2011 Ram 4500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 2011 Ram 4500 problems
The 2011 Ram 4500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to steering issues. Here are the details of the problems based on the search results:
- Death Wobble: Another common issue with the 2011 Ram 4500 is the "death wobble," a severe front-end vibration that can occur at high speeds, primarily on rough roads or after hitting a bump. This problem is related to the suspension and steering systems and can be caused by various factors, including loose steering linkage, worn-out suspension components, or unbalanced tires. The death wobble can be dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving at high speeds, and should be addressed promptly.
- Tie Rod Assembly: The 2011 Ram 4500 has been recalled due to a problem with the left outer tie rod assembly. The ball stud and joint design used in the steering system’s left tie rod can become fatigued, degrading handling performance or fractured over time, leading to a loss of directional stability. This issue can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents. Chrysler will replace the left outer tie rod free of charge for affected vehicles.
- Exhaust System: One owner of a 2008 Ram 4500 reported an issue with the exhaust system, although the specific details of the problem are not provided in the search results. Exhaust system problems can lead to reduced vehicle performance, increased emissions, and potential safety hazards.
- Suspension: Another common issue with the 2011 Ram 4500 is related to the suspension system. One owner reported a problem, but the specific details of the issue are not provided in the search results. Suspension problems can lead to reduced vehicle handling, increased wear and tear on other components, and potential safety hazards.
In addition to these issues, the 2011 Ram 4500 has been affected by the ongoing Takata airbag recall, which has affected millions of vehicles across various manufacturers. The recall is due to a defective airbag inflator that can explode, causing metal fragments to fly and potentially injure or kill occupants. It is essential to check if your vehicle is affected by this recall and have the necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.
In summary, the 2011 Ram 4500 has several common problems, primarily related to steering and suspension systems. These issues can lead to reduced vehicle performance, increased wear and tear on other components, and potential safety hazards. It is crucial to address these problems promptly to ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.
Is the RAM 4500 reliable?
Ram 4500 Reliability Problems. 4500 owners have made 11 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 2nd in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real windows and electrical concerns.
Are there any recalls on a 2011 Ram 4500?
Chrysler is recalling 22,274 Sterling Bullet, Dodge Ram and Ram 4500 AND 5500 chassis cabs from the 2008-11 model years to fix a problem with steering components that could lead to a loss of vehicle control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What is the most common problem with a 2011 Ram 1500?
The leading cause of complaint for 2011 Ram drivers: fuel pump relay failures. The most common symptom being reported sees trucks losing power out on the road and drifting to a stop, but drivers are also reporting that the fuel pump keeps going after the truck is turned off.
Is the 2011 Ram 5500 reliable?
Ram 5500 owners have made 3 complaints about the 2008–2011 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability , with plenty of suspension concerns.
2011 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Ram 4500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Ram 4500.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-06
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE WATER PUMP FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO FRACTURE. THE FRACTURED SERPENTINE BELT CAUSED THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED FOR ABOUT 20 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-23
- VIN: 3D6WA6EL5BG
- Components: STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TOOK TRUCK IN FOR REPAIR. DIDN'T HAVE PARTS. SAID WOULD CALL WHEN GOT IN. NEVER CALLED. AFRAID TO DRIVE
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-31
- VIN: 3D6WA6CL5BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 4500. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-30
- VIN: 3D6WA6EL9BG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY OR JUNE 2014 AND THE DEALER STILL DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS. SAYS THEY ARE ON BACK-ORDER. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-31
- VIN: 3D6WU6EL8BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD. THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-30
- VIN: 3D6WU6CL0BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-12
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING) BUT THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-13
- VIN: 3D6WU6EL7BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3D6WU6EL7BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: OUR DELIVERY DRIVER WAS RETURNING TO SHOP AFTER A DELIVERY. HE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BECOMING VERY HARD WHEN HE PUSHED ON IT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, HE HAD NO BRAKES. HE THEN SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND STARTED TO COAST WITH IT, GRADUALLY SLOWING. A MINIVAN STOPPED ABRUPTLY IN THE VERY RIGHTMOST LANE RESULTING IN OUR TRUCK REAR ENDING IT. AT THIS TIME THE TRUCK HAD SLOWED TO SOMEWHERE IN THE 20 MPH RANGE. THEN HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND LIMPED THE TRUCK BACK TO THE SHOP. AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DODGE DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT A POWER STEERING LINE HAD BECOME KINKED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. NO OFFICIAL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND RELATING TO THE BRAKE LOSS. BOTH THE DEALER AND DODGE DENY THAT THERE IS ANY SERIOUS PROBLEM. HAD THERE BEEN AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO STOP, OUR TRUCK WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO. RESULTING IN A DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-18
- VIN: 3D6WU6EL9BG
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: DODGE HAS REFUSED TO REPLACED THE CRITICAL PART AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED BY DODGE EARLY IN 2014 ABOUT THE RECALL. DEALER SAID THAT REPLACEMENT WOULD BE MADE IN MAY 2014. WHEN CONTACTED IN MAY DEALER SAID THE REPLACEMENT WOULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2014. TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS PULL TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND SHOWS EXTREME WEAR ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. GIVEN THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS RECALL I WOULD LIKE THE REPLACEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE CONTINUAL DELAYS BY DODGE. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-08
- VIN: 3D6WU6CL3BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY SINCE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,300.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-12
- VIN: 3D6WU6EL0BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT A SPEED OF 1 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE OUTER TIE ROD WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V657000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-13
- VIN: 3D6WA6CL1BG
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED, WHEN CROSSING ON AN OVERPASS, THE STEERING WHEEL START VIOLENTLY SHAKING BACK AND FORTH. IT GOT SO BAD I HAD TO IMMEDIATE BRAKE HARD AND EXIT THE FREEWAY. IT DID NOT STOP SHAKING UNTIL I WAS NEARLY STOPPED. THIS TRUCK IS USED FOR MY BUSINESS AND NORMALLY HAS A GOOSENECK TRAILER WITH A CONTROL ROOM AND HEAVY UMBILICAL CABLES MOUNTED ON IT. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WITH A TRAILER ATTACHED, I KNOW I WOULD HAVE CRASHED. HAD THIS HAPPENED WITH SNOW OR ICE ON THE ROAD, I AM CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL, SPUN OUT AND MOST LIKELY FLIPPED THIS VEHICLE. I NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS EVER HAPPENING. A GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWED THOUSANDS OF INCIDENTS AND YOUTUBE SHOWS VIDEO OF WHAT I ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED. IT IS REAL AND JUSTIFIES THE TERM "DODGE DEATH WOBBLE". *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-06
- VIN: 3D6WA6EL2BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: IN A SLOW TIGHT TURN THE PASS SIDE TIE ROD END SHEARED OFF. *TR
2011 Ram 4500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2011 Ram 4500.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 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 charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is R16.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Ram 4500 problems:
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