Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. 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. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Don't 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! I want to know what happened?! 2011, dodge ram 1 ton 6.7diesel Cummings ! also melted my boat 2010 nitro Z7 with a 150 mercury bass boat $28,000 boat worth more than that now whet up in value! It had 15 hours only on engine! It's not completely lost I pray...
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?
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. While driving 50 MPH, the water pump bearing disintegrated. There was excessive steam and smoke that impacted the driver's visibility, which caused the driver to have to brake extensively to coast the vehicle over to a complete stop. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the internal water pump leakage. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility for further diagnostic testing. A dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling); although, the vehicle exhibited the same failure related to the recall campaign. The contact wanted to determine if this was a concentric-brand water pump and if the manufacturer's remedy provided a newly designed water pump with a hole. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. …
I purchased truck around March 1, 2014 with 48415 miles, on March 14,2014 we were on the interstate with a 4 horse trailer in tow when the vehicle stalled without warning, vehicle shuttered, check engine light came on. We started to pull over then we regained power. We called the dealership that we purchased it from when we got to our destination, they told us to power off for 15 minutes and restart with the remote starter, this took the check engine light off. The same problem occured on May 1, 2015, interstate with horse trailer in tow again. This time we noticed the fuel dropped and the fuel milage indicator started flickering, we let off the fuel peddle and repressed regaining power, about 1 mile down the road it happened again the shutter was harder, we had to tap the fuel peddle 2 time to regain power. We notice the miletoempty went from 90 to 60 when it happened. …
The vehicle was purchased new and has been in my possession since. The vehicle is used very little in comparison with other vehicles this age (62518 miles). The vehicle is housed in a garage when not in use. I have never had a water pump problem on any vehicle with so little miles. Is there a problem with this water pump???? I started the vehicle and allowed it to warm about 3 - 5 minutes as is my practice, and drove away. I had driven approximately 6.5 miles when the heater began to blow cold air. I checked the temperature gauge and notice the temperature beginning to rise rapidly. I pulled the truck to the side of the road and shut it off. On close inspection I noticed that the coolant I was adding ran out as fast as it was going in. The bushing around the impeller shaft was as if it was missing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that after driving 100 miles and the vehicle was parked, the contact could smell the engine overheating. The failure recurred on two other occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 5/20/15 the consumer stated as of May 1, 2015, the vehicle had not yet been repaired. Updated 6/30/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the rpms decreased, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to lose engine power without warning. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to the floorboard and the vehicle began to regain power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to bring in the vehicle if the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 06/22/17 the consumer stated the failure occurred while driving at slow speeds or idled. The power steering and brakes. Updated 10/19/2017
We have noticed for the last month or so our truck shutting of randomly while driving, however 2/7/2016 coming home in the dark at 80 miles per hour the truck shut off driving down the freeway. I have a brother same model truck experiencing the same issues. This is a safety concer, the truck and all lights shut off at 80 miles per hour I want this fixed and investigated
Engine complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 11% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 5 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 3500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire 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.