2011 Ram 4500

Introduction

The 2011 Ram 4500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that offers exceptional power and towing capabilities. It comes equipped with a powerful 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-6 engine that delivers 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. The 4500 is available with two transmission options: a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual.

Ram owners appreciate the vehicle’s strong engine and impressive towing capacity. However, there have been some reported issues with the 4500, particularly with its engine and transmission.

Engine

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Inline-6

• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors, reprogram engine control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: 15V-508, 17V-568
• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, decreased fuel efficiency, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: 15V-310, 17V-159
• Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine performance issues, decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions
  • Solution: Clean or replace EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Shifting issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, delayed shifting
  • Solution: Replace transmission control module, reprogram computer, replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: 14V-523, 17V-169
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuttering or vibration when driving, loss of power, transmission overheating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, burning smell
  • Solution: Replace clutch disc and pressure plate
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or whining noises during operation
  • Solution: Replace or repair damaged transmission components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken leaf springs, decreased ride quality, handling issues
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or worn shock absorbers, poor ride quality, handling issues
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering lights, loss of electrical power, engine won’t start
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty electrical components (fuses, relays, wiring)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: 13V-527, 16V-840
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system issues
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on metal parts, especially around fenders and door panels
  • Solution: Clean and repair rusted areas, apply anti-rust treatment
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside the headlight assemblies
  • Solution: Replace or seal headlight assemblies
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat control switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperable or intermittent seat controls
  • Solution: Replace seat control switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperable or erratic climate control system, air conditioning or heating not working properly
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace system components (compressor, evaporator, condenser)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Ram 4500 is a powerful and capable truck, but it has experienced some significant issues, particularly with its engine and transmission. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. While some of these issues have been addressed through recalls, it’s important to be aware of potential problems before purchasing a used 4500.