2011 Dodge Ram 3500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (137) · Suspension (25) · Fuel/Propulsion System (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram 3500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
108 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift 2017-12-20 · campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles
Defect: 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 op
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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Electrical System:alternator/Generator/Regulator 2016-10-13 · campaign 16V739000 · 74,811 vehicles
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: 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.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Fuel System, Diesel 2014-10-08 · campaign 14V635000 · 315,325 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 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.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 2013-11-06 · campaign 13V529000 · 271,733 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 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
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 2011-07-06 · campaign 11V350000 · 242,780 vehicles
Defect: 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 CUSTO
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Service bulletins (285)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-06-26 · S1203000003 REV.A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
trac-rite operation diagnosis, chatter, shudder, moving from a stop and turning
Engine 2026-06-17 · 112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit
Engine 2026-06-17 · 112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit
Electrical System 2025-07-28 · 106241 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-06-12 · 104974 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-05-01 · 103774 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Showing the 6 most recent of 285 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-15 · Suspension“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 happen at least fifty to a hundred times since i bought …”
2026-08-15 · Suspension“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 happen at least fifty to a hundred times since i bough…”
2026-03-03 · Electrical System“a mechanic at professional auto shop diagnosed the failed tipm. it caused the fuel sending pump in the fuel tank to stop pumping. the truck stalled while driving on the highway leaving me stranded in 2-degree weather. i read online that there was a lawsuit for this issue but don't know how to file to recoup the $1200+ repair bill on top of the $200…”
2025-12-08 · Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control · 145,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 ram 3500. the contact stated that the oem trailer brake controller indicated that the trailer brake was disconnected even though it was attached correctly. the failure occurred while different trailers were hitched to the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined.…”
2025-12-06 · Unknown Or Other“while driving 70mph on the interstate, the truck randomly shut off. i lost power steering. luckily i was going straight and there were no curves in the road, and i managed to pull the truck and trailer to the side of the road. all electrical assist, steering and brakes turned completely off, radio turned off, all electrical power was off. the e…”
2024-11-25 · Engine · 96,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 ram 3500. the contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. in addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6 to misfire. the contact relate…”
2024-09-20 · Steering · 20,000 mi“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 the failure was not yet determined. the vehicle was …”
2023-11-18 · Visibility/Wiper“coming home at night ran into a horde of bugs, i had just had the wiper reservoir filled. it was empty and i had to stop and wipe my windshield by hand. i looked on line i seen several owners had the same problem this i believe to be a manufactured problem. the dealer wants 400 hundred to replace the reservoir i believe this to be a chrysler safety…”
2023-04-10 · Engine · 🔥 fire“don’t know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. i believe i believe it was exhaust? fire department would write out report and send it to me. devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything down! i want to know what happened?! 2011, dodge ram…”
2022-02-27 · Fuel/Propulsion System“i had a recall on the fuel heater plug and took care of the problem a few years back. i noticed today that the plug is leaking fuel and was wondering if the problem was ever fixed or if they used the same recalled parts? do you ever recall an already recalled part? or do they ever pay for the part if i fix it myself?…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.