MYRModel Year Report

2011 Dodge RAM 3500

◆ Worse than typical
2011 Dodge RAM 3500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
225
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

74% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2011 225 2012: 365 complaints
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2011 225 2012: 365 complaints
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1996 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2004 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2008 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2010 2011: 225 complaints 2011 225 2012: 365 complaints 2012

2011: 225 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007210
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011225
2012365

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

74% · 167 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

We purchased a brand new truck from a local savannah, Georgia dealer in 2011. My husband was driving down the road and a tree fell on his 9 month old truck with only 12,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-05

Also filed under Power train

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-15

Also filed under 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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-15

Suspension

12% · 28 reports

Engine

9% · 21 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-10

Also filed under Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-25

Electrical system

8% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing integrated trailer brake control and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 11 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2011Complaint volume 225 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2011-10-03Steering11V350000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2014-01-16Steering13V529000 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.…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2015-04-27Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel14V635000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2016-12-23Electrical system16V739000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2018-02-26Power train17V821000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 167 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V350000 · Steering
  • Recall 13V529000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V635000 · Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 16V739000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 17V821000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 74% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.