2011 Dodge Ram Recalls, Issues & Maintenance
The 2011 Dodge Ram carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering labels and power steering fluid. No recurring owner-reported issue clusters are on file. Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.
4 Open Recalls
Source: NHTSAEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign #10V474000 · Jul 10, 2010
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign #10V474000 · Jul 10, 2010
Issue: 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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Campaign #10V616000 · Jul 12, 2010
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Campaign #10V616000 · Jul 12, 2010
Issue: 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
Campaign #10V475000 · Jul 10, 2010
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Campaign #10V475000 · Jul 10, 2010
Issue: 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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Campaign #10V657000 · Dec 24, 2010
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Campaign #10V657000 · Dec 24, 2010
Issue: 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.
Known issues for this vehicle
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Dodge Ram.
Reported to NHTSA
Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 18, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 18, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Essential maintenance
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)
Every 10,000 miChange when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Tire Rotation
Every 8,000 miRotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Brake Inspection
Every 10,000 miInspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Important maintenance
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000 miHEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Every 60,000 miGrand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Rear Differential Fluid
Every 60,000 miRWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Engine Air Filter
Every 30,000 miReplace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Serpentine Belt
Every 60,000 miInspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$195–$235
Shop
~$135–$165
DIY
~$20–$50
DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.
Recommended maintenance
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Cabin Air Filter
Every 20,000 miReplace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Coolant Replacement (OAT)
Every 100,000 miStellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Battery Test & Service
Every 25,000 miTest annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$225–$390
Shop
~$160–$280
DIY
~$130–$250
Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.
Fatal crash history & reported problems
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
186 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
complaints mentioning a fire
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Dodge Ram reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.