Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The exhaust manifold cracked, the electrical system, supplying gas to the engine, is built into the fuse box, which is unfixable without replacing the entire fuse box. Valve on engine became extremely noisy and I've had to be replaced
The TIPM our Dodge truck is faulty. It has issues starting, the lights will stop working, the lights on dash come on, there is an issue with the oil just disappearing, the fuel pump relay. I have done extensive research online and saw that several vehicles under Chrysler and Dodge have had this issue with faulty TIPM and there was even a class action lawsuit,but the NHTSA felt there wasn't enough of an issue with the Dodge rams to push for a recall. I believe that this needs to be pushed for a recall. This issue is occurring in a lot of rams and they are passed the warranty and when you purchase a new warranty this issue is not covered. All expenses are paid out of pocket. This is an issue that Chrysler and Dodge have been aware of for years. Our Dodge Ram has been at the shop several times with issues and they did not tell us once about the TIPM issues. …
We purchased this vehicle used last November. The factory windshield is nearly impossible to see through at night, and if we're driving in the rain at night, what little visibility there is. Is limited to less than 50 feet. The Chrysler dealership in coos bay, oregon says that it's a factory-installed windshield and declines to take any further responsibility. The low-beam headlights are extremely dim. Safe driving at night requires our using the high beams (when safe for oncoming drivers -- not a good mix.) the Chrysler dealer in coos bay, oregon investigated the headlights with a visual check, and said they're "okay."
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was parked, the passenger side low and high beam headlamps failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 04/21/2016 the consumer took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who then contacted the dealer. They stated the problem was power train control module and only they could replace it. Updated 09/07/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at various speeds, the contact witnessed the vehicle's headliner becoming damp with water. The contact was informed that there was water on the rear driver side head rest. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and it was brought to their attention that they were ware of a third brake light failure that allowed water to enter the vehicle. The failure mileage was 74,000.
When you start the truck, the asb light comes on. The wipers, A/C, headlights, radio, and power locks will not work. If you let the truck run for about 5 mins, you hear a 'ding' and everything starts working again and the asb light goes out. Took it to a local mechanic and was told they were not able to diagnosis the problem. The truck was in park. I was able to drive the vehical but this is an issue if it's raining outside or at night.
The driver side headlight goes off at random times. It usually comes back on within a few minutes. Now it is completely out. A new bulb was attempted but failed to fix the issue. Also the anti theft system activates at random times causing the horn to activate and vehicles lights to all flash. One occasion the vehicle failed to start for several hours. The issues are getting worse and more frequent.
TIPM (fuel pump relay) does not let the truck start. Its not all the time mostly in cold weather. I have been stuck out with the truck not starting. Dealer has diagnosed the problem. 1500 to get it repaired. Vehicle was stationary. Driver and passenger side LED courtesy mirror lights don't work all the time. Evidence of moisture on lenses.
Headlights are not normal brightness (compared to any other vehicle I have ever driven) and ineffective for night driving. Cruise control works and disconnects at will. Horn signals at will without notice and even when vehicle is off with keys removed. Causes great and frightening reaction of this driver as well as those around me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the interior lights randomly flickered and eventually failed to illuminate. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Headlight complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the lights of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, 4% of the model year's 689 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.