2011 Dodge Ram 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 297 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (65% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 297 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The steering became uncontrollable and wobbled so violently I could not keep my hands on the wheel. It will be open for inspection at any time. The safety of all other road users and pedestrians were put in grave danger. Due to the complete loss of steering control. This has happened to other ram owners I have talked with as well. The problem was addressed by my local mechanic. He recommended replacing the entire front end steering and suspension components I agreed he did the work, he did the work. I also replaced all four tires with new and had them balanced. Within 2 weeks this death wobble happened. There are no warning lamps for this problem.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2024
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to sterling chrysler jeep dodge ram located at 5504 I-49 frontage rd, opelousas, la 70570, (337) 942-1241, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 2500. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle turned off and restarted independently. The contact was concerned for his safety. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle out of park. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failures recurred once. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. *dt*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“When we got home last nite I saw smoke coming out from under the hood and I could smell something burning like electrical. I opened the hood and the alternator was pouring out smoke. I grabbed my hose and poured water on it until I could disconnect the batteries. Upon research I found the same problem on 2013 model years. I feel the 2013 recall may need to be extended to earlier model years. I am fortunate the truck did not catch fire.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2019
“Death wobble at interstate 70mph speeds, no control until speed drops to 30. Has happened 5 times.-first time feb 2019 with about 55k miles. Last time was aug 2020 with less than 60k miles. Have spent considerable time nd money to no avail. Condition is extremely dangerous as it happens with no warning and is alarmingly violent. This needs to be recalled and fixed or sent to the salvage yard”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 2500. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 136,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019
“Approximatly 6 years ago My TIPM failed on my 2011 dodge ram 2500. It was not under warrenty so I replaced it myself not knowing this was an ongoing problem with dodge products. My TIPM is again failing. What can be done with it? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2019
“Several manifold bolts broke off causing exhaust to leak early. Potential hazard to the vehicle occupants depending on how bad the leak is, not to mention the environmental impact. Very known and common issue but fca will only address if the vehicle is within the powertrain warranty period. Vehicle is 7 years old but only has 37,000 miles.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2018
“The emissions check engine light came on and was diagnosed as a overlay wiring harness that was faulty and needed to be upgraded. This vehicle only has 67000 miles on it and this item helps control the diesels emisiones. It should be covered by the factory for the 100,000 miles as stated. Upon contacting fca they refused to help in any way to cover cost of repairs. This repair is happening on multiple diesel rams . I only ask that fca be held responsibility for vehicles that produce and sell”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2018
“I was traveling south on grand ave in glendale arizona when I came on to a turn my vehicle turned off on me I lost steering and brakes vehicle drifted into another lane luckily no one was next to me when it happens I had to put the vehicle in neutral and tried to start the truck 4 times before the vehicle turned back on, later that day same thing happened again on freeway I-10 and 75th ave heading west.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. 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 N49.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 297 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The most complained-about area is steering (65% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 43,399 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.