2011 Dodge RAM 4500 recalls and problems

The 2011 Dodge RAM 4500 has 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Dodge RAM 4500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Dodge RAM 4500 recalls

Recall 17V-821: Power Train

Reported Dec 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 16V-739: Electrical System

Reported Oct 13, 2016 · 74,811 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 14V-635: Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 8, 2014 · 315,325 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 13V-527: Steering

Reported Nov 6, 2013 · 36,151 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. 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: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. 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 R16.

2011 Dodge RAM 4500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering12
Suspension3
Service Brakes2
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Dodge RAM 4500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 46,000 miles · reported Feb 9, 2016
The contact owns a 2011 ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the water pump failed which caused the serpentine belt to fracture. The fractured serpentine belt caused the loss of power steering and the vehicle could not be stopped for about 20 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. The VIN was not available.
Service Brakes · at 130,000 miles · reported Jul 31, 2015
The contact owns a 2011 ram 4500. While driving 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering · reported Oct 28, 2014
The contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a notification for a manufacturer recall related to the driver side tie rod. The parts needed were not available. The dealer stated that the parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown.
Steering · reported Oct 3, 2014
The contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (Steering). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Steering · reported Sep 12, 2014
The contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (Steering) but the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Dodge RAM 4500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Dodge RAM 4500: 17V-821 (power train), 16V-739 (electrical system), 14V-635 (fuel system, diesel, engine and engine cooling), 13V-527 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge RAM 4500?

Owners report steering problems most often (12 reports), followed by suspension (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.