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2011 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

491 reports with mileage · 197 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 214 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports7 fire reports17 injury reports

Wheels complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2022
SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrashInjury

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 destroy…

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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).

NHTSA ODI #11482068

176,199 miles · Sep 27, 2020
EngineService BrakesWheels

WHEEL BEARINGS TRANSMISSION BRAKES ALTERNATOR BATTERY SITTING STILL WITH ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AND IN MOTION WITH WHEEL BEARINGS BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION

NHTSA ODI #11361409

84,000 miles · May 17, 2019
Wheels

THE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM IN ONE TIRE CONTINUOUSLY GOES OUT. THE ORIGINAL SENSOR HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED TWICE THEN IT WAS REPLACED AND THE REPLACEMENT CONTINUES TO GO OUT. IT WILL BE GETTING REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME THIS WEEK.

NHTSA ODI #11208231

72,917 miles · Sep 21, 2016
Power TrainSteeringWheels

FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. LOTS OF PLAY IN THE STEERING AND A CLUNK WHEN WHEEL IS TURNED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND IF IT WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THEY SAID THE STERING GEAR AND INNER TIE RODS ARE BAD AND THE FRONT HUBS ARE MAKING NOISE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS TRU…

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FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. LOTS OF PLAY IN THE STEERING AND A CLUNK WHEN WHEEL IS TURNED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND IF IT WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THEY SAID THE STERING GEAR AND INNER TIE RODS ARE BAD AND THE FRONT HUBS ARE MAKING NOISE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 70,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT OFF ROAD OR DROVE IT HARD. IT IS USED FOR DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. JUST FOR THE COST OF THOSE ITEMS THEY QUOTED ME $2312.99. I HAVE OWNED THREE DIFFERENT TRUCKS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND WITH SUCH A NEW VEHICLE. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS TRUCK FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE STEERING BEING SO LOOSE.

NHTSA ODI #10908581

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2016
Air BagsStructureSuspensionCrashInjury

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. TH…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10875582

61,000 miles · Sep 22, 2015
SteeringWheels

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10767334

Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2015
Wheels

RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL AND CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SETUP AN APPOINTMENT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THE PARTS ARE NOT IN. CHRYSLER WAS SUPPOSED TO SEND OUT A LETTER TO THE VEHICLE OWNER ADVISING WHEN THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE LETTER HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED AND THE ISSUE IS STILL NOT FIXED. THIS VEHICLE IS A FIRE DEPA…

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RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL AND CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SETUP AN APPOINTMENT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THE PARTS ARE NOT IN. CHRYSLER WAS SUPPOSED TO SEND OUT A LETTER TO THE VEHICLE OWNER ADVISING WHEN THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE LETTER HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED AND THE ISSUE IS STILL NOT FIXED. THIS VEHICLE IS A FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10711789

22,497 miles · May 15, 2014
TiresWheels

I HAVE HAD 2 BLOW OUTS (INSTANTANEOUS TIRE DEFLATIONS) IN THE LAST 30 DAYS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND CONFIRMED ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS/VALVE STEMS (TPMS) CORRODING CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHERE THE VALVE STEM IS LOST AND THE TIRE DEFLATES. B…

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I HAVE HAD 2 BLOW OUTS (INSTANTANEOUS TIRE DEFLATIONS) IN THE LAST 30 DAYS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND CONFIRMED ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS/VALVE STEMS (TPMS) CORRODING CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHERE THE VALVE STEM IS LOST AND THE TIRE DEFLATES. BOTH OCCURRENCES WERE WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED ON A FREEWAY. LUCKILY THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND PULL ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. ON INSPECTION OF THE TIRE THE VALVE STEM WAS MISSING WITH A HOLE INTO THE TIRE. UNFORTUNATELY DESPITE THE DEALER BEING AWARE OF THE PROBLEM IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND COSTS $140 TO REPAIR. AS ABOVE, THIS IS THE 2ND EXACT FAILURE ON THE SAME VEHICLE. IT APPEARS I AM EXPECTED TO PAY OVER $500 TO GET THEM ALL CHANGED. IN THE MEANTIME I AM NOT ALLOWING MY WIFE OR FAMILY TO TRAVEL IN WHAT I NOW CONSIDER A DANGEROUS TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588642

Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2013
Wheels

WHILE DRIVING 70MPH IN A '11 DODGE RAM THIS MORNING ON THE HIGHWAY, BOTH BACK TIRES LOCKED UP RESULTING IN FISH TAILING COMPLETELY SIDEWAYS THREE TIMES. WE FINALLY DIRECTED IT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A DITCH TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENTS WHEN ALL 4 TIRES LOCKED UP. LUCKILY AT 0500 THERE WAS MINIMAL TRAFFIC AND MY FIANCE WAS CAPABLE OF…

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WHILE DRIVING 70MPH IN A '11 DODGE RAM THIS MORNING ON THE HIGHWAY, BOTH BACK TIRES LOCKED UP RESULTING IN FISH TAILING COMPLETELY SIDEWAYS THREE TIMES. WE FINALLY DIRECTED IT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A DITCH TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENTS WHEN ALL 4 TIRES LOCKED UP. LUCKILY AT 0500 THERE WAS MINIMAL TRAFFIC AND MY FIANCE WAS CAPABLE OF KEEPING THE TRUCK FROM ROLLING OVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10554056

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicWheelsCrashInjury

I HAD A CAR WRECK IN A 4 MONTH OLD 2011 RAM 1500 4 WD QUAD CAB ON OCT 3 RD 2011, I WAS PUSHED INTO A METAL GUARD RAIL AND CONCRETE WALL AT 70 MPH, THE FROMT PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE COMPLTEY OFF AND BOTH FRONT SIDE WERE IMPACTED HARD ENOUGH TO BED THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES, NO BRAKES BEFORE OR AFTER IMPACT, I DID HABE MY SEAT BELT ON…

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I HAD A CAR WRECK IN A 4 MONTH OLD 2011 RAM 1500 4 WD QUAD CAB ON OCT 3 RD 2011, I WAS PUSHED INTO A METAL GUARD RAIL AND CONCRETE WALL AT 70 MPH, THE FROMT PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE COMPLTEY OFF AND BOTH FRONT SIDE WERE IMPACTED HARD ENOUGH TO BED THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES, NO BRAKES BEFORE OR AFTER IMPACT, I DID HABE MY SEAT BELT ON, NONE OF THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ANY TIME. THE CAR THAT HIT ME HAD SULL AIR BAG DEPLYMENT. I JUST HAD THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT 17K MILES AND TIRE ROATION WHICH TOLD ME "QUOTE" THIS TRUCK HAS SEVERAL RECALLS THAT WERE NOT MAILED OUT TO THE OWNERS". THEY DID NOT TELL ME WHAT THE RECALLS WERE THEY ONLY SAID THAT THEY CHAGED THE OIL AND ROATED THE TIRES AND CHECKED THE COUMPUTER FOR "ISSUES". *TT

NHTSA ODI #10432975

Official recalls

4

18V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

13V038000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

10V656000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.