repaired · 2019 Q4
Lever and linkage: 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…
2011 Dodge RAM 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 225 owner complaints about the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-529 the manufacturer reports only 58% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 has problems
225 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
164Steering3 crash/fire/injury
28Suspension
21Engine1 crash/fire/injury
17Electrical system
11Fuel/propulsion system
9Service brakes
9Power train
5Fuel system, diesel
4Engine and engine cooling
1711 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 164 | 3 |
| Suspension | 28 | 0 |
| Engine | 21 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 3 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 17 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2011 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Linkages: 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.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Linkages: 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
42kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 64 steering complaints. 88% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 47% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
22under 30k miles56under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other RAM 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 3500 median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What RAM 3500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of…
Own a 2011 RAM 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.