Research · 2 NHTSA variants

2011 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 689 owner complaints for the 2011 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve electrical system (214) and power train (176). NHTSA gives it 2–3 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
2–3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2018
Owner complaints
689
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Mar 8, 2018NHTSA 18V160000

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Power trainReported Dec 20, 2017NHTSA 17V821000

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Power trainReported Feb 6, 2013NHTSA 13V038000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA 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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200937
2011689
20131,282
20141,780
20151,460
20161,554
2017884
2018667
20191,496
2020642
2021685
2022637
2023205
20240
20260
Crashes reported
28
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 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 Nov 6, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
2/ 5
2 of 5
Ram 1500 PU/RC 4WD
Frontal crash
2 of 5
Side crash
3 of 5
Side pole
1 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
3 / 5
Ram 1500 PU/RC RWD
Frontal crash
2 of 5
Side crash
3 of 5
Side pole
1 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
3 / 5
Ram 1500 Crew 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 Crew 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 Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 515Vehicle 106Vehicle 517
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 questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Ram 1500 have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Ram 1500 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?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Ram 1500 2–3 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026