2011 Dodge Ram 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500: 5 recalls, 225 owner complaints.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #11V350000 · 2011 · 242,780 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #13V529000 · 2013 · 271,733 vehicles
What's wrong: The left tie rod assembly May break.
Why it matters: A failure of the tie rod assembly May result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Fuel system (diesel), Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V635000 · 2014 · 315,325 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater May overheat.
Why it matters: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater May leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Electrical Vehicle recall #16V739000 · 2016 · 74,811 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that May suddenly fail.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V821000 · 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (164): the most common themes are steering problems (126).
- Suspension (28): the most common themes are steering problems (12), noise or vibration (4).
- Engine (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), electrical failure (2).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (3).
The 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 has 225 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 22 Ram 3500 model years for complaints (1.6× the average Ram 3500 year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (113 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 48,700 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (150 complaints, 9 recalls), 2012 (366 complaints, 8 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?
Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (164), suspension (28), engine (21).
Where can I get a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.