This page covers 3 recalls and 687 owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500.
The 2011 Ram 1500 draws its heaviest complaint volume from the powertrain, electrical system, and engine. On the powertrain side, owners most commonly describe transmission-related issues, shuddering, rough shifts, and delayed or erratic engagement are recurring themes. Engine complaints include reports of stalling, loss of power while driving, and concerns about internal wear over higher mileage. The electrical system generates a wide range of reported failures: owners describe sudden total power loss while driving, losing power steering and power brakes simultaneously, along with inoperable trailer lighting circuits tied to the integrated fuse module, airbag warning lights illuminating without an apparent trigger, and various other intermittent electrical faults that owners say are difficult to trace. The combination of a dead-electrical event and simultaneous loss of power-assisted steering and braking while underway is one of the more consistently described electrical scenarios across multiple reports.
687
Total Complaints
28
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Ram 1500 has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the column shifter, which can be moved out of park without the brake pedal pressed or a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk.
A separate fuel system recall affects trucks registered in certain northeastern and midwestern states: corrosion can weaken the fuel tank mounting straps to the point where the tank drops and contacts the ground, causing a fuel leak, and in a crash the tank may not stay secured. On the suspension side, some trucks may develop a growling or grinding noise from the rear axle bearing, and if that bearing seizes, the vehicle can stall unexpectedly.
At a glance
What can fail
Salt and moisture exposure corrodes the fuel tank strap bracket, which may cause the fuel tank to drop and contact the ground.
What the fix does
Dealers will bolt a reinforcement bracket to the frame to secure the fuel tank.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle bearing may produce a growling or grinding noise and could eventually seize.
What the fix does
An oil port insert will be installed in the rear axle at no cost to improve lubrication.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
