2009 Dodge Ram 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 670 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (33% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 670 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the MTC unit failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. In addition, the defrost system was deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2025
“The left turn signal not working properly. When I put my left turn signal the amber light front of the truck not working instead the high bean works as turn signal also amber running light not working. Is so frustrating getting pulled over by a cop for that reason!!!”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered on the title that the mileage was 211,492.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Heating & ventilation, I have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck won't start, and had the water pump had to be replace. I believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. What is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2025
“My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2024
“the shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control. I was never notified of and the rear end came down while on the freeway. The fuel tank began leaking I repaired this before the recall came out. I submitted a reimbursement request they denied me stating my car was over 7 years old.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2023
“The brakes locked up twice since purchased the vehicle. The left side locking up would have caused me to veer into oncoming traffic. Years late when the right side locked up would've have veered right causing an accident. This last time the brakes aren't releasing. This happening 3 times has reproduced itself. The 1st time I took it to a dealership. No warning lamps were showing or any symptoms for this happening. I've purchased the lifetime warranty on this vehicle.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2022
“Gas tank straps causing fuel tank to drop from under truck. The Chrysler recall 18V160000 or U04 covers this problem but they tell me my VIN is not included in the recall.I live on the Outer Banks of NC and we at times have salt water standing on the side of the roads.and this is the same problem in this recall. I am Deputy Chief of the local fire department and we have 4 of the trucks and all have the same problem also. My truck has 150,000 miles on it and is well taken care of. This truck has a NC DOT inspection every year.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2022
“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to Hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (625 NJ-440, Jersey City, NJ 07304) on two separate occasions and the dealers declined to perform the recall repair because the sub frame was rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he was responsible for the sub frame replacement. The failure mileage was 165,851. Case number [XXX] . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)."”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2021
“Had truck in for service at the local dodge dealership. Was informed that the frame was severely rusted through and was unsafe to drive. The truck has 80,000 miles on it garage kept. This shouldn't be happening on a 12 year old vehicle. Contacted dodge and was assigned a case number 79046014. However I was told by them sorry for your bad luck. Nothing to be done here. I find this unacceptable. Thanks for any help”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 29 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. 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 N08.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 670 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The most complained-about area is power train (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,000 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:differential unit. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.