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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

What owners actually said

688 reports
180,000 miles · Jun 11, 2025
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal sound was coming from underneath the vehicle.…

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The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal sound was coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed the fuel tank was being dragged by the wires. A driver pulled over and assisted the contact by strapping the fuel tank back in place. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11666417

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2025
Electrical SystemPower TrainStructure

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 h…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11662759

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

My truck first started having trouble starting .when driving engine it would shut-off at anytime making it dangerous to steer and breakdown in traffic. There was no fault codes or warning lights on dash . After doing testing I found that the fuel pump relay was shut-off. Tipm is faulty and all Chrysler that have this style of ti…

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My truck first started having trouble starting .when driving engine it would shut-off at anytime making it dangerous to steer and breakdown in traffic. There was no fault codes or warning lights on dash . After doing testing I found that the fuel pump relay was shut-off. Tipm is faulty and all Chrysler that have this style of tipm should be added to recall . I purchased a external fuel pump relay harness to repair tipm.

NHTSA ODI #11621059

15,467 miles · Sep 23, 2024
Tires

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler A/T, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: 1PL1YJC1R. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that all four tires had sustained severe cracking and tread separation. The manufacturer and local…

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The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler A/T, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: 1PL1YJC1R. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that all four tires had sustained severe cracking and tread separation. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 15,467.

NHTSA ODI #11616033

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2024
Electrical System

THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES DOES NOT WORK SOMETIMES AND THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. WITHOUT THE GAUGES ITS HARD TO SAY HOW SLOW/FAST OR WHAT THE VEHICLE IS DOING. IT WAS JUST INSPECTED. NO PRIOR SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF THIS. I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE FIRST THIS HAS HAPPENED BUT OVER SEVERAL YEARS O…

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THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES DOES NOT WORK SOMETIMES AND THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. WITHOUT THE GAUGES ITS HARD TO SAY HOW SLOW/FAST OR WHAT THE VEHICLE IS DOING. IT WAS JUST INSPECTED. NO PRIOR SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF THIS. I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE FIRST THIS HAS HAPPENED BUT OVER SEVERAL YEARS OF DODGE RAM TRUCKS DO THIS.

NHTSA ODI #11606983

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Failure to start. Engine cranks but will not start. Remote start fails. Door locks sometimes do not work, Radio failures, engine stalls unexpectedly, TPM failure, SERV 4WD warning light is displayed sporadically. This was a recall on 2011 and 2012 Chrysler vehicles except the RAM. The RAM also has the same issues as the other r…

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Failure to start. Engine cranks but will not start. Remote start fails. Door locks sometimes do not work, Radio failures, engine stalls unexpectedly, TPM failure, SERV 4WD warning light is displayed sporadically. This was a recall on 2011 and 2012 Chrysler vehicles except the RAM. The RAM also has the same issues as the other recalled vehicles. Why was the Ram excluded from the recall?

NHTSA ODI #11601167

15,000 miles · Jun 3, 2024
Tires

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler AT Adventure, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: PL1YJC1R0219. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the tires were diagnosed with trea…

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The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler AT Adventure, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: PL1YJC1R0219. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the tires were diagnosed with tread separation. The contact was informed that all 4 tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11592195

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2024
Engine

5.7 Liter Hemi Lifter/Camshaft failure. Camshaft lobe has been completely ground down. Always been well maintained and taken care of also. Apparently this is a Major recurring issue with this year Ram 1500 with the 5.7L. Didn’t have any warning lights pop up on the dash either. I believe this is a safety hazard to myself and oth…

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5.7 Liter Hemi Lifter/Camshaft failure. Camshaft lobe has been completely ground down. Always been well maintained and taken care of also. Apparently this is a Major recurring issue with this year Ram 1500 with the 5.7L. Didn’t have any warning lights pop up on the dash either. I believe this is a safety hazard to myself and other drivers because it happens without warning and I lost 75% power of my truck on a major interstate and was almost rear ended by a semi truck hauling a heavy load. Luckily was able to swerve off onto the shoulder and save myself from a disaster.

NHTSA ODI #11590756

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2024
Electrical System

Ignition switch. There is an old recall on this switch but my trucks vin # was not included. I complained awhile back and still it was not added. 11373017. My switch needs to be recalled. I’m having the same exact problems originally reported. On more than one occasion I have almost gotten in an accident because of the key…

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Ignition switch. There is an old recall on this switch but my trucks vin # was not included. I complained awhile back and still it was not added. 11373017. My switch needs to be recalled. I’m having the same exact problems originally reported. On more than one occasion I have almost gotten in an accident because of the keys falling out and getting jammed underneath the gas pedal.

NHTSA ODI #11585924

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2024
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

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. Th…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11584977

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.