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 System13 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain10 complaints
- Other / Unknown6 complaints
- Body & Structure5 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion5 complaints
- Engine4 complaints
- Lighting3 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts2 complaints
- Suspension2 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash2 complaints
- Brakes1 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 system | 12 |
| Power train | 10 |
| Unknown or other | 6 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Structure:body | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 |
| Air bags | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls (2)
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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