10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,694 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 4 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #91

May 292019

Ram 1500

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cam shaft oil control valve fragmented resulting in engine failure. I was in a parking lot and started the engine. The "check engine" light came on immediately. Drove directly the dealer, about 2 miles, to have checked. The engine ran poorly with very little acceleration. Cam code appeared. Only repair was a $10,000 long block engine replacement, because repair parts were on 3 to 6 month back order through the dealer. I purchased the truck new from this dealer and have had all service, recall and repairs done at this dealer. I was never informed that this type of catistrophic failure could occur at any time during my ownership, either by the dealer or Chrysler Corp. This was a defective internal part that could have been replaced, according to the dealer, before the part failed for $700. Chrysler did assign a case number and a worker that was able to provide a "one time good will" amount of $3000 toward the repairs. I was responsible for the remaining $6797. This was a preventable repair and I should not be held responsible for these type of problem. This part has many references on he internet.

- San Marcos, TX, USA

problem #90

Jan 012019

Ram 1500

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately. Also, while driving various speeds, the check engine indicator remained illuminated and the vehicle stalled randomly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cylinder was faulty. The cylinder was repaired, but the failures continued. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #89

Apr 032019

Ram 1500

  • 65,000 miles
Exhaust manifolds warped and broke the manifold bolts

- Lakewood, OH, USA

problem #88

Apr 102019

Ram 1500

  • 115,104 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine light cam on while driving on city streets, mechanic recommended replace plugs and coil, still showing problem. Mechanic recommended replace fuel injectors, still showing problem, now he says it is the cam shaft and lifter - he tells me this is going to cost an additional $4000., and there is a big back order of these parts from Dodge and it will take at least 3 months. Now doing research I discover this is happening to scores of people - where is the recall"?"

- Woodstock, GA, USA

problem #87

Mar 282019

Ram 1500

  • 189,000 miles
I was driving on the expressway and I experienced a loss of power. Upon diagnosing the problem, the mechanic said I have a misfire in cylinder #2. tested all plugs and coil packs. They check good. Mechanic stated it's a camshaft and lifters that failed. Upon further investigation, I found 1000's of complaints on the internet about this same problem. This needs to be addressed by Chrysler and a recall should be on this engine.

- Rockdale, IL, USA

problem #86

Dec 182018

Ram 1500

  • 170,925 miles
Occurred while driving - engine code flashed on dashpanel - dealership indicated that one of the hydraulic lifters on cylinder #8 seized, which then caused significant damage to the lobe on the cam. Chrysler engineers and technicians at the dealership cannot determine the cause of the damage to the motor. Every testing specification for the motor comes back as within engineering specs... the only suggestion that Chrysler has at this point (which is after $4800 in repairs, and an additional 57 hours of diagnostics) is to replace the motor..."? why" the engine tests are all within specifications...

- Bridgton, ME, USA

problem #85

Aug 172018

Ram 1500

  • 158,256 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At 158256 miles 5.7 hemi developed a miss fire while going 70 mph on the interstate. Problem was found to be caused by a failed lifter which required major repair and cost, cylinder head lifters, camshaft and associated parts needed replacement at a cost of $6000. After seeing multiple reports from other owners for the same issue I believe this shows poor quality in this 5.7 hemi. Dodge needs to do something to compensate affected owners who have no choice but to fix this costly engine failure due to still existing loan responsibilities. This issue instantly puts an owner in a upside down position owning the vehicle.

- Ottawa, KS, USA

problem #84

Mar 012019

Ram 1500

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While driving various speeds, the contact heard loud abnormal noises and the engine seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated and the failure occurred intermittently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. An unknown local dealer diagnosed that the camshaft and lifters needed to be repaired. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Shady Shores, TX, USA

problem #83

Mar 012019

Ram 1500

  • 100,000 miles
I have a 2011 Ram 1500 quad cab with the 5.7 hemi engine. The tipm started faulting and not letting the fuel pump run and start the car. Then it stopped the trailer/tow lights connection in the rear not working while I was in the middle of towing a trailer. The anti-slip was activated all the time and it turned off the vehicles radio and back up camera.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

problem #82

Dec 132017

Ram 1500

  • 140,000 miles
At 140000 miles truck kick check engine light had it checked by mechanic code P0301 showed cylinder 1 misfire. Did trouble shooting, changing plugs, coil pack, injector cleaner, and air intake sensor. Nothing worked. Did compression check and found cylinder 1 has lost compression. Maybe broken valve spring, when tried to replace found valve was barely moving. Plus had a lifter tapping noise. Cost for repairs will be over $4000. Found out this is a common occurrence for this year truck with the 5 7 hemi.

- Republic, PA, USA

problem #81

Jan 072019

Ram 1500

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle will not start not getting fuel, remote start won't work.the problems are related to a faulty fuel pump relay and the no-start often occur when the vehicle is cold and progressively get worse. My research shows that this issue is related to a recall for faulty fuel relays that are very common in 2011-2013 vehicles, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge durangos but they were the only vehicles recalled. The problem is intermittent sometimes days apart or multiple times the same day. I an dating this today but have had issues since December 2018 if not longer.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #80

Jan 162019

Ram 1500

  • 139,000 miles
There has been a recall for other models same year but not one issued for the Ram yet. I am having a problem with the tipm which was recalled on the Jeep and Grand Caravan. The truck tries to start but isnt getting enough fuel so there is a delay and several dry starts also the truck died the other day on me in traffic causing me to almost get hit on the driver side. I have the truck parked at home right now scared to drive it. Called Dodge directly after some investigating and they cant answer my questions.

- New Market, AL, USA

problem #79

Jan 102019

Ram 1500

  • 85,000 miles
Engine started misfiring in the no.1 cylinder and violently shaking, vehicle then lost power to the engine nearly causing me to be rear ended. Took it to the repair shop and defective lifters and camshaft were found, with only 85K miles this should not happen. Did research and this is a very common issue for the 5.7 engines, definitely needs investigated.

- Dudley, NC, USA

problem #78

Jan 072019

Ram 1500

  • 100,000 miles
Vehicle motor stops running during driving all power is lost, had happened more than 3 times over time and starting to do it more often very dangerous to have your vehicle shut off while you're driving it.

- Bandera, TX, USA

problem #77

Aug 152018

Ram 1500

  • 53,866 miles
The engine was losing power on driving and upon acceleration the rpms increased but the speed did not increase - slight shuddering. Engine light came on. P0305 code. Upon removal of the left cylinder head it was noted that the lifters and cam shaft was damaged. All lifters and cam shaft was replaced with mopar parts. P0305 code re-occured within 4 weeks of repair.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #76

Nov 062018

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle three to four times in which it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to addy's harbor Dodge Ram Fiat (4849 us-501, myrtle beach, SC 29579, usa, 843-353-6761) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and started an investigation. The failure mileage was 137,000. Contact determined that fuel pump relay integrated into the (timp-fusebox) was permanently in closed position. Your recall R09/NHTSA 15V-115. Contacts short term remedy is to "jump" power to fuel pump from accessories circuit in (tipm). Incident occurred before relay became closed.

- Myrtle Beach, NC, USA

problem #75

Oct 282018

Ram 1500

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle windows failed to stay up and all the doors failed to remain locked, which drained the battery. Also, when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, it failed to start and the check engine warning indicator remained illuminated. In addition, while driving 40 mph, the vehicle would lurch forward. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. Once restarted, the vehicle was able to drive normally. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #74

Oct 082018

Ram 1500

  • 176,432 miles
Hydraulic lifters rollers seized and damage can shaft

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #73

Jul 122018

Ram 1500

  • 130,000 miles
My truck is in excellent condition and has been faithfully serviced at the dealership where purchased. It has 130K highway miles. Driving away from dealership after routine oil & lube, I noticed the engine was idling roughly at a nearby stop light. A few days later the cel illuminated. On 19 Jul 2018 I returned to the dealership to have it checked. The invoice/ service summary states:"check engine light is on. Test and found cylinder #3 misfire. Swap spark plug, and coil. Still has #3 misfire. Can hear possable lifter noise. Will need to take apart engine to test." The service adviser told me cam shaft lifter wear is a known problem with the 5.7 liter hemis. He said they've had several cases at that dealership, and there were 70,000 parts on back order nation wide related to the problem. He also told me the estimated cost to repair would be $3,500 - $4,000. The invoice to check the cel was $122.91. I was told it should be safe to drive. Internet search of this problem confirms it is widespread. My engine now sputters and shudders when under pressure/ acceleration. Cel has remained illuminated. I'm stuck: Can't get parts to repair, can't sell/ trade it with this issue, growing more concerned about driving it. Help please.

- Newmarket, NH, USA

problem #72

Apr 252018

Ram 1500

  • 135,000 miles
Dodge Ram 1500 2011. Cylinder 3 misfire. Whenever I would go over 2K rpms or 70mph the truck would shake uncontrollably. I would have to pull off on the shoulder and restart my vehicle for the problem to go away. On 2 lane roads I would often hold up traffic because I could not accelerate. Many times, this problem made it unsafe for me to drive. When I was going 65mph down the highway and my truck would start to shake and slow down to 30 mph I was almost hit a number of times. Took it to a mechanic where they changed the spark plug and coil with no fix. Took it to a mopar shop where they also changed the coil. This ran fine for about 10 miles then the same problem occurred. I took it back to mopar where they went more in depth and found that it was a problem with the lifter/roller and cam. The lifter got stuck and made a grove in the cam. I could replace them for 4.5K or replace the engine for 8K. With all the metal floating in my engine from the cam, I am going to replace the engine. This is absurd for Ram to have not commented on this problem or fine a recall. They are afraid they will lose money and lose investors because this fix is not cheap. It is ridiculous for a "reputable" truck like Ram to have this issue and not give a solution.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

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