2011 Dodge RAM 3500: common problems

Owners of the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 filed 225 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.

Key figures

Owner complaints: 225
involving a crash: 3

What fails most often

1 Steering 73% of all complaints
2 Suspension 12% of all complaints
3 Engine 9% of all complaints
4 Electrical system 8% of all complaints
5 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
6 Service brakes 5% of all complaints
7 Powertrain 4% of all complaints
8 Fuel system 2% of all complaints

Circle size and colour show each component’s share of NHTSA complaints. Schematic only, not a drawing of the exact model.

Steering: 164 complaints (73% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Suspension: 28 complaints (12% of all).
Engine: 21 complaints (9% of all).
Electrical system: 17 complaints (8% of all).
Fuel/propulsion system: 11 complaints (5% of all).

Symptoms owners describe

How many of the 225 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).

vibration17 · 8%
steering or power steering problems16 · 7%
smoke, burning smell, fire9 · 4%
warning lights, check engine8 · 4%
A/C or heater7 · 3%
stalls while driving6 · 3%
jerking, harsh shifts3 · 1%
won't start3 · 1%
loss of power / limp mode3 · 1%
brake failure2 · 1%

Components owners complain about

Component	Owner complaints	involving a crash
Steering	164	3
Suspension	28	0
Engine	21	0
Electrical system	17	0
Fuel/propulsion system	11	0
Service brakes	11	0
Powertrain	9	1
Fuel system	5	0
Engine and cooling	4	0
Wheels	3	0
Air bags	2	0
Structure	2	1
Tires	2	0
Visibility	2	0

What owners report

Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.

It also felt as if there was a sudden acceleration. However, everthing occurred in an instant. So, acceleration may just be perceived. Witness, following described same way to pd.
Steering · crash · 2017-01-16 · NHTSA complaint #10945592
The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound from under the rear of the vehicle as the vehicle jerked to the left. As a result, the contact crashed the front driver's side of the vehicle into a curb. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified.
Steering · crash · 2013-07-15 · NHTSA complaint #10524874
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 the truck comes to a complete stop.
Steering · 2026-08-15 · NHTSA complaint #11757085
The truck stalled while driving on the highway leaving me stranded in 2-degree weather. I read online that there was a lawsuit for this issue but don't know how to file to recoup the $1200+ repair bill on top of the $200 cost to tow it to the auto repair shop.
Electrical system · 2026-03-03 · NHTSA complaint #11721694
The contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6 to misfire.
Engine · 2024-11-25 · NHTSA complaint #11627228
Coming home at night ran into a horde of bugs, I had just had the wiper reservoir filled. It was empty and I had to stop and wipe my windshield by hand. i looked on line I seen several owners had the same problem this I believe to be a manufactured problem.
Visibility · 2023-11-18 · NHTSA complaint #11555819
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. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything down!
Engine · 2023-04-10 · NHTSA complaint #11516414
I had a recall on the fuel heater plug and took care of the problem a few years back. I noticed today that the plug is leaking fuel and was wondering if the problem was ever fixed or if they used the same recalled parts? Do you ever recall an already recalled part? or do they ever pay for the part if I fix it myself?
Engine · 2022-02-27 · NHTSA complaint #11454389

When owners complained

NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.

20116
201212
201318
2014113
201531
20168
201713
20184
20196
20202
20211
20222
20232
20242
20252
20263

Comparison

By complaint count this model year ranks 1,799 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 5% most complained about).

On average one model year of the RAM 3500 has 134 complaints (23 years in the data). This year has 225, above average.

What to check before buying

Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.

Questions and answers

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500?

Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, suspension, engine. Total complaints: 225. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: vibration (8%), steering or power steering problems (7%), smoke, burning smell, fire (4%).

How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Dodge RAM 3500?

NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.

Should I buy a 2011 Dodge RAM 3500 from a US auction?

Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.

Other 2011 models

Read also

Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.