2011 Dodge RAM 2500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
297 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
43,118 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 149 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 208 of 297 complaints (70.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 151 | 50.8% |
| Braking behavior | 28 | 9.4% |
| Engine operation | 8 | 2.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 2.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 1.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 0.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 208 |
| Suspension | 35 |
| Engine | 28 |
| Electrical System | 23 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 |
| Power Train | 15 |
| Service Brakes | 10 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 6 |
Steering: 208; Suspension: 35; Engine: 28; Electrical System: 23; Fuel/Propulsion System: 17; Power Train: 15; Service Brakes: 10; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 39 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 46 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 27 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 15 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 13 |
| 150,000 and above | 9 |
Under 25,000: 39; 25,000 to 49,999: 46; 50,000 to 74,999: 27; 75,000 to 99,999: 15; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 9
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (46). 148 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 142 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2011: 11; 2012: 15; 2013: 30; 2014: 142; 2015: 44; 2016: 19; 2017: 7; 2018: 8; 2019: 7; 2020: 5; 2021: 3; 2022: 2; 2024: 3; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 151 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 28 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10378425 · 2011-01-24 (January 24, 2011)
TRAVELING 70MPH LOST RPM AND ACCELERATION; THEN TRUCK BECAME RESPONSIVE AGAIN. 3 YR OLD DAUGHTER SAID TRUCK SMELLED FUNNY. EXITED FREEWAY ABOUT A MILE TO MAYBE 2 MILES AFTER INCIDENT; MADE A U-TURN TO DODGE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 2MILES AWAY. BURNING SMELL COMING UNDER THE TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT AND THE BEARINGS HAD MELTED, AND THERE WAS FLUID IN IT. THE TRUCK DID NOT HAVE 4,000 MILES ON IT YET 2011 DODGE 2500 HEAVY DUTY DIESEL. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 3,833 miles reported. Look up ODI 10378425 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10398732 · 2011-05-03 (May 3, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE EXHAUST BEGAN LEAKING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR WAS OVERPOWERING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10398732 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10407449 · 2011-06-19 (June 19, 2011)
2500 SERIES DODGE RAM PICKUPS HAVE SERIOUS FRONT END PROBLEMS. THEY ARE NOT SAFE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FACTORY IN MY OPINION. WE HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT TWO 2011 RAM 2500'S ONE HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES AND THE OTHER 18,000, AND THEY WOBBLE ALL OVER THE ROAD. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY GO INTO THE "DEATH WOBBLE". *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10407449 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10407645 · 2011-06-20 (June 20, 2011)
MY TRUCK HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO CORRECT A SHIMMY OR AS THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED IT A "DEATH WOBBLE" THE DEALER HAS FELT THE ISSUE AND ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TRIED TO FIX IT. INCLUDING ALIGNING THE VEHICLE OUT OF FACTORY SPECS ON THE ADVICE FROM THE RAM ENGINEERS. THEY HAVE ALSO SWAPPED THE STEERING STABILIZERS WITH A HEAVER DUTY ONE FROM THE 1 TON RAM 3500. NEITHER FIX HAS WORKED TO CORRECT THE SHIMMY OR THE SLIGHT PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE TRUCK IS FLAT OUT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I DID NOT REALIZE HOW BAD UNTIL I WAS TOWING A 5…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10407645 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10415285 · 2011-07-26 (July 26, 2011)
JULY 1ST EXPERIENCE LOOSE STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OVER BUMPS; STEERING WHEEL NOT CENTERED OFF TO THE LEFT. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP; TOLD NO SERIOUS PROBLEMS BRING BACK AFTER HOLIDAYS. RETURNED JULY 12 TOLD TRUCK NEEDED ALIGNMENT AND BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE LEAKING. REPLACED BOTH REAR SHOCKS ON JULY 15 CALLED CHRYSLER ON JULY 18 TO REPORT DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTING NEW DEALERSHIP. MONDAY JULY 18 TRAVELING 70 MILES DOWN HWY 59 PAST WILLIAMS TRACE EXIT IN FORT BEND COUNTY TX EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING "DEATH RATTLE". FRONT TRACK BAR BUSHING WOR…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,233 miles reported. Look up ODI 10415285 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10416676 · 2011-08-02 (August 2, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 2500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE IDLE, THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO GET IT TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. ALSO, WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A GRINDING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD N…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10416676 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10421340 · 2011-08-24 (August 24, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSUTRUMENATL PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A DECREASE IN FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,355.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,355 miles reported. Look up ODI 10421340 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10435057 · 2011-11-09 (November 9, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEAD RESTS COULD POTENTIALLY BREAK HER NECK IF REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING A CALL BACK FROM A REPRESENTATIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 300.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10435057 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
11V350000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
Reported: 2011-07-06 (July 6, 2011)
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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V529000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
Reported: 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)
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.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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, 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 N49.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V635000 · Fuel System, Diesel | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Reported: 2014-10-08 (October 8, 2014)
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.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V821000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗