2011 Dodge RAM 5500 recalls and problems

The 2011 Dodge RAM 5500 has 4 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Dodge RAM 5500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Dodge RAM 5500 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 5500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering11
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Electrical System4
Engine4
Unknown or Other3
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Wheels2
Suspension1
Visibility/Wiper1
Fuel System, Diesel1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 1
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,000 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 5500 complaints

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

Wheels · at 14,700 miles · reported Sep 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 5500. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide an adequate Owner’s Manual that referenced the torque required on the lug nuts for the vehicle. The contact stated that the lug nuts were torqued very tightly during the manufacturing process. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (WHEELS); as a possible cause for the failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,700.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 29, 2017
The metal stem that is connected to the plastic housing acts as a guide for the springing action of the sender. As the fuel pump heated up, indicated by the black area on the fuel sender, it heated the metal tube and burned a hole through the tank. This caused a leak in the fuel tank and a spill of fuel in excess of 25 gallons at a gas station.
Engine · at 77,093 miles · reported May 3, 2017
Diesel exhaust fluid (Def) system failure. Engine light came on with warning to have serviced or vehicle would not start after xx miles. Was DEF system, pipe, injector, and sensors.
Electrical System · at 11,913 miles · reported Apr 12, 2016
-control modules require updates (Ecm and TCM) which you have to pay $120.00 for the updates. It may cause drivability issues. -intake tube clamps need replacing which you can't buy the clamp you have to purchase the intake hose for $379.92.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 103,782 miles · reported Feb 15, 2016
While driving, at random, a warning will display stating the following: "service DEF system. Engine will not start at 200 miles. See dealer" this has happened 10 or more times since we purchased the truck. We have the same problem with another 2011 dodge ram 5500 which we purchased with this one. When we bring it to the dealer, they cant give an exact reason why this keeps occurring. They once told me "its because the vehicle was going 65 MPH on the high way while towing a vehicle." the check engine light has been on in this vehicle since the month we purchased it. The dealership has a hard…

Other Dodge RAM 5500 years

Compare all Dodge RAM 5500 years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Dodge RAM 5500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Dodge RAM 5500: 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 5500?

Owners report steering problems most often (11 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,000 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.