2011 Dodge RAM 3500

225 complaints on file, page 1 of 12.

1. Filed Aug 15, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Oxford, WISteering, Suspension

   Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3-6-2026 and it only has 155,000 miles on it. The "Death Wobble has been a known problem on Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks built form 1994 through 2012 according to the internet. Yet nothing seems to have been done to fix it.

   NHTSA complaint 11757090
2. Filed Aug 15, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026Oxford, WISteering, Suspension

   At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3/6/2026 and the truck only has 155,000 Miles on it. From what I've read on the internet the "death wobble" is pretty common in Ram trucks from 1994 all the way through 2012 yet Ram hasn't done anything to fix the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11757085
3. Filed Mar 3, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026Troy, MIElectrical system

   A mechanic at professional auto shop diagnosed the failed TIPM. It caused the fuel sending pump in the fuel tank to stop pumping. The truck stalled while driving on the highway leaving me stranded in 2-degree weather. I read online that there was a lawsuit for this issue but don't know how to file to recoup the $1200+ repair bill on top of the $200 cost to tow it to the auto repair shop. There was an electrical draw and emergency flashers randomly turning on causing the batteries to die a month prior to the failure of the TIPM. I did have the check engine light come on when the fuel pump was cutting out and stalling. The truck is currently in the shop, and they ordered a new remanufactured TIPM.

   NHTSA complaint 11721694
4. Filed Dec 8, 2025Failure Mar 8, 2025145,000 milesWasilla, AKIntegrated trailer brake control

   The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the OEM trailer brake controller indicated that the trailer brake was disconnected even though it was attached correctly. The failure occurred while different trailers were hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact replaced the OEM brakes with new OEM brakes; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that there was not enough amp signal to recognize that the trailer was connected. The mechanic attached a magnetic pigtail line with magnets attached to both ends, and the vehicle recognized that the trailer was connected. The cause of failure was found; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11703652
5. Filed Dec 6, 2025Failure Nov 19, 2025Wapakoneta, OHUnknown or other

   While driving 70mph on the interstate, the truck randomly shut off. I lost power steering. Luckily I was going straight and there were no curves in the road, and I managed to pull the truck and trailer to the side of the road. All electrical assist, steering and brakes turned completely off, radio turned off, all electrical power was off. The engine shut off as well. As I was pulling over, the electrical turned back on but the engine did not. Once I was stopped, I turned the key off, waited 30 seconds, and then started the truck. It ran fine the rest of the way home, approximately 30 miles. I have not drove the truck since. This has happened 3 times, once parked idling after I pressed the door unlock button and the other time in the middle of an intersection. I took the truck to the dealership, paid for the inspection fee, but they could not recreate or find any wiring problems. It did throw a code when it happened, U0121 (Lost communication with ABS module). The dealer said they had to recreate it to diagnosis. I am fearful if I continue to drive the truck to pull my trailer, this could happen again while I am in a turn and I will not be able to continue to turn or stop the vehicle without electrical assist. Dodge does not seem interested in trying to fix this safety issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11703434
6. Filed Nov 25, 2024Failure Jan 15, 202296,000 milesMcallen, TXElectrical system, Engine

   The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6 to misfire. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11627228
7. Filed Sep 20, 2024Failure Aug 1, 201320,000 milesRapid City, SDSteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11615609
8. Filed Nov 18, 2023Failure Nov 13, 2023Ash Flat, ARVisibility/wiper

   Coming home at night ran into a horde of bugs, I had just had the wiper reservoir filled. It was empty and I had to stop and wipe my windshield by hand. i looked on line I seen several owners had the same problem this I believe to be a manufactured problem. The dealer wants 400 hundred to replace the reservoir I believe this to be a Chrysler safety problem that has occurring to to many 2011 and 2012 vehicles,

   NHTSA complaint 11555819
9. Filed Apr 10, 2023Failure Apr 10, 2023Paris, TNElectrical system, EngineFire

   Don’t know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. I believe I believe it was exhaust? Fire department would write out report and send it to me. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything down! I want to know what happened?! 2011, dodge ram 1 ton 6.7diesel Cummings ! also melted my boat 2010 nitro Z7 with a 150 mercury bass boat $28,000 boat worth more than that now whet up in value! It had 15 hours only on engine! It’s not completely lost I pray…

   NHTSA complaint 11516414
10. Filed Feb 27, 2022Failure Feb 12, 2022Coldwater, KSElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    I had a recall on the fuel heater plug and took care of the problem a few years back. I noticed today that the plug is leaking fuel and was wondering if the problem was ever fixed or if they used the same recalled parts? Do you ever recall an already recalled part? or do they ever pay for the part if I fix it myself?

    NHTSA complaint 11454389
11. Filed Feb 3, 2022Failure Feb 2, 2022Poulsbo, WASteering

    The passenger side tire rod in the steering linkage that connects from one tire to the other fell out of the adjusting tube it was screwed into. This caused both wheels to canter out for a total loss of steering. I had just refueled and was going 2mph turning out of the gas station. Had I been back on the single lane hwy at 50mph the loss of steering would have resulted in a head on collision or dumping me into the forest trees. Having worked on similar front end parts in the past I find this absurd that those parts would simply pull apart, even if it were involved in striking a curb (which was not the case here). I have asked to repair facility to save the parts.

    NHTSA complaint 11450294
12. Filed Sep 5, 2021Failure Sep 4, 2021Somerville, TXSteering

    Steering wheel locked while vehicle was being driven at approximately 60mph. All other systems functioned normally. With about 2' of play in locked steering wheel vehicle made it to road shoulder. Restarted vehicle 3 times but steering wheel remained locked. Put car in "D" and "R" successfully and vehicle would move normally but steering wheel remained locked. All other electrical and mechanical systems function normally. No warning lights on dash were displayed. Called LIthia Dodge in Bryan/College Station(where vehicle was eventually towed). They suggested disconnect battery for 15" and system might reset. It did not. I disconnected Battery a 2nd time for about a minute. Steering still locked. Vehicle towed to Lithia where they willmlook at it Tuesday September 7, 2021. This had never happened before.

    NHTSA complaint 11431815
13. Filed Jun 24, 2020Failure Mar 15, 2020171,000 milesAlbany, GAPower train

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING WITH, SERVICE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11330463
14. Filed May 11, 2020Failure May 1, 2020129,000 milesLewistown, PAElectrical system, Electronic stability control (esc), Visibility/wiper

    THIS IS THE SECOND RAM 3500 I HAVE PURCHASED IN A YEAR AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE BLENDING DOORS FOR THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITION UNIT. WITH THAT BEING SAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEFROST WILL NOT WORK WHEN THE BLENDING DOOR ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THIS CAUSE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD NOT TO BE ABLE TO DEFROST WHEN IT IS STARTED OR WHEN IT FOGS UP WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD WHICH PUT MY FAMILY AND OTHER FAMILY AT RISK BECAUSE I CAN NOT SEE PROPERLY OUT THE WINDSHIELD TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A LARGE VEHICLE AND WOULD BE DEVASTATING IF I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. DODGE HAS RECALLED THIS ISSUE ON OTHER MODELS UNDER K17, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE YEAR THAT I OWN. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11324086
15. Filed Dec 13, 2019Failure Jul 21, 2019130,000 milesPooler, GASteering

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 3500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STEER THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL OR THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JERK IN ONE DIRECTION AND SEIZE IN THAT POSITION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM NORTH SAVANNAH (LOCATED AT 1100 CHATHAM PKWY, SAVANNAH, GA 31405, 912-712-7900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE POWER STEERING COOLER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

    NHTSA complaint 11288884
16. Filed Dec 10, 2019Failure Oct 15, 201997,500 milesEden, WYElectrical system

    WHEN GOING ON ROUGH ROADS VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. HAVE TO MANIPULATE IGNITION TO GET TO START AGAIN. MY FAMILY HAS 3 OF THESE TRUCKS AND ALL ARE HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES. JUST HAD IGNITION MODULE REPLACED ON A 2012 RAM WITH 100000 MILES BECAUSE IT SHUT OFF WHEN GOING DOWN ROAD AND FRIGHTENED DRIVER. WHEN TRUCK DIES YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. SEARCH ON INTERNET SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM TO MANY WITH TRUCKS OF THIS YEAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11288127
17. Filed Apr 18, 2019Failure Apr 10, 201998,000 milesFlorence, TXEngine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE WATER PUMP BEARING DISINTEGRATED. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE STEAM AND SMOKE THAT IMPACTED THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO BRAKE EXTENSIVELY TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE INTERNAL WATER PUMP LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. A DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE RELATED TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT WANTED TO DETERMINE IF THIS WAS A CONCENTRIC-BRAND WATER PUMP AND IF THE MANUFACTURER'S REMEDY PROVIDED A NEWLY DESIGNED WATER PUMP WITH A HOLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. * CONSUMER STATED WATER PUMP, IT BROKE THE SERPENTINE BELT WHICH POWERS STEERING AND BRAKES. WHEN THE WATER PUMP FAILED, IT BROKE THE SERPENTINE BELT WHICH POWERED THE STEERING AND BRAKES. I COULD NOT TURN BUT COULD SLIGHTLY MOVE THE WHEEL ENOUGH TO GET THE SIDE OF ROAD. MY ELECTRIC THAILOR BRAKES WERE ALL THAT STOPPED MY TRUCK!!!*JB

    NHTSA complaint 11197141
18. Filed Mar 31, 2019Failure Mar 22, 201952,618 milesPocatello, IDEngine

    THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS BEEN IN MY POSSESSION SINCE. THE VEHICLE IS USED VERY LITTLE IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER VEHICLES THIS AGE (62518 MILES). THE VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A WATER PUMP PROBLEM ON ANY VEHICLE WITH SO LITTLE MILES. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THIS WATER PUMP???? I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ALLOWED IT TO WARM ABOUT 3 - 5 MINUTES AS IS MY PRACTICE, AND DROVE AWAY. I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 6.5 MILES WHEN THE HEATER BEGAN TO BLOW COLD AIR. I CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND NOTICE THE TEMPERATURE BEGINNING TO RISE RAPIDLY. I PULLED THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT IT OFF. ON CLOSE INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE COOLANT I WAS ADDING RAN OUT AS FAST AS IT WAS GOING IN. THE BUSHING AROUND THE IMPELLER SHAFT WAS AS IF IT WAS MISSING.

    NHTSA complaint 11192736
19. Filed Feb 10, 2019Failure Feb 9, 201961,000 milesEnglewood, COSteering

    I HAVE A 2011 RAM 3500 DUALLY CUMMINS TRUCK. IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT WILL START A VERY VIOLENT SHAKE THAT CAUSED ME TO VEER INTO THE NEXT LANE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES TOWING MY RV OR NOT TOWING. THIS TRUCK HAS 61,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS THE TIE ROD RECALL DONE, THE STEERING GEAR BOX REPLACED, SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. THIS TRUCK IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEED ( 65 MPH ). IT PASSED ALIGNMENT AT BRANDON DODGE AND BIG O TIRE COMPANY. I AM NOW AFRAID TO PULL MY RV AND EVEN DRIVE THIS TRUCK ON ANY HIGHWAY. I HAVE DONE MUCH RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND CHRYSLER CLAIMS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN FIXED. THESE TRUCKS ARE BUILT AND CLAIM TO BE ABLE TO TOW VERY HEAVY LOADS. THEY ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP IS TO SLOW TO 25 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR WHILE BEING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THIS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT FIAT CHRYSLER HAS CLAIMED TO BE FIXED, BUT ITS NOT FIXED THROUGH THE CURRENT RECALL. PLEASE HELP MY SELF AS WELL AS MANY HEAVY DUTY CHRYSLER OWNERS TO GET THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED. THANKYOU!

    NHTSA complaint 11176101
20. Filed Jan 24, 2019Failure Dec 17, 2018540,000 milesMassillon, OHUnknown or other1 injured

    W 17, 2018 MY HUSBAND STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER OF A TWO LANE ROAD AND BELIEVES HE PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK; THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, UNBUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT, OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED ONTO THE GROUND. AT THAT POINT THE TRUCK BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD. HE RAN TO TRY TO CATCH IT AND FELL. THE LEFT REAR DUAL RAN OVER HIS LEFT FOOT, RIGHT ANKLE, AND UP THE BACK OF THE RIGHT LEG AS FAR AS THE HIP. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND BUT ROLLED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT, INTO A SHALLOW DITCH OR DEPRESSION. SLIGHT ELEVATION ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DITCH STOPPED THE FORWARD MOTION 20 OR 30 FEET FROM THE POINT AT WHICH IT BEGAN. WHEN MY HUSBAND EVENTUALLY REACHED THE TRUCK IT WAS IN DRIVE. IF HE NEGLECTED TO PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK, WHY DID IT NOT BEGIN TO ROLL AS SOON AS HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE? THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR IMPEDIMENTS OF ANY KIND TO PREVENT IT. CAN THIS BE RELATED TO THE SHIFT INTERLOCK SAFETY RECALL, 17V-821? CHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE SO. THAT PART HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED BUT WE ARE WARY ABOUT USING THE TRUCK. ARE THERE OTHER REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THIS TYPE?

    NHTSA complaint 11171826