2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Engine Problems

40 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 to NHTSA — 13% of all 298 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 65,000 miles. That ranks #2 of 18 Ram 2500 model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 19). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

40complaints
65ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
3fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine › Diesel
    3
  • Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    2
  • Exhaust system
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    627%
  • 25k–50k
    314%
  • 50k–75k
    523%
  • 75k–100k
    314%
  • 100k–150k
    314%
  • 150k+
    29%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Some electrical components became inoperative in the quick minute. Fuel pump was running continuedly till the battery was drained. Mechanic, I had used before told me that the TIPM Module was defective and needed replaced. Truck just before the battery died was that not all Eletronic's were working. Interior lights, horn, cruise control, FOBs not responding to the vehicle. Mechanic stated that the TPIM did need to be replaced. Contacted dealership were purchased and they told me that there have been recalls out on this particular part. I know that from 2009 to 2017 there have been several models that were impacted by this part being defective. I do have the invoice from the mechanic that took care of replacing the TIPM module.

Sep 2022

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred 10 days and 75 miles later. Blue smoke emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo extenuator failed and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 01/21/16

57,000 miles · Oct 2015 · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the exhaust tail pipe had excessive rust and was separated from the muffler. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there was excessive rust and the tail pipe needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the vehicle's spray on bed liner contained bubbles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · 82,000 miles · Apr 2015 · fire

Vehicle was parked and turned off for 4 days. Spontaneously combusted from the engine bay. Local fire department extinguished. No open recalls found, indicating an un-fused component failure.

Sep 2026 · fire

To whom it May concern, my wife and I own a 2011 Ram 2500 6.7 turbo diesel. It was purchased new by her parents. I bought the truck from my in-laws a year ago and it's just over 80,000 miles. Unfortunately, over the last 6 months, we have run into a couple of major engine problems: -o2 sensor (includes overlay harness and module replacement), approx $1,500 -turbocharger - variable flaps not operating properly, approx $5,000 (according to rairdon of monroe, wa) everything I have read and every mechanic I have talked to (including the Chrysler dealer) has said the only true fix is to delete the EGR/emissions and run the truck without it. It is very strange that the most trusted fix is an illegal option and there is no assistance from Chrysler for either of these known problems. …

80,000 miles · Feb 2019

There are two issues at hand here. One is the fuel pump fuse/relay. It went out but cant be fixed without replacing the entire fuse box as it is internally within fuse box. I did a bypass and replaced fuel pump, but I still have codes related to fuel system having a leak. When this issue happened, my wife was left stranded as the truck wouldn't turn on. Also, on a different note, I noticed my trailer brake light coming on saying it is disable and flashes on and off as I am driving. Not sure if this is related to the electrical aspect of it. The other was on engine. I have a 2011 Ram 2500 5.7 4x4. It started with having a cylinder 1 misfire. I replaced spark plugs and coils. Still had issue and after some research, I found out that the valve stem/spring in engine head break and cause the lifters and camshaft to rub and release metal shavings through out engine. …

177,000 miles · Jul 2020

The check engine light came on in my 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel on May 28th 2015. I called the Dodge dealer the next day and the earliest I cloud schedule an appointment was June 15th. I brought the truck in as scheduled and upon review the emission system was malfunctioning. The dealer made some repairs this day - a faulty wiring harness I was told and the problem was fixed. While driving home the check engine light reappeared. The dealer reexamined my truck the next day and the engine light problem again was diagnosed as the emissions system - this time the co2 sensor was defective. I was told the part was on back order day of and should arrive at the dealer in a week - it's been almost two months now and my california emissions problem has still not been rectified. I understand that co2 sensors are back ordered and not available at this time. …

33,000 miles · Jun 2015

Upon activating the high beam head lights, engine will begin missing and eventually stall. Headlights will blink off and on. All dash lights and electrical systems will also fluctuate power (radio, wipers, tail lights, hazards, front parking lights and turn signals). All gauges on the dash will go dead. While driving on 7/22/2016 at approximately 9:15 pm the high beam head lights were activated. The engine began to miss and all electrical systems began to turn off, and then back on. The engine stalled at approx 65 MPH leaving no power steering. Truck was able to be restarted once it was brought to rest on the shoulder. High beams could not be used or the problem would repeat. Make: Ram (Dodge) model: 2500 year: 2011 engine/powertrain: 6.7l cummins turbo diesel w/ 6 speed automatic.

70,000 miles · Jul 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the bolts that attached the exhaust manifold to the vehicle had fractured. As a result, the exhaust manifold detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced, and the exhaust manifold May need to be replaced as well. This would not be determined until the replacement of the bolts was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that due to the fact that a plow was placed on the truck, the repair was not covered under warranty. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. ...updated 03/13/17

Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · 40,000 miles · Dec 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to sterling Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram located at 5504 I-49 frontage rd, opelousas, la 70570, [phone], to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

178,000 miles · Jun 2020

Engine complaints in other Ram 2500 years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12121415142614281020371916363814264051
Engine complaints per model year, Dodge Ram 2500.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500?

NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500, 13% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (3 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500, 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 2500 engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.