2009 Dodge RAM 1500 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
38
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Median mileage
157,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 13 of 38 complaints (34%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (10) and body & structure (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 157,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 8th of 9 Dodge RAM 1500 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 6% more complaints than the 2008 model year (36).

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 problems by category

  • Electrical System
    13 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    10 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    5 complaints
  • Engine
    4 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system12
Power train10
Unknown or other6
Fuel/propulsion system4
Engine4
Structure:body3
Exterior lighting3
Air bags2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k360k–100k6100k–150k13150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints that list mileage.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls (2)

  • Recall 13V038000Feb 6, 2013278,674 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    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.

    Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

    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.

  • Recall 12V474000Oct 2, 201244,300 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    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.

    Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

    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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • DP14004Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015

    Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

    In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to…

  • PE12021Opened Jul 19, 2012Closed Mar 5, 2013led to recall 12V474000

    Rear Differential Failure

    In a letter dated October 2, 2012, Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect in approximately 48,058 vehicles built with an axle pinion nut that can loosen, which could result in lock-up of the rear axle and/or separation of the rear drive shaft from the rear axle (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-474).The vehicles involved in this recall are model year (MY) 2009 and MY 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 (46,677) and Dodge Dakota (1,381) vehicles manufactured between July 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 built with 9.25? rear axles built at Chrysler?s Det…

Recent 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Feb 7, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain
    - Week of October 6th 2025 I experienced 4-wheel drive issues and lights. - October 13th 2025 dropped off to dealer for review - October 14th 2025 dealer deemed not safe to drive and ordered parts under warranty repair. - following weeks went on with parts being backordered. - after having to push the dealer for updates for weeks on December 22nd 2025 I informed Stellantis Customer Service US. - Customer service looked into and gave me the same delayed responses for weeks…
    NHTSA complaint #11716468 · source
  2. Filed Sep 8, 2025158,000 miTXVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11685690 · source
  3. Filed Jul 19, 2025CTLighting
    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!!!
    NHTSA complaint #11674783 · source
  4. Filed Jun 20, 2025211,492 miSCElectrical System
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11668161 · source
  5. Filed Jan 24, 2025IAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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?
    NHTSA complaint #11638445 · source
  6. Filed Sep 14, 2024CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
    NHTSA complaint #11614546 · source
  7. Filed May 24, 2023149,000 miKSBody & StructureFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank straps had failed due to the subframe corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was…
    NHTSA complaint #11523639 · source
  8. Filed Feb 18, 2023FLAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11507926 · source

Compare the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 with another vehicle →

Other 2009 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology