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 5500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2011 Dodge RAM 5500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-821 the manufacturer reports only 58% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 22, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Dodge RAM 5500 has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Steering1 crash/fire/injury
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Wheels
2Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
1Suspension
1Power train
1Visibility/wiper
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2011 Dodge RAM 5500 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 · 2016 Q3
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.
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.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other RAM 5500 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 5500 median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Dodge RAM 5500, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What RAM 5500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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!!!
Own a 2011 RAM 5500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.