2011 Dodge Ram 5500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 22 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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v821000 (power train) months ago. The manufacturer had not supplied the part to the dealer. The dealer (jeff wyler eastgate auto mall, 513-752-3447) was called and could not determine when the parts would become available to schedule the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2017
“The metal stem that is connected to the plastic housing acts as a guide for the springing action of the sender. As the fuel pump heated up, indicated by the black area on the fuel sender, it heated the metal tube and burned a hole through the tank. This caused a leak in the fuel tank and a spill of fuel in excess of 25 gallons at a gas station.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2017
“Diesel exhaust fluid (def) system failure. Engine light came on with warning to have serviced or vehicle would not start after xx miles. Was def system, pipe, injector, and sensors.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“-control modules require updates (ecm and tcm) which you have to pay $120.00 for the updates. It may cause drivability issues. -intake tube clamps need replacing which you can't buy the clamp you have to purchase the intake hose for $379.92.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
“Received safety recalls #p65/NHTSA 14v-635 and #n63/NHTSA 13v-527 chrysler states in their notice that the parts are not available but they would send a letter to the vehicle owner when they are. Have contacted the dealer several times to check on the parts. As of this date nothing has been received from chrysler and the dealer hasn't an answer. This vehicle is a fire dept emergency response vehicle. Would like an update from chrysler. The fire dept just received another safety recall on this vehicle #p27. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2015
“Left side tie rod end broke off and fell to the ground. This occurred in our parking lot as the truck pulled in at the end of the day. Thankfully it didn't happen while he was driving. This is a huge safety hazard!!!”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2015
“Contacted by chrysler on or about 12/1/2014, concerning recall, p65. This recall effects the diesel fuel heater assembly, which as notified by chrysler could cause a engine compartment fire. As of an inquiry on 2/18/2015, they still have no estimated time frame for making parts and repairs available. Our first inquiry on 12-19-2014, yielded the same results. I contacted our local dodge dealer 2/18/2015, who stated "there are no parts available for the recall". *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“2011 dodge ram 5500. Attorney representing consumer writes in regards to vehicle fire and diesel fuel heater electrical connector recall notice. *smd”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) and 13v527000(steering); however, the parts needed to do the repair were 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 · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 5500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering); however, the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to provide an estimated date for when the parts would become available. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 5500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 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.