Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 contact's son owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding and rubbing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake service. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, the independent mechanic confirmed the abnormal grinding and rubbing sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V656000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. …
Yesterday, the Front Right Wheel completely separated from the axel while driving 25 mph. The truck veered sharply to the right, crashing into the driver's side of a fortunately unoccupied parked car, and continued to the right into the curb. I was not seriously injured, though my neck was strained. The tire and rim were destroyed, and it appears that the metal attachment from the wheel to the car was completely sheared through. There was also extensive Front End damage. Had I made it another mile to the parkway, this would have been a fatal injury to me, as well as other drivers. The truck was just inspected 2 days prior to this occurrence by a Certified Dodge Ram Dealer (NY Facility #[redacted]) with a clean health record. It is currently at the North Star Auto Body [phone]) awaiting inspection by the Allstate Insurance adjuster (Claim # [redacted]). A police report was also filed. …
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear passenger's side wheel bearing was defective. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Front in ball joint disconnected while driving and axel snapped. As a result my front in of the car hit the ground causing a total loss of steering. I crashed into a wall doing 70 miles per hour and almost lost my life.
This vehicle has been repaired twice for the front end. While driving the vehicle at either 35, 45, 55, 65 or 75 it wobbles, vibrates something fierce and then it seems you reach a certain distance at that speed or a bump in the road and bam it fine for a while until it does it again. And it will get to the point that you smell axle gear oil. When I went to have it repaired the first time I was told the front wheel bearing was changed on the passenger side and if it were to make the same noise bring it back made the same wobble noise brought it to another place they replaced the wheel bearing (same one) and the whole front axle and said it was fixed, I took it home and low and behold same problem. …
Takata recall, I have received a letter in the mail stating I needed my airbag replaced but after notifying the service department I was told that I do not have any active recalls at the present time. The rear of my vehicle has been making noise for some time despite also being told there is no recall on the specific year that I have purchased. Last but not least there is a constant battle with the rear suspension of the vehicle. This particular vehicle have upper and lower mount bars but the rubber gives away in the part which causes a sway that makes you loose control traveling over 50mph without towing a load. I have been reduced to not using this vehicle on the expressway. Also to date the transmission has been given a full overhall as of last year. At the time there were 120,000 miles on the power train
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the front axle fractured without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front axle fractured causing a failure with the 4 wheel drive and the transfer case. The dealer stated that the part needed was not available and that they were waiting for a newly designed part to remedy the failure. The dealer was not able to provide the part needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was not able to supply the part to the dealer to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Ma 10/6 updated 12/13/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and made a loud growling noise without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who inspected the frame and determined that the rear suspension axle was loose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. A dealer was not contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 10V656000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the driver of the vehicle owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the front passenger side wheel disengaged from the vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver was injured and transported to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a collision center where it was diagnosed that the front passenger side wheel had a faulty lower control arm and spindle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. ....updated 09/19/16 updated 06/18/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rear axle failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was also made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 10V656000 (suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that only NHTSA could add vins to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Related recalls
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from September 2009 through December 2010. Some vehicles May have experience a noise (growl, grind) coming from the rear axle bearing which could eventually seize.
Remedy: 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. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 689 complaints. The component named most often is rear (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-656 (spindle, Dec 24, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.