9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,730
Average Mileage:
107,750 miles
Total Complaints:
41 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace camshift and lifter (20 reports)
  2. replace parts (7 reports)
  3. full set replacement (6 reports)
  4. not sure (5 reports)
  5. replace engine (3 reports)
2011 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #41

Feb 062023

Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles

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

Hemi tick. Multiple dealers told me over the years that this is normal and fixing it would simply return because it's a design flaw. 144k miles on 2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7L Hemi. Purchased new. Now engine code P303 and whenever MDS is in "open mode" truck misfires, stutters, and shakes. This truck is my only vehicle and used to get my wife to dialysis from a failed vascular surgery last year. Please help.

- Jeremy M., Marietta, US

problem #40

Apr 162016

Ram 1500 Crew Cab Sport 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Despite all preventative maintenance done through dealer, the lifters on my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Sport went at 104000 miles.... I figured I would get another 100k miles out of the second NEW engine, which self-destructed just over 67,000 miles. Thats two engines in 170 miles. FU Dodge. Of course, nothing covered under warrantee.

- Mike D., Weymouth, MA, US

problem #39

Oct 172019

Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

Seems to be a fairly widespread issue within the last few years of the 5.7L Hemis. I was on vacation away from home when my vehicle broke down. I was able to rent a vehicle and drop it off at a local Ram dealer. They were fantastic. I was very upset with the Ram product though because it only had about 131k miles on it, and I service my vehicle better than anyone else, I guarantee it. I use the best oil you can buy, change it every 5000 miles, and take exceptional care of the vehicle, only to have it leave me hanging.

I can't complain about my dealer experience, they were incredible. The whole process took about 1 month to repair because parts were on backorder. (I assume because it's such a widespread issue.)

Word of advice, if you have a 5.7L Hemi within the last 10 years, and you have a tapping noise, don't ignore it. You have a problem. I've heard it's from the MDS, or just a bad design. But none of this seems verifiable. One thing is for sure, it is not because of lack of maintenance.

- Deere M., Concord, NC, US

problem #38

Jul 252019

Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,002 miles

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

I will not buy another Ram again, it's that simple. The check engine light lit and it dies. It was idling rough. It's a junk truck.

- koodie, Bufffalo, US

problem #37

May 142020

Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

Engine requires a partial teardown to determine how severe the camshaft and lifter failure is. It started out as a blinking check engine light, with a misfire in cylinder number 3. Tested spark plugs & coil pack, which were good. Took it to a shop where they used a scanner to evaluate health of fuel injector & cylinder compression, which were both okay.

I have yet to seek a teardown, as I'm contemplating selling the Ram as-is & purchase a Toyota.

- Tom A., Mountain Home, ID, US

problem #36

May 062020

Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,400 miles

click to see larger images

lifter and cam issue lifter and cam issue

At 134,400 miles approx, my engine had a catastrophic lifter failure on cyl 5. My last oil change was 3 weeks ago, and less than 1k miles ago, in which everything was running smoothly. May 6, 2020, the lifter completely failed, thus leading to cam damage and needing a completely new engine. There was no tick until it was too late. I have stayed on top of maintenance, never worked her hard, or so much as floored it, neither had the previous owner. I bought her used last fall, and she was in tip top, near perfect condition until last Weds when this part seized up and wrecked my engine. All the other lifters are in great condition as well, which I believe makes me able to contact RAM directly about this issue.

- Irina R., Longmont, CO, US

problem #35

Oct 312019

Ram 1500 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

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

Can't believe how many people have problems with the cam and lifters. Dodge should be responsible for the repairs

There is also electrical problems!! Wont never buy another one and we also had a warranty, but because we didnt give them our nee address, they got of paying for it!!!!!,🤬🤬🤬🤬

Update from Jun 17, 2020: We have had to replace lifters and cam!! Its bull the money we pay for these trucks,I've also had trouble with lights going in and out.there has been electric problems ever since we bought the truck new!!

- Teresa V., Versailles, US

problem #34

Mar 012017

Ram 1500 LT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Lifters and cam failed with less then 100,000 miles. Started ticking at 20,000 and dealership said "it's the hemi tick" and "its ok" as soon as the Warranty ended it started shaking bad and threw a p305 error code. YouTube is filled with even dodge mechanics saying they have a pile of cam shafts sheared off by bad lifters...trash and there's no class action suit??? Somebody call a lawyer.

- Corey T., Manteo, NC, US

problem #33

Aug 022019

Ram 1500 LS 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,545 miles

Replaced cam, lifters too soon...and I keep good maintenance of vehicle.

- Manuel R., Carrizo Springs, US

problem #32

Jun 032019

Ram 1500 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,838 miles

click to see larger images

lifter and cam issue lifter and cam issue

I have babied my Dodge Ram 1500 2WD truck with 76,838 miles, never pulling a heavy load, changing the oil regularly with a high quality full synthetic oil and this is what I get to show for it....an engine light coming on (Code P303), a cylinder #3 misfire problem, power loss, and a $3,730.54 repair bill! The cam actually showed evidence of premature wear starting on several lobes with one lobe (intake cylinder #3) being heavily grooved and DESTROYED! The lifter for that lobe was also completely seized up. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE.....considering there are only 76,838 miles on the truck! I have never heard of anyone ever having to have these major repairs completed on any vehicle with these few of miles. I truly believe that Ram has been aware of this defect of poor quality parts for quite some time and really needs to step up and pay for the repair. Why would anyone buy a Ram truck when you can not trust the quality of the motor??? This is one of the most important parts of the vehicle! Does anyone know of a Class Action lawsuit to join about this defect problem? How about where or who to call at FCA about trying to get reimbursed for this repair?

- David H., Surprise, US

problem #31

May 272019

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

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

This exact issue just happened to my 2011 Ram 1500. After some research, found many other owners had the issue with #3 cylinder.

Then came across someone who has a complaint and it's #5 on my truck too. I have taken extremely good care and maintenance on the truck. Bought new and only have less then 130K on it. I'm not sure what to do at this point, but have it repaired at a cost of at least $3,500. Also would love to see Dodge pay for the repairs. It's My second new Ram 1500. Now I'm thinking to go to Ford and trade the POS in. I'm not sure this message counts towards signing any complaints, but I certainly would love to sign any complaints on this issue that Dodge Ram should be rectifying!!!!

- George M., Holly Hill, US

problem #30

Jan 112019

Ram 1500 Limited 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Common problem after researched. Car engine light, cylinder three misfire. After diagnosis...lifter failure and camshaft damage.

- Brad T., Orlando, FL, US

problem #29

Oct 242018

Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

Vehicle started shaking when driving. Misfire in cylinder 3. I changed the spark plugs and still had misfire issue. Changed the coil pack and still misfiring. From the looks of it, this is pretty common and should be recalled.

- Eric B., Bismarck, ND, US

problem #28

Oct 012018

Ram 1500 Crew Cab 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

I think there should be a recall on engine over lifters and cam. Just junk and would never buy another Dodge. All my trucks were Ram but since this I will never buy again.

Update from Nov 5, 2018: I think they are junk i have 69000 on my 20110 ram and first the manifold went then next the lifters went and cam shaft there should be a recall

- Eddie S., Dade City, FL, US

problem #27

Dec 152016

Ram 1500 Bighorn 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

Just out of Warranty - unbelievable, same issue as everyone else. (Purchased brand new in 2011, all maintenance. done as scheduled with synthetics.) Hesitation on acceleration, stutter at high speed, obviously misfiring. Took it to a dealer to change plugs, it seemed to drive ok for a day then check engine came on and problem got much worse. Took it back - paid for diagnostics, and received the "great news" that I have

an internal engine problem with Cylinder #3 misfire, and most likely a "dropped valve" and or "seized lifter" (estimate $4,3000) Took it to a local mechanic, estimate was $2,400, started the repair, did the heads, found out that needed a new cam, and when it was all said and done $3,600 out the door.

Kicker is - now September 2018 (2 years later and only maybe 25,000 miles later, I have a check sigh on again, studded again and this time after a check it is a #2 Cyl misfire, but after a further check they say I have "low Compression in #2" This is a disaster!!!! (It is possible the previous mechanic did no replace all parts that he should have, also maybe inferior parts used ??? I don't know, but that shop is now closed, mechanic gone and I have to start again. (should have bought F150)

- Jakub M., Miramar, US

problem #26

Sep 102018

Ram 1500 SLT Big Horn 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

So one lifter on each side of the motor failed. Roller lifters held together with plastic carriages. Yes plastic inside a motor. So one carriage broke in half so the lifter moved so it didn't get oiled. Other lifter turned 90 degrees so the roller wheel scraped up and down the cam lobe instead of rolling over it. If the connection was metal bar like the old Chevy ones never would have failed. And I hate saying that because I'm a Mopar guy. Oh did I mention plastic parts to hold lifters in place. Ridiculous especially since they cost approx $100 each.

- John L., Middle Island, US

problem #25

Feb 012016

Ram 1500 Bighorn 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

The Hydraulic Roller Lifter we an EXISTING issue that Chrysler was well aware of, but yet did nothing to correct it. Countless 2011 5.7 Hemi's were built using "DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC ROLLER LIFTERS'.....FCA US LLC is fully aware of the situation, but openly refuses to rectify the issue or help any customers who are at the mercy of this defective engine issue!

- Jeffrey S., Norman, US

problem #24

Aug 292018

Ram 1500 ST 5.7L Hemi V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

If you are having poor acceleration/bogging when accelerating and spark plugs are brand new, chances are your Camshaft & Lifters need to be replaced......something definitely not cheap ($6460 for me). Even with an immaculate maintenance upkeep this truck still failed me and apparently this is a VERY common problem with this truck that Fiat Chrysler refuses to recall!

- Mick S., Pearland, TX, US

problem #23

Aug 172018

Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Headed to Mississippi and after filling up for gas in Arkansas, I pressed on the gas pedal to enter the Interstate and the truck sputtered and the check engine light stated to flash. After getting on the Interstate and getting in a nice cruising speed the truck ran fine; however, the check engine light continued to stay on. Spouse was with me so I had her do a search for local dealerships along the way so we could stop in and have in checked out.

A dealership in Mississippi gave us the go ahead to come by and said they could do a check in their shop. We arrived they did a check and in about 20 minutes the service tech informed us that they thought is was an engine issue and they needed to break it down. Used my daughters vehicle to make our way back home. A week had gone by and I had not heard from the service department so I called and they informed me that they would not break it down until they had lifters in stock. Informed me they were on back order and they had another vehicle in the shop with same issue and were waiting on lifters.

I called my local dealership and the Parts Manager informed me that there was a backlog of 10,000 and time frame was 3-6 months. Unacceptable. I started a case with FCA and went through two case managers. Second case manager said she was going to close my case for she had spoke with dealership and they had not broken my vehicle down yet. I asked her did they inform you that they thought it was a lifter issue and they did not want to break my vehicle down until they had the lifters in stock? She informed me that that was not discussed. On 9/5/2018 the Case Manager calls to inform me that the time frame of 3-6 months is correct and the number on back order was 10,000-12,000.

How does one mismanage to cause such a problem? How many vehicles like mine are needed for transportation yet set idle waiting on parts for repair? FCA needs to step up to the plate and make this right for owners of their products. If you use an aftermarket part for repair and then FCA decides they are going to do something for the owners then you are left out because you used an aftermarket part to get your vehicle back on the road so you could make a living to pay for the repair. I know Michael Manley is new to his position as CEO; however, he was and still is the individual in charge and responsible for RAM. Mr. Manley what will FCA do for RAM truck owners?

Update from Sep 21, 2018: I was informed by the local Parts Manager for my local dealership that the back order number is 10,000 - 12,000 with a time frame of 3 - 6 months. A representative from FCA Mopar contacted to inform me that 571 had been shipped; however, additional vehicles are now in need thus the number has not changed nor the time frame.

- Patrick S., Pittsburg, TX, US

problem #22

Jul 232018

Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

click to see larger images

lifter and cam issue lifter and cam issue lifter and cam issue

2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn- Cylinder 3 misfire - exhaust valve lifter seized up and ate a groove in the camshaft. Upon inspection of the other lifters, cylinder 3 intake lifter was "clicky" and about to seize up, and both lifters on cylinder 5 were both "clicky" (hard to turn- the bearings were almost completely shot).

Dealership charged me $3,800 to fix what they said was "a common problem in the 2011 5.7L Hemis" Their words, not mine. I have taken immaculate care of this truck, always Mobil 1 full synthetic oil every 4,000 miles on the dot, replace ANYTHING and EVERYTHING as soon as it is scheduled or needed, and have never had as many problems with any other truck than I have had with this one (My first FCA/Mopar/Dodge/Ram).

I have had to replace the fuel pump (I know this could be considered maintenance, so I'm not complaining about that but it is one straw on this camel's back), the relays in the TIPM ( I don't see how this could be considered maintenance.), the starter (again, I could consider this maintenance.), the alternator twice, multiple coil packs, I also had to extract a total of 4 broken exhaust manifold bolts out of the heads.(Top and bottom bolts on cylinders 7 and 8- I believe this is another poor design on the Hemis that shouldn't have happened.)

This truck has left a very sour taste in my mouth for FCA/Dodge/Mopar/Ram, and I just bought my wife a new Durango last year. After my truck gets out of the shop next week, I have a feeling I am going to sell both of them to get some other manufacturer's vehicles even though I will lose the $4,000 I am spending to get it fixed.

My truck sure is nice, but I about can't afford to keep it running if these problems keep coming up. At least it's a pretty piece of crap, that's about the only thing going for it.

- Dayne R., Springdale, US

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