2011 Dodge Ram 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500: 4 recalls, 689 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #10V656000 · 2010 · 60,382 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May have experience a noise (growl, grind) coming from the rear axle bearing which could eventually seize.
Why it matters: A failure of the bearing could cause the vehicle to stall increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and will install an oil port insert into the rear axle free of charge. The safety recall began on April 4, 2011.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V038000 · 2013 · 278,674 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle pinion nut May loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Why it matters: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
The fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, 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…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V821000 · 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V160000 · 2018 · 218,617 vehicles
What's wrong: Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt May cause the front fuel tank strap frame "t-slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
Why it matters: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak May result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank May not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (214): the most common themes are electrical failure (92), stalls / loses power (86), won't start (28).
- Transmission & drivetrain (176): the most common themes are noise or vibration (20), hard / delayed shifting (19), stalls / loses power (17).
- Engine (151): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (50), warning light on (41), electrical failure (19).
- Fuel & propulsion (128): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (57), electrical failure (45), won't start (23).
The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 has 689 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 23 Ram 1500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 540). Complaints peaked in 2013 (100 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 75,557 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (486 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (697 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Midgrade |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Midgrade |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 689 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (214), transmission & drivetrain (176), engine (151).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.