Research

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.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
689
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

689 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system214
  2. Power train176
  3. Engine151
  4. Fuel/propulsion system128
  5. Steering45
  6. Suspension40
  7. Exterior lighting29
  8. Structure23
  9. Service brakes21

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

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
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

214 reports4 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2026Electrical systemODI 11727943

Power train

176 reports5 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Power trainODI 11765317

Engine

151 reports2 crashes4 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11728126
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
2 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
1 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
3 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/CC RWD
Frontal crash
2 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
1 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 676Vehicle 109
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026