2011 Ram 3500 Review
Price Estimate: $9,840 - $14,340

Appraise my car
Get the Edmunds appraisal report and a no-obligation offer for your car.
By entering your License Plate or VIN, you'll get a more accurate appraisal that may raise your car's value.
Ram 3500 model years
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive torque rating with automatic transmission and revised engine
- high-quality cabin
- massive rear seat room in Mega Cab
- quiet highway ride.
Cons
- Fussy audio system controls (with navigation)
- all-out towing performance with the early-version turbodiesel isn't as strong as its rivals..
What’s new
For 2011, the Ram 3500 (it's no longer a "Dodge") gains a new "Outdoorsman" package and a number of standard features. Among the latter are an electronic brake controller (for all but the base ST trim) and an electronic display of vehicle information. Also, the navigation system has been updated and a spray-in bedliner is now optional. Midway through the model year, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine gains a power boost for a total of 800 pound-feet of torque.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Ram 3500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its top-notch interior, comfortable ride quality and impressive towing and hauling capabilities.
For sale near Gainesville, FL
50 listings
- $24,999
- 240,410 miles
- Frame damage reported, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 8'2” bed, 6.7l, 6cyl
- Powerhouse Automotive (115 mi away)
- Upgraded Engine
- Rear Bench Seats
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Towing Hitch
- 8ft Bed
Close
Located in Tampa, FL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3D73M4CL7BG624588
Stock: 624588
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 127,000 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6.7l, 6cyl
- Galaxy Motors (153 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Parking sensors
Close
Located in Melbourne, FL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3D73M3CL4BG596193
Stock: 596193
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-23-2025
Vehicle overview
The battle among Detroit's automakers for heavy-duty pickup supremacy is so fierce one might expect them to display tattoos on their fenders in a vehicular version of an Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion. All three contenders are brawny, rugged rigs that are capable of moving most anything from one place to another. The 2011 Ram 3500 has a few important features that keep it in the thick of the fight, although perhaps not enough to crush its formidable foes altogether.
Last year's complete redesign brought a much-improved cabin with an attractive design and high quality, making the Ram the segment leader in this area. The Ram's ride is firm but still comfortable enough, thanks to a relatively forgiving suspension, hydraulic cab-to-frame mounts and low levels of road and wind noise.
When one considers the Ram 3500's impressive work abilities, there's good reason they call these trucks "heavy duty." Properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is as high as 22,750 pounds (depending on body style and powertrain choice), while maximum payload capacity is equally astounding at 5,130 pounds. Providing the necessary muscle is the standard 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, an inline-6 that cranks out 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Midway through the model year, Dodge will upgrade this engine to provide 800 lb-ft of torque on those models with an automatic transmission.
In a heavy-duty truck comparison test we conducted, the Ram 3500 finished behind its GMC Sierra 3500 (a twin to the 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500) and 2011 Ford F-350 rivals in terms of towing, mostly because of its comparative lack of power. However, that was before it got bumped up to 800 lb-ft of torque, so the result could be different today. Either way, the Ram has the advantage when it comes to bold styling and a spacious interior with uncommonly upscale trappings. All things considered, the 2011 Ram 3500 should easily satisfy anyone in need of a heavy-duty workhorse.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Ram 3500 is available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Dual rear wheels are standard, but buyers may choose a single rear wheel as an option.
The only available engine is a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6. With the standard six-speed manual, it produces 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. With the optional six-speed automatic, torque went to 800 lb-ft (midway through the model year). The Cummins comes with a big-rig-like exhaust brake, an unusual feature for a factory pickup that provides additional stability and braking power when towing very heavy loads. Properly equipped, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 14,050 pounds with the manual transmission and an enormous 22,750 with the automatic.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Ram 3500 includes antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags. Optional on the SLT and standard on the Laramie are power-adjustable pedals.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 3500 with a single-wheel rear axle came to a stop from 60 mph in 154 feet -- very long, but typical for this type of truck.
Driving
Even though the 2011 Ram 3500 was built to tackle the most demanding of pickup duties, it remains comfortably composed in most situations. The steering is responsive and the truck tracks through turns in a composed manner. Though not harsh, the Ram's ride isn't quite as compliant over the bumps as its Ford and GM competitors.
On the highway, road and wind noise are nicely quelled, with only a muted diesel clatter at full throttle. Compared to its diesel-powered heavy-duty rivals, however, the Ram with the less potent of its turbodiesel engines isn't quite as strong when accelerating on flat land or when trying to maintain speed on long uphill grades with a heavy trailer in tow.
Interior
The 2011 Ram 3500 takes a page out of the Ram 1500's playbook by offering the best interior among all pickups. On the higher trim levels, soft-touch materials and tasteful stitching are abundant throughout the cabin, while the plush seats and metallic accents in higher-trimmed Rams are almost too nice for work truck status. Interior storage is generous, with plenty of bins and pockets to supplement the dual gloveboxes. Should you opt for the Mega Cab, the 3500 has the largest back seat of any heavy duty pickup, making it a great choice as a family camper tow truck.
The controls are within easy reach and user-friendly, except for the audio system when paired with the optional navigation. In this configuration, the absence of hard buttons and knobs needlessly complicates some of the most basic functions. Fortunately, the steering-wheel-mounted controls help to alleviate this problem.
2011 Ram 3500 models
The 2011 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup is available in three cab styles: regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (a jumbo crew cab).
The regular cabs come with a long bed only, while the Crew Cab has either a short or long cargo bed. The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the Crew Cab long bed but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. The regular cab comes in ST or SLT trims; the Crew Cab in ST, SLT or Laramie trims; and the Mega Cab is SLT or Laramie only. With the exception of Crew Cab short beds, all Ram 3500s have a dual-rear-wheel axle.
The Ram ST is the bare-bones trim level that comes with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery and flooring, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air-conditioning, an electronic vehicle information display, a tire-pressure monitor, a tilt steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Power windows and door locks are standard on Crew Cab models, while regular cabs have manual controls.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, chrome-clad wheels, electronic trailer brake control, power folding/heated side mirrors, a sliding rear window, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and satellite radio. SLT Crew Cab and Mega Cab Rams are eligible to upgrade to the Big Horn package (sold as the Lone Star package in Texas). This includes a chrome grille, foglights, brighter quad headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio controls), an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a universal garage door opener.
There is also the Outdoorsman package for the SLT that adds a limited-slip rear differential, tow hooks, polished alloy wheels (with white-letter tires), two-tone paint, wheel flares, a body-color grille frame, foglights, remote starting, auto-dimming mirrors, an overhead console, a 115-volt power point, illuminated vanity mirrors, power driver (10-way) and passenger (six-way) seats (with power lumbar supports) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
On the other end of the spectrum is the luxurious Laramie, which features polished alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat with memory, power-adjustable pedals, auto-dimming mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and an upgraded nine-speaker surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and iPod integration.
A spray-in bedliner is available across the board and many of the features found in the premium trims levels (such as Bluetooth) can be had on the lower trims. Additional luxuries available for the upper trims include a sunroof, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, front bucket seats, a navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, satellite radio, an upgraded stereo and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Best Full-Size Truck of 2025: F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra and Sierra Ranked

Ram's Fully Electric Truck Is Dead

2026 Ram 1500 Hemi V8 First Drive Review: Yeah, It's Slower. So What?

2025 Ram 1500 Limited: What's It Like to Live With?
Compare 2011 Ram 3500 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
Not EPA tested for 3500 ST
3500 ST
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Reliability
The 2011 Ram 3500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #15 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#15 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$1,284/yr
vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
0.95x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
25.1%
vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 17V821000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- T79
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-05-28 to 2016-12-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1482874
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
- Recall Number:
- 16V739000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- S68
- Manufactured from:
- 2010-02-24 to 2013-06-09
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 74823
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall on December 1, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Parts are expected to be available by late December 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
- Recall Number:
- 14V635000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P65
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-03-27 to 2013-09-05
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 314704
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notific
- Recall Number:
- 13V529000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N49
- Manufactured from:
- 2008-02-14 to 2012-12-22
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 265044
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
- Defect Consequence:
- A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
- Recall Number:
- 11V350000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- L16
- Manufactured from:
- 2008-02-14 to 2008-08-15
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 242780
- Defect Description:
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Ram 3500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love it!
4.63 out of 5 starsmscmdurham, 10/02/2012
2011 Ram 3500 Laramie Lnghrn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB DRW (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
We bought a 2011 used with about 40k miles on it already.
I use it to pull my horse trailer and you can hardly even tell it is back there.
I have loaded 2 full tons of haycubes in the bed and although it squated a little it handled it just fine.
The only issue we have had with it so far is one day the key fob would not unlock the door. I made the mistake of using the manual key and … everything went haywire.
We had to disconnect the battery and let it reset.
Also a couple of times while using the hands free device for the phone, even after the call was ended and the keys were out of the truck, the display stayed on.
Again had to disconnect battery and reset.
That happened 2 times.
Great truck rides like a tank
4 out of 5 starsJD, 11/05/2021
2011 Ram 3500 Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Love the truck it performs well
2011 3500 Highlights
Regular Cab
ST
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel |
Seating | 3 seats |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 22,700 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 3500 include:
- Post-collision safety system
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $45,565 |
Starting at $46,595 |
2.9 average Rating out of 37 reviews. |
Starting at $40,275 |
Related Used 2011 Ram 3500 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Nissan NV Cargo 2021 Review
- Chevrolet Trax 2020 Review
- GMC Savana 2020 Review
- Mclaren 720S 2020 Review
- Toyota Camry 2021 Review
- Volkswagen Golf Gti 2021 Review
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Ram 2500 2025
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-2500hd 2025
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500-ld 2019
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500-limited 2022
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500 2025
- Used Ram 1500-Classic 2024
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-3500hd 2025
- Used GMC Sierra-3500hd 2025
- Used Nissan Titan-xd 2024
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research other models of Ram
- New Ram ProMaster Cargo Van
- Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2024
- Dodge RAM 150 2024
- 2024 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500
- New Ram ProMaster Window Van
- 2024 Ram 1500 Classic
- New Dodge RAM 150
- 2024 Ram ProMaster Window Van
- 2024 Dodge RAM 350
- New Dodge Ram Pickup 3500
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Volvo S60 in Dyersburg, TN 2025
- New Honda Prologue for Sale in Porterville, CA
- New BMW 8-Series-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Smyrna, DE
- Used Dodge Journey in Essex Junction, VT 2020
- Used Mercury Monterey in Granada Hills, CA 2007
- Used Buick Century in Lenoir City, TN 2005
- Used Jeep Wrangler-4Xe in Scottsbluff, NE 2025
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-5-N in Allentown, PA 2025
- New Honda Prologue for Sale in Missoula, MT
- Used Dodge Charger in Rochester, MN 2025