Recall 10V656 affects 60,382 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks for rear axle bearing seizure. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Dodge is recalling 60,382 2011 Ram 1500 trucks under recall 10V656 after rear axle bearing noise pointed to bearings that can seize. A seized bearing can stall the truck and raise crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once a Ram dealer has the repair path.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle bearing on the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 helps support the rotating axle shaft at the wheel end. It lets the rear axle turn smoothly while the truck carries weight and sends power to the rear wheels. The spindle is the fixed mounting surface that keeps that rotating assembly lined up.
On included trucks, the rear axle bearing can make a growling or grinding noise. That noise means the bearing is no longer rolling smoothly. If the bearing keeps breaking down, heat and friction build until the bearing seizes, which locks that part instead of letting it turn.
The filing does not list a separate warning sign before failure. There is no warning sign before failure beyond the rear axle noise described for this recall, so a growl or grind from the rear axle needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 60,382 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A bearing failure can stall the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. If the vehicle stalls, move out of traffic when safe and contact a dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Confirm with a franchised Ram dealer whether the free rear-axle oil-port-insert repair is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice mailed on April 4, 2011, if you have it. If not, reference recall number 10V656 when you call.
- Listen for growl or grind from the rear axle bearing, and avoid driving the truck until a Ram dealer checks it.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installs an oil port insert in the rear axle. That insert is the recall repair described for the bearing noise and rear axle condition. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Tell the service desk this is campaign 10V656 for the 2011 Ram 1500, and ask whether the truck needs inspection before the oil port insert is installed.
Timeline
| December 24, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V656?
Recall 10V656 covers 60,382 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with a rear axle bearing problem. The bearing can make a growl or grinding noise and seize, which can stall the truck and increase crash risk. Ram dealers install an oil port insert into the rear axle for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 10V656. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the rear axle oil port insert repair. Reference recall 10V656 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 10V656, a franchised Ram dealer installs an oil port insert into the rear axle free of charge, including parts and labor.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Listen for a growl or grinding noise from the rear axle bearing. The recall says that noise can come before the bearing seizes. If your truck makes that noise, confirm your VIN and call a Ram dealer before taking another trip.
What if I bought my Dodge Ram 1500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 is included, then contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 10V656.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V656000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V656 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V656000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →