2011 Dodge RAM 3500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 70 |
| 1995 | 108 |
| 1996 | 124 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2003 | 286 |
| 2004 | 214 |
| 2005 | 196 |
| 2006 | 257 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 173 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 223 |
| 2012 | 365 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
70% of complaints: steering — 157 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240920
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN MY 2011 DODGE RAM 3500 STEERING LOCKED FOR JUST A SECOND. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED BUT IT DID SCARE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. THERE WAS NO CONTROL FOR JUST A SECOND. THIS HAS NO RE-OCCURRED BUT I HAVE SLOWED DOWN ON MY TURNS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110128
12% of complaints: suspension — 26 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Donât 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, 20230410
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, 20241125
6% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Donât 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, 20230410
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, MANUFACTUR
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 C
Campaign 11V350000 — check if this car was fixed
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. Th
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 rem
Campaign 13V529000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V635000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V739000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V821000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (157 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V350000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V529000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V739000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 70% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.