2011 Ram 1500 QuadRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 689 owner complaints for the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad. Most complaints involve electrical system (214) and power train (176). NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system214
- Power train176
- Engine151
- Fuel/propulsion system128
- Steering45
- Suspension40
- Exterior lighting29
- Structure23
- Service brakes21
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 1500 Quad model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 28
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 21
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to purchase a new camper. While the vehicle was parked, the dealer made the contact aware that the passenger’s side turn signal and brake lights were inoperable on the rear towing electrical system, and that the integrated fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Power train
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and there was a loud popping and breaking sound coming from underneath the vehicle, causing the rear wheels to lock up. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear driveshaft had fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed the failure and recommended the installation of a new driveshaft, rear differential assembly, and failed pinion gear. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 250,000.”
Engine
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were old and fractured. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the motor mounts were fractured and that the vehicle backfired due to piston failure. The dealer replaced the motor mounts. The contact stated that the motor mounts were replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle was at a specialty shop for the engine to be replaced. While at the specialty shop, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were not replaced. The vehicle remained at the specialty shop unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.”
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 2 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 1 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 2 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 1 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2011 1500 Quad questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Ram 1500 Quad problems?
Owners filed 689 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (214), power train (176), engine (151). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
How safe is the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad 3 out of 5 stars overall.