2011 Ram 1500 MPG
The 2011 Ram 1500 gets 13–14 mpg in the city and 18–20 on the highway (15–16 combined), across the 5 versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, at 16 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 4.7-liter 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive and is rated 15 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2010 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Midgrade · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 · 592 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 · 592 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Midgrade · 592 g CO₂/mi |
2011 Ram 1500 fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2011 Ram 1500 costs about $4,080 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (16 mpg combined), or roughly 27 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (15 mpg combined) comes to about $4,360 a year, $270 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2011 Ram 1500 specs
2011 Ram 1500 buyers could choose between 3 engines, according to EPA records: 4.7 L 8-cyl, 5.7 L 8-cyl and 3.7 L 6-cyl. It came with an automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. The EPA classes it as a standard pickup truck.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L | 8 | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 5.7 L | 8 | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.7 L | 6 | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2011 Ram 1500 problems
Owners have filed 689 complaints about the 2011 Ram 1500 with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Electrical system is the most-reported area (22% of component mentions), followed by power train (18%) and engine (15%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 43 complaints a year: more than the 2010 (29 a year) and about as many as the 2012 (46 a year).
That ranks 13th of 17 Ram 1500 model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 689, 28 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 17 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 214 | 22% |
| Power train | 180 | 18% |
| Engine | 151 | 15% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 128 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 46 | 5% |
| Steering | 45 | 5% |
| Suspension | 40 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 29 | 3% |
| Structure | 23 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 21 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 2% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 14 | 1% |
| Air bags | 13 | 1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 12 | 1% |
| Tires | 10 | 1% |
| Wheels | 10 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 5 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 3 | <1% |
| Seats | 3 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | <1% |
| Diesel fuel system | 2 | <1% |
| Child seat | 1 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Interior lighting | 1 | <1% |
| Traction control system | 1 | <1% |
| Visibility | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
There are multiple electrical issues I’ve had to trouble shoot over the past 4 months. …
The contact owns a 2011 Ram1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 17V821000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. …
5.7 Liter Hemi Lifter/Camshaft failure. Camshaft lobe has been completely ground down. Always been well maintained and taken care of also. Apparently this is a Major recurring issue with this year Ram 1500 with the 5.7L. …
2011 Ram 1500 recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 Ram 1500.
The most recent, campaign 18V160000 from March 2018, concerns gasoline fuel system.
Power train accounts for 2 of the 4 campaigns, more than any other area.
10V656000 · December 24, 2010 · Suspension
Problem: 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.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | 1500 years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V160000 | March 8, 2018 | Gasoline fuel system | 2009–2012 |
| 17V821000 | December 20, 2017 | Power train | 2009–2017 |
| 13V038000 | February 6, 2013 | Power train | 2009–2012 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 6 versions of the 2011 Ram 1500; the best overall score is 3 out of 5 stars.
The PU/RC 4WD version scored 2 stars overall.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PU/RC RWD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Crew PU/CC RWD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Quad PU/CC RWD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/RC 4WD | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Quad PU/CC 4WD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Ram 1500s can be compared fairly. Among other 2011 models in the EPA's standard pickup trucks class, the 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 (18 mpg) and 2011 Ford F-150 (19 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 17 | 554 | 29 | 8 |
| 2009 | 16 | 707 | 39 | 4 |
| 2010 | 16 | 488 | 29 | 4 |
| 2011 | 16 | 689 | 43 | 4 |
| 2012 | 16 | 698 | 46 | 7 |
| 2013 | 21 | 1,281 | 91 | 12 |
| 2014 | 23 | 1,777 | 136 | 17 |
Every Ram 1500 model year compared →
Similar 2011 models
FAQ
Is the 2011 1500 a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2011 Ram 1500 has 43 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (13th most of 17 model years), 4 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 3 stars and up to 16 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2011 1500 problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are electrical system (214), power train (180) and engine (151). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2011 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 1500 get?
The EPA rates the versions at 15–16 mpg combined (13–14 city, 18–20 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 1500 per year?
About $4,080 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $4,360 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).