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
689 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Nov 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT WITNESSED THE VEHICLE'S HEADLINER BECOMING DAMP WITH WATER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS WATER ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION THAT THEY WERE WARE OF A THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE THAT ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2015
FOR TWO WEEKS THE TRUCK TAKE 4 TO 7 TRIES TO START THE ENGINE. IT HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. NOW THE FUEL PUMP IS STUCK ON WHILE THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK KILLING THE BATTERY. HAD TO REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO TURN OFF THE FUEL PUMP WHILE THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2015
IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX MY TRUCK WOULD TRY TO START, BUT DO NOTHING BUT CRANK. I THOUGHT MY FUEL PUMP WAS OUT SO I REPLACED IT. THE TRUCK WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING. I NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES I WOULD HEAR THE FUEL PUMP COME ON AND SOMETIMES NOT SO $260 DOLLARS LATER I STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER DOING SOME ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND ACTUAL TESTS I FOUND OUT THAT A RELAY ON THE TIPM IS MALFUNCTIONING. IT IS AA $5 DOLLAR RELAY ON A $1200 DOLLAR PART THAT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRENTY AND CANNOT BE EASILY REPLACED. DODGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER SUIT FOR THE FAULTY TIPM'S.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 10, 2015, crash
IN A NUTSHELL,, MY TRUCK HAD ABOUT,,,14K MIKES ON IT. PURCHASED NEW. IT TOOK OFF IN EXESS OF 100MPH. COULDN'T STOP IT!!!!!!! ALMOST KILLED MY SON AND I!! HAVE BEEN FIGHTING, EVER SINCE TO GET CHRYSLER TO REPLACE THE MOTOR,, AS IT SOUNDS EVERY BEARING IN THE MOTOR,, WHEN I FINALLY PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEAUTRAL TO STOP THE TRUCK. TO DATE, THE TRUCK HAS A REARMAIN LEAK, BECAUSE OF INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE MOTOR. CHRYSLER, TRIED TO TAKE THE CHEAPER WAY OUT AND ONLY REPLACE A PART AT A TIME. IN DOING SO THIS,COST THEM WAY MORE $. MOTOR NO LONGER HAS A BEARING NOISE. BUT IT DOES HAVE A REARMAIN LEAK. THAT THEY HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR 3XS SO FAR!! NOW,,,,, I'M STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE THE MOTOR, OR TRY AGAIN??? LAST I KNEW THE GOSLDEN RULE WAS 3 XS AND URE OUT!!!! MY PATIENCE, IS GONE. THE TRUCK, HAS SPENT MOST OF ITS LIFE IN A DEALERS GARAGE. AND MOST OF ITS 40K MILES ARE FROM THE DEALERS TECH. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE EVERYTHING I SAY. ALL FROM THE DAY IT TOOK OFF ON ME. THE REAL PROBLEM IS..... WHY DID IT TAKE OFF? AND THE ANSWER TO THAT. I FIGURED OUT. WHO WANTS THAT INFO? CAUSE I HAVE FIGURED THAT OUT. IT TOOK 3 YRS. TO FIGURE OUT. IS ALL I WANT IS A NEW VEHICLE, AS I NEVER GOT TO ENJOY THAT. JUST COST ME ALOT OF TIME, AND $.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE RAM TRUCK IT WOULD SUDDENLY DIE, I WOULD NEED TO TURN THE IGNITION ALL THE WAY OFF AND IT WOULD RESTART WITH NO PROBLEM. I WORKED FOR THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY FOUND NO STORED CODES IN THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT FIVE TIMES AND EACH TIME NOTHING WAS FOUND. IT STOPPED AND HAS NOT RE-OCCURRED IN ALMOST 20,000 MILES. IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO A HIGH ENGINE REV FOR NO APPARENT REASON (LIKE I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL BUT I WAS NOT). EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELLERATE AND I PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED OF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT NORMALLY. IT FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER RESTART. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER IN JEFFERSON WISCONSIN WHO CHECKED FOR CODES AND FOUND NOTHING STORED IN THE COMPUTER.
Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2015
TIPM MODULE FAILED. ALMOST GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF IT. CAR STALLED ON ROADWAY CAR ALMOST REAR ENDED ME!!! I HEARD THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALREADY FILED BUT DO NOT KNOW IF MY CAR IS COVERED. IT HAS THE SAME TIPM MODULE IN IT.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2015
FAILS TO START, FUEL PUMP SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING TRUCK TO STALL MULTIPLE TIMES ON CITY STREETS TO AND FROM WORK AND ON THE HIGHWAY 2X DRIVING TO VISIT RELATIVES, TIPM NOT SENDING SIGNAL TO THE FUEL RELAY, HAD 4 MECHANICS INCLUDING 2 CHRYSLER SERVICE SHOPS TO FINALLY DIAGNOSE THE TIPM FAILURE, WILL HAVE FURTHER DOCUMENTATION UPON REPLACEMENT OF TIPM FROM CHRYSLER DEALER.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 1, 2015
THE VEHICLE HAS A BAD TIPM, THE FUEL PUMP RELAY DOES NOT WORK AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AT ALL NOW. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED AS I MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. NOW IT WILL NOT START AT ALL.
Engine, Oct 29, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE PARKING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUMES OF SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT AN UNKNOWN HOSE WAS SPRAYING LIQUID ONTO THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V475000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Oct 29, 2015
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT NORMAL BRIGHTNESS (COMPARED TO ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN) AND INEFFECTIVE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS AND DISCONNECTS AT WILL. HORN SIGNALS AT WILL WITHOUT NOTICE AND EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF WITH KEYS REMOVED. CAUSES GREAT AND FRIGHTENING REACTION OF THIS DRIVER AS WELL AS THOSE AROUND ME.
Power train, Oct 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE TIPM WAS NOT SENDING A SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. .....UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF UPDATED 04/23/18*JB *CN
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2015
THE FUEL PUMP RELAY IS BAD. THE FUEL PUMP KEEPS RUNNING WHEN TRUCK IS SHUT OFF WHICH RUNS DOWN THE BATTERY. THE TIPM NEEDS REPLACED BUT THERE IS A BACKORDER ON THE PART.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE TRUCK STALLED AND IGNITION SYSTEMS WENT DEAD. HAD SEVERAL ISSUES DAYS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WHERE BATTERY WAS DEAD, STARTING VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND STALLING REPEATEDLY. DEALER HAD TO RELPACE TIPM $1280.74. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON THIS PART, CONTRARY TO ONLINE INFORMATION.
Steering, Wheels, Sep 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO OTHER LANES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2015
VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AS I WAS DRIVING FROM MY HOME.
Power train, Sep 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2015
TIPM FAILED !!!!! WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. WONT START.
Electrical system, Sep 2, 2015
THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS TROUBLESHOT FOR 8 HOURS. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAULT IN THE TIPM MODULE CAUSING INTERMITTANT POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP, HOWEVER, BEFORE A NEW TIPM COULD BE INSTALLED, THE FAULT SEEMED TO SELF-RESOLVE AND THE TRUCK ONCE AGAIN BEGAN TO WORK. NOW UNSURE IF/WHEN THE TIPM WILL ONCE AGAIN MISFIRE.
Air bags, Aug 31, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TURNED IN FRONT OF HIM. THE IMPACT SENT THE CONSUMER OFF THE ROAD, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND HE ULTIMATELY HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CRACKED RIBS AND A CONCUSSION. THE OTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS. BOTH PASSENGERS REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. MA 10/16/ CHRYSLER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE RATE OF DECELERATION NECESSARY TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAGS WAS NOT MET. UPDATED 01/25/16.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2015
DIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS ON A VERY DARK NIGHT AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. THANK GOD MY TAIL LIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS STILL WORKED OR I MAY HAVE HAD SOMEONE RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. I WAS ALSO FORTUNATE TO HAVE A CAR STOP AND HELP. I FOLLOWED THIS GENTLEMAN THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS USING HIS HEAD LIGHTS AND SIMPLY FOCUSED ON HIS TAIL LIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING, I STARTED MY CAR AND BOTH LIGHTS WERE WORKING AGAIN WITHOUT ANYTHING BEING DONE. NOW I HAVE THE LEFT LIGHT THAT IS NOT WORKING AND SUSPECT THAT IT WILL ALSO COME BACK ON WHENEVER IT WANTS TO. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE SOME TO RUN OFF OF THE ROAD DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE. PLEASE ASSIST.
Power train, Aug 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF FUEL. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLENISHED AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIPM MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2015
THE TRUCK RANDOMLY WOULD NOT START SOMETIME REQUIRING A JUMP START. REPLACED BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. ONLY AFTER DOING ONLINE RESEARCH FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE TIPM.
Power train, Aug 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OTHER OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION NUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V530000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,885. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.