2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints500 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 113 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 5% worse than the 2011 standard pickup truck average of 16.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 500 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Ram 1500 Pickup — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Ram 1500 Pickup →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-5%$4,200555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-5%$4,750555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 15-11%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-6%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-6%$5,050592
Spend $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
16.9 MPG2011 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup.

Similar 2011 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (this car)16 MPGNot rated8
2011 Ford F-15019 MPGNot rated6
2011 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated9
2011 Toyota Tundra18 MPGNot rated10
2011 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated10
2011 Nissan Titan15 MPGNot rated1
2011 GMC Sierra21 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (8)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Mar 8, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V160000 · 218,617 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Feb 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, 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 N08.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Dec 24, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
Risk
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Dec 24, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V656000 · 60,382 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER 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.
Risk
A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid · Dec 7, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V616000 · 62,166 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2009 THROUGH OCTOBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE AND A HYDROBOOST BRAKE SYSTEM MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP WITH EXCESSIVE VENT PRESSURE LEVELS THAT MAY RESULT IN BRAKE PEDALS THAT ARE SLOW TO RETURN.
Risk
BRAKE LIGHTS THAT ARE SLOW TO EXTINGUISH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Oct 7, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V475000 · 23,237 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Risk
LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 7, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V474000 · 772 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM D2, DJ, AND DS-BODY VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." SOME VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS PRINTED WITH INCORRECT WEIGHT OR SEATING CAPACITY INFORMATION.
Risk
THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS THAT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, THEY MAY TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CHRYSLER DEALER FOR INSTALLATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

500Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
92,747 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System187
Engine139
Fuel/Propulsion System119
Power Train74
Unknown Or Other43
Steering36
Suspension20
Exterior Lighting18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/08: 123/10: 323/11: 223/12: 124/01: 424/02: 124/03: 124/04: 224/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 125/05: 125/06: 225/07: 125/08: 125/10: 125/12: 126/01: 226/03: 226/07: 126/09: 123/0823/1224/0324/0624/0925/0625/1026/03max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 187 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 139 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 119 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,747 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ram 1500 Pickup years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2012 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated6618
2010 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated9271
2009 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4360
2008 Ram 1500 Pickup17–Not rated6364
2007 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4306
2006 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4349
2005 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4816

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →