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2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 225 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, most often about the steering (73% of complaints, typically around 42,000 miles). It is 4th of 13 Ram 3500 model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Steering
164 complaints · 73%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v657000 (steering: linkages: tie rod assembly) in march of 2012 however, the tie rod recently fractured while the contact was attempting to park. The failure and the current mileages were 42,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking lot, the tie rod fractured, causing the tire to bend inward underneath the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had been inspected under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v350000 (steering). The vehicle was towed to…
Suspension
28 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles.
At 34500 miles. The front suspension "track bar" was completely worn out. As a result at 40 MPH (hwy 2 in mt driving straight in the east bound lane) I experienced such a vibration that the truck was uncontrollable and my only option was to slow down without braking. Luckily there were no oncoming traffic so no…
While driving at speeds between 50-70 MPH I have run across small bumps or holes that cause either front wheel to shake uncontrollably causing me to have to reduce speed dramatically or even stop to get it back under control. I understand this is called the "Dodge death wobble".
Engine
25 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the rpms decreased, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous…
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to lose engine power without warning. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to the floorboard and the vehicle began to regain power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to bring in the vehicle if the…
Electrical
17 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles. Parts named most often: integrated trailer brake control, alternator/generator/regulator.
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6…
When going on rough roads vehicle shuts off. Have to manipulate ignition to get to start again. My family has 3 of these trucks and all are having these same issues. Just had ignition module replaced on a 2012 ram with 100000 miles because it shut off when going down road and frightened driver. When truck dies you…
Fuel system
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered a fuel leak coming from the fuel heater caused by the electrical connectors overheating. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be…
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the rpms decreased, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous…
Brakes
10 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 14,500 miles.
"death wobble" - I hit a bump with the right front tire. I was doing 40-45 MPH at this time. The truck front end started to violently shake, and then the rear started to bounce. I was in the center lane when this happened with traffic on all sides. I applied the brakes and tried to steer to the right, the truck…
Power assist for brakes and steering is lost at approximately 20-25 MPH when slowing down for lights, turns, etc., requiring significant manual effort to control the truck. Power will return after accelerating from stop or slow turn but go out again when speed is reduced to 20-25 MPH.
Transmission
9 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 122,000 miles.
I have a complaint number already but I did not send photos. My number is 10782106. Included are the photos of the hole in the floor board where the front drive shaft penetrated the cab between the drivers legs. I can also obtain a report from the local fire dept. As they were called to put out the resulting fire.
While driving back to our hotel the truck wouldn't shift into gear after 3rd and put itself into limp mode. There was no sign of any issues prior to this, the truck was driving normal and then all of a sudden it did this. We have a bully dog tuner and it didn't show any codes at first until we drove it in limp mode…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 3%We went to the dealership on august 4th, 2013, and they told US that we do need this recall fixed. However, they also said there was a shortage of the replacement parts. Fast forward over a year, and we are still on the waiting list for a replacement part. This is unacceptable!
W 17, 2018 my husband stopped on the shoulder of a two lane road and believes he put the truck in park; the engine was still running. He removed his foot from the brake, unbuckled his seat belt, opened the door and stepped onto the ground. At that point the truck began to roll forward. He ran to try to catch it and…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls
Transmission: column shift
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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, je
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Electrical overstress
Summary
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.â 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. â the ecu receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with m
Questions about the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (164 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); suspension (28 complaints, typically around 34,500 miles); engine (25 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 20, 2017 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2011 a bad year for the Dodge Ram 3500?
- It is 4th of 13 Ram 3500 model years by number of complaints, with 225 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.