2011 Dodge Ram 4500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the water pump failed which caused the serpentine belt to fracture. The fractured serpentine belt caused the loss of power steering and the vehicle could not be stopped for about 20 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 4500. While driving 5 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering) but the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2014
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“Dodge has refused to replaced the critical part as indicated in the recall. I was notified by dodge early in 2014 about the recall. Dealer said that replacement would be made in may 2014. When contacted in may dealer said the replacement would not be made until september 2014. Truck has a serious pull to the right side and shows extreme wear on the right front tire. Given the safety aspects of this recall I would like the replacement as soon as possible without the continual delays by dodge. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering); however, the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2014
“This recall was issued in may or june 2014 and the dealer still doesn't have the parts. Says they are on back-order. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a notification for a manufacturer recall related to the driver side tie rod. The parts needed were not available. The dealer stated that the parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact stated that he was concerned for his safety since the parts were not available for recall NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The vehicle had not experienced the failure. The vehicle current mileage was 123,300.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact stated that while attempting a turn at a speed of 1 mph, the steering wheel suddenly seized. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the driver's side outer tie rod was damaged. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10v657000 (steering). The failure mileage was 68,000.”Owner report · Steering · May 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
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 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, 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 R16.
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 4500 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 4500 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. 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.