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2011 Ram 2500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 298 owner complaints for the 2011 Ram 2500. Most complaints involve steering (210) and suspension (37).

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Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Dec 2017
Owner complaints
298
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

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

Engine and engine cooling: diesel

Remedy pending

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Oct 8, 2014NHTSA 14V635000

Steering: tie rod assembly

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

SteeringReported Nov 6, 2013NHTSA 13V529000
See all 4 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

298 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Sep 2026
  1. Steering210
  2. Suspension37
  3. Engine29
  4. Electrical system24
  5. Fuel/propulsion system17
  6. Power train16
  7. Engine and engine cooling11
  8. Service brakes10
  9. Structure5

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 2500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20095
2011298
20220
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

210 reports3 crashes
“The steering became uncontrollable and wobbled so violently I could not keep my hands on the wheel. It will be open for inspection at any time. The safety of all other road users and pedestrians were put in grave danger. Due to the complete loss of steering control. This has happened to other ram owners I have talked with as well. The problem was addressed by my local mechanic. He recommended replacing the entire front end steering and suspension components I agreed he did the work, he did the work. I also replaced all four tires with new and had them balanced. Within 2 weeks this death wobble happened. There are no warning lamps for this problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2024SteeringODI 11624723

Suspension

37 reports2 crashes
“DEATH WOBBLE - I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I DROVE OVER A BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT AND SUDDENLY THE TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I COULD NOT STEER. I COULD NOT BRAKE. WE NEARLY COLLIDED WITH A HIGHWAY DIVIDER AND OTHER VEHICLES. I HAD TO COAST DOWN TO 30 MPH OR SO WHEN IT RESOLVED ITSELF.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2017Steering, SuspensionODI 11041489

Engine

29 reports2 fires
“Vehicle was parked and turned off for 4 days. Spontaneously combusted from the engine bay. Local fire department extinguished. No open recalls found, indicating an un-fused component failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11765679
All 2011 2500 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Ram 2500 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 520Vehicle 519Vehicle 516
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 2500 questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Ram 2500 have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 2500 problems?

Owners filed 298 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (210), suspension (37), engine (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026