What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2008–2011) Ram 4500?

Ram 4500 owners have made 3 complaints about the 2008–2011 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with some steering and exhaust system concerns.

Common 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Ram 4500 owners have to deal with.

  2. Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags

    Takata, a parts supplier, provided automakers with a defective airbag inflator responsible for 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries. It's one of the largest and most dangerous recalls in automotive history, affecting over 37 million vehicles …

    Continue reading article "Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags" A crash test dummy about to hit an airbag superimposed with the Takata logo

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2008–2011) Ram 4500 Key Numbers

  1. 2 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 3 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 1st in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent 4th Generation (2008–2011) Ram 4500 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Is that a light at the end of the Takata tunnel?

    Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) says they’ve entered the _ fourth and final stage_ of Takata recalls with a campaign to replace the passenger-side inflators in 1.6 million vehicles.

    The bulk of the vehicles are in the US and include the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, 5500, the 2010-2011 Dakota, the 2010-2014 Challenger, and the 2011-2015 Charger.…

    keep reading article "FCA Recalls 1.6 Million Takata Inflators in 'Fourth and Final Stage'"

  2. When the engine is running, your vehicle's alternator helps charge the battery and supplies additional power to the vehicle's electrical systems.

    But for 86,000 Dodge Ram (and RAM) trucks it's also supplying something else – electrical shorts and fires. #notafeature

    "Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) says the problem occurs with the alternator near maximum amperage in hot temperatures, conditions more likely to be experienced with corporate fleet vehicles compared to typical consumer driving."…

    keep reading article "Ram HD Truck Alternators Providing a Charge and Then Maybe a Flame, Too"