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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
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
Forward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion System

Fule Pump continues running even when vehicle is turned off, leaking fuel, fire hazard, cruise control not functioning properly due to the issue,

NHTSA ODI #11474883

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

There should be a recall on the problem I have had the same problem how can you guys cover the pump but not the electrical the most important part of the problem so stupid

NHTSA ODI #11474219

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2022
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

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 mile…

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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).

NHTSA ODI #11469975

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2022
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

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.

NHTSA ODI #11469664

183,000 miles · Jun 2, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Diesel

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the recall was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed a fuel leak coming from the fuel heater. Th…

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The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the recall was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed a fuel leak coming from the fuel heater. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that a plug on the connector had melted due to a defective O-ring. The mechanic linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was contacted by both the mechanic and the contact and both were informed that the recall was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

NHTSA ODI #11467150

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Wireless ignition node and key . Cave in will not work ,can not move truck stuck in park gear

NHTSA ODI #11453328

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2022
Power TrainService Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI #11453129

76,108 miles · Jan 27, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) was defective. The contact stated that a rel…

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The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) was defective. The contact stated that a relay switch bypass was performed to correct the failure. The contact then notified the manufacturer of the failure and the manufacturer acknowledged that the failure was common; however, there were no recalls on his vehicle. The manufacturer then referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,108.

NHTSA ODI #11449073

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

WIN IGNITION UNIT CAN Turn off BY KEY FOB MOVEMENT WHEN DRIVING CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING Control *** Fuel pump remains on when vehicle is off and key fob is removed. Risk of fuel pump fire and electrial FIRE. **TIPM SHORTS AT FUEL PUMP RELAY CAUSING FUEL pump to continually operate and drain …

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WIN IGNITION UNIT CAN Turn off BY KEY FOB MOVEMENT WHEN DRIVING CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING Control *** Fuel pump remains on when vehicle is off and key fob is removed. Risk of fuel pump fire and electrial FIRE. **TIPM SHORTS AT FUEL PUMP RELAY CAUSING FUEL pump to continually operate and drain battery and risk of fire FUEL pUMP TO CONTINUALLY RUN AND operate RISK OF FIRE DAMAGE TO Surroundings. fuel pump runs WITH VEHICLE IGNITION OFF AND KEY REMOVeD CAUSING A DRAIN ON THE VEHICLE battery until battery is fully discharged.

NHTSA ODI #11443188

90,000 miles · Oct 21, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on the fourth attempt the vehicle started. The contact took the vehicle to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased however, t…

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The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on the fourth attempt the vehicle started. The contact took the vehicle to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred when the temperature was cooler. The contact stated he has also experienced the vehicle stalling and seizing. The contact stated that the fuel pump remained operational after the key was removed from the ignition. The battery was also discharged, and the contact was hearing abnormal sounds. The contact called Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat of Spokane (10701 N Newport Hwy, Spokane, WA 99218:(509) 321-7300) and Findlay Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Post Falls (550 N Alberta St, Post Falls, ID 83854: (208) 457-1900) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11437643

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.