2011 RAM 1500: common problems and reliability
An average 1500 year.
2,067 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 1500?The 2011 RAM 1500 has 2067 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 RAM 1500 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 1500 years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the 1500?
Across the 13 1500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 606 (2023) to 3,834 (2013). With 2,067 complaints, the 2011 1500 sits above the model's median of 1,771.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 1500
power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Campaign 17V821000Chrysler (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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
Campaign 18V160000Chrysler (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.
power train:driveline:differential unit
Campaign 13V038000Chrysler 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.
suspension:rear:axle:spindle
Campaign 10V656000CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAM 1500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCE A NOISE (GROWL, GRIND) COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE BEARING WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY SEIZE.
What owners say across generations
\nMixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the 5th generation (DT, 2019+) are overwhelmingly positive, praising its best-in-class ride comfort, luxurious and spacious interior, and powerful engine options.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 1500. See the full 1500 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 1500 listings typically run $19,774–$34,186.
Other 1500 model years
Compare every 1500 year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 1500 against its rivals
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