would have been a fatal injury to me, as well as other drivers. The truck was just inspected 2 days prior to this occurrence by a Certified Dodge Ram Dealer (NY Facility #[XXX]) with a clean health record. It is currently at the North Star Auto Body (516-781-2200) awaiting inspection by the Allstate Insurance adjuster (Claim # [XXX]). A police report was also filed. (Case #[XXX]) There was no warning to this catastrophic event. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Nov 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND MADE A LOUD GROWLING NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION AXLE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V656000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Suspension, Feb 11, 2019, crash
FRONT IN BALL JOINT DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING AND AXEL SNAPPED. AS A RESULT MY FRONT IN OF THE CAR HIT THE GROUND CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. I CRASHED INTO A WALL DOING 70 MILES PER HOUR AND ALMOST LOST MY LIFE.
Suspension, Jan 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN...*BF CONSUMER STATED NOISE IS COMING FROM THE BEARINGS IN THE REAR AXLE.*JB
Suspension, Jan 2, 2019
WHEN VEHICLE REACHES SPEEDS OF 70+ ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY FOR PERIODS OF TIME THEN RETURNS BACK TO NORMAL, HAD TIRES BALANCED AND THE ISSUE CONTINUES
Suspension, May 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V656000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONLY NHTSA COULD ADD VINS TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Feb 1, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING I NEEDED MY AIRBAG REPLACED BUT AFTER NOTIFYING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I WAS TOLD THAT I DO NOT HAVE ANY ACTIVE RECALLS AT THE PRESENT TIME. THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE FOR SOME TIME DESPITE ALSO BEING TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE SPECIFIC YEAR THAT I HAVE PURCHASED. LAST BUT NOT LEAST THERE IS A CONSTANT BATTLE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAVE UPPER AND LOWER MOUNT BARS BUT THE RUBBER GIVES AWAY IN THE PART WHICH CAUSES A SWAY THAT MAKES YOU LOOSE CONTROL TRAVELING OVER 50MPH WITHOUT TOWING A LOAD. I HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO NOT USING THIS VEHICLE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. ALSO TO DATE THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN A FULL OVERHALL AS OF LAST YEAR. AT THE TIME THERE WERE 120,000 MILES ON THE POWER TRAIN
Suspension, Dec 24, 2016
VEHICLE IS VERY LOSE FEELS LIKE IT WOULD VERY EASILY SWAY OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE MANUFACTURED DATE FOR RECALLS OF STEERING COLUMN AND REAR AXLE ISSUES BUT ACCORDING TO MY DEALER AND CHRYSLER'S WEBSITE MY VIN IS NOT LISTED. FORGIVE ME IF I DON'T TRUST THEM. HOW DO I GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY SUSPENSION AND THERE ARE MANY MORE POSTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Suspension, Oct 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A GRUELING AND HUMMING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Suspension, Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Jun 21, 2016, crash
TL* THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HAD A FAULTY LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ....UPDATED 09/19/16 *BF UPDATED 06/18/18*JB
Suspension, Electrical system, Apr 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED INTERMITTENTLY FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75.
Suspension, Feb 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V656000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,400.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2016
RAM BUYBACK CASE HANDED DOWN IN JULY OF 2015. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED IN THIS BUYBACK PROGRAM. FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING, AND REAR AXLE ARE AFFECTED.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 31, 2015
MY TRUCK HAD 34,754 MILES WHEN I WAS TOLD BOTH OUTTER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS WELL AS THE LEFT STRUT. I FIND THESE PARTS FAILING THIS EARLY TO BE UNACCEPTABLE. CHRYSLER/RAM REFUSED TO RESPOND TO MY OFFICIAL WRITTEN COMPLAINT LETTER. I REQUESTED A REVIEW AS I FEEL MY TRUCK WAS BUILD WITH DEFECTIVE STEERING PARTS. AS CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO REVIEW THIS SITUATION.
Suspension, Aug 11, 2015
VEHICLE IS VERY LOSE FEELS LIKE IT WOULD VERY EASILY SWAY OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE MANUFACTURED DATE FOR RECALLS OF STEERING COLUMN AND REAR AXLE ISSUES BUT ACCORDING TO MY DEALER AND CHRYSLER'S WEBSITE MY VIN IS NOT LISTED. FORGIVE ME IF I DON'T TRUST THEM. HOW DO I GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY SUSPENSION AND THERE ARE MANY MORE POSTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2015
SAFETY RECALL N08 / NHTSA 13V-038 REAR AXLE PINION NUT I HAD MY VEHICLE CALLED IN FOR A RECALL AFTER PURCHASE AT THE END OF 2013. EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD SHAKY AND JERKY STEERING AT TIMES ESPECIALLY AT A HIGHWAY RATE OF SPEED (55-70 MPH). I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO FINANCES AND MY WARRANTY IS NO LONER VALID. AFTER READING THE RECALL DETAILS NOW I AM ASSUMING THIS HAS BEEN THE ISSUE. AFTER READING WHAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN DUE TO THIS ISSUE I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NO LONER ALLOW MY 1 YEAR OLD SON IN THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Aug 4, 2015
WHEN DRIVING OVER 60, THE ENTIRE TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKES/WOBBLES/VIBRATES. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME GOING OVER 60, AND IS NOT CAUSED BY HITTING A BUMP OR SLOPE IN THE ROAD. BEEN TO CHRYSLER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CANNOT FIND A ROOT CAUSE. REPLACED ALL TIRES, ALIGNED, NEW U-JOINTS, NEW ROTORS, STILL IS NOT RESOLVED.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Jul 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING A FAILURE WITH THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND THE TRANSFER CASE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THEY WERE WAITING FOR A NEWLY DESIGNED PART TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. MA 10/6 UPDATED 12/13/2017*CN
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 17, 2015
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE FOR THE FRONT END. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT EITHER 35, 45, 55, 65 OR 75 IT WOBBLES, VIBRATES SOMETHING FIERCE AND THEN IT SEEMS YOU REACH A CERTAIN DISTANCE AT THAT SPEED OR A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND BAM IT FINE FOR A WHILE UNTIL IT DOES IT AGAIN. AND IT WILL GET TO THE POINT THAT YOU SMELL AXLE GEAR OIL. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS CHANGED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IF IT WERE TO MAKE THE SAME NOISE BRING IT BACK MADE THE SAME WOBBLE NOISE BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER PLACE THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING (SAME ONE) AND THE WHOLE FRONT AXLE AND SAID IT WAS FIXED, I TOOK IT HOME AND LOW AND BEHOLD SAME PROBLEM. NO I AM TRYING TO HAVE THE LAST PLACE FIX WHAT HE DIDN'T FIX AND I AM CATCHING A NIGHTMARE TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THAT GUY BECAUSE EVERYTIME HE SAYS SOMEONE WILL BE THERE TO BRING THE VEHICLE BY NO ONE IS THERE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Oct 24, 2014
OPERATING NORMALLY, A GRINDING NOISE BEGAN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS A REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARING FAILURE, LIKELY DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL #NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V656000 WHICH WAS DONE IMMEDIATELY AFTER NOTIFICATION. SIGNIFICANT COSTS WERE INCURRED TO REPAIR THE DIFFERENTIAL, AXLE AND BEARINGS. NO HEAVY PAYLOADS OR TOWING WAS DONE. MAINTENANCE IS ALWAYS DONE ON TIME AND RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. ITS SEEMS INCONCEIVABLE THAT SUCH A NEW TRUCK COULD HAVE A VERY SIGNIFICANT FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 15, 2013
I HAVE NOTICED SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE THAT THE REAR AXLE TRACTION CONTROL SEEMS TO CONSTANTLY SLIP WHEN ACCELERATING AT ANY SPEED, I FIRST THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE, BUT IT IS ALWAYS ENGAGING NO MATTER WHAT SPEED YOUR DOING. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF SURFACE YOUR DRIVING ON. I'VE TRIED IT IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND THE TRUCK SEEMS TO BE OK, I DON;T THINK THE ANTI SLIP AXLE IS WORKING PROPERLY. *TR