2011 RAM 1500 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2011 RAM 1500 has 1 complaint and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. The single complaint involves the fuel tank detaching from the vehicle while driving at 45 MPH. The owner reported an abnormal noise underneath the truck before discovering the fuel tank was being dragged by the wires. The issue was traced to a corroded fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket and repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was informed but refused to perform the recall repair.
Common Issues
- Fuel tank detachment. The fuel tank can separate from the frame due to corrosion of the front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket, causing noise and potential dragging hazards.
The 2011 RAM 1500 has four recalls affecting components including the rear axle, driveline, fuel system, and transmission linkage. These recalls address safety risks such as axle seizure, driveline lockup, fuel tank detachment, and unintended vehicle rollaway.
Recalls
- Rear axle spindle. (NHTSA Recall 10V656000) About 60,382 trucks are affected by a defect causing noise from the rear axle bearing, which can seize. Failure may cause the vehicle to stall increasing crash risk. Owners are notified to receive an oil port insert installation free of charge.
- Rear axle pinion nut. (NHTSA Recall 13V038000) A total of 278,674 trucks have an undersized pinion spline allowing the pinion nut to loosen. Loosening may cause the axle to lock up leading to loss of control or a crash. Chrysler offers retention of pinion nut or options including vehicle repurchase with additional incentives.
- Fuel tank mounting bracket. (NHTSA Recall 18V160000) Approximately 218,617 trucks with front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket corrosion are at risk of the fuel tank dropping and causing fuel leaks or fire hazards. A bracket reinforcement is installed at no charge starting May 2018.
- Brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI). (NHTSA Recall 17V821000) Over 1.48 million trucks are affected by a BTSI pin that may stick open, allowing shifting out of PARK without the brake pedal or key. Risk of unintended rollaway exists. Dealers provide software updates and BTSI inspections with replacements if needed.
Owners with repeated repairs or unresolved recall issues involving safety-related defects may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified attorney could provide guidance on next steps.
2011 RAM 1500 Summary
2011
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
2040547
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2011 RAM 1500
218617 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
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.
2011 RAM 1500
1482874 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.
2011 RAM 1500
278674 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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.
2011 RAM 1500
60382 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
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.
Complaints
2011 RAM 1500
ID: 2099373FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal sound was coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed the fuel tank was being dragged by the wires. A driver pulled over and assisted the contact by strapping the fuel tank back in place. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Parts distribution disconnect.