Most common 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 5500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 5500 years: 2009. Years to avoid: 2012. Compare all years →
2011 Dodge Ram 5500 recalls (4)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel system, diesel
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of…
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 owners say
Steering
Driver was traveling east on nicholson lane, slowed to make a left turn onto nebel st. At which time he was traveling 10 MPH or less. The driver made the turn and lost steering on the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 and went into the oncoming lane of traffic on nebel st. Striking 3 vehicles. The accident investigator determined the accident to be a mechanical failure. A Chrysler representative said it was not. This is the second 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 that has had the same failure. Both resulting in an accident. This accident involved other people and property. I have full documentation on the previous accident which happened in 2011 on a vehicle with VIN: [redacted] which had approximately 65,000 miles at the time of the incident. I begged Chrysler to look into the problem then, they denied any faulty parts and claimed the damage was a result of the accident. …
Left side tie rod end broke off and fell to the ground. This occurred in our parking lot as the truck pulled in at the end of the day. Thankfully it didn't happen while he was driving. This is a huge safety hazard!!!
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Dodge Ram 5500. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire under the front of the vehicle near the engine compartment. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if a police and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) and 13V527000 (steering); however, the recall notices were received after the vehicle was destroyed due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
-control modules require updates (ECM and TCM) which you have to pay $120.00 for the updates. It May cause drivability issues. -intake tube clamps need replacing which you can't buy the clamp you have to purchase the intake hose for $379.92.
Fuel & propulsion system
While driving, at random, a warning will display stating the following: "service def system. Engine will not start at 200 miles. See dealer" this has happened 10 or more times since we purchased the truck. We have the same problem with another 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 which we purchased with this one. When we bring it to the dealer, they cant give an exact reason why this keeps occurring. They once told me "its because the vehicle was going 65 MPH on the high way while towing a vehicle." the check engine light has been on in this vehicle since the month we purchased it. The dealership has a hard time shutting it off & keeping it off. This system lock-down of our Ram tow truck's is unpredictable, and a major problem for our business & needs to be properly addressed and fixed.
Received safety recalls #p65/NHTSA 14v-635 and #n63/NHTSA 13v-527 Chrysler states in their notice that the parts are not available but they would send a letter to the vehicle owner when they are. Have contacted the dealer several times to check on the parts. As of this date nothing has been received from Chrysler and the dealer hasn't an answer. This vehicle is a fire dept emergency response vehicle. Would like an update from Chrysler. The fire dept just received another safety recall on this vehicle #p27.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Ram 5500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 5500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500?
The steering — 11 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and fuel & propulsion system (6).
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Ram 5500, the most recent from December 20, 2017 (column shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 5500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012. See the full Dodge Ram 5500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 62% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.