2009 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

884

Owner Complaints

42 Crashes 2 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

15

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

The 2009 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 884 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (217 complaints), Electrical System (95 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (52 complaints).

Recalls for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 322,974 vehicles.

Recall 13V038000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

| 278,674 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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:...

View full details →

Recall 12V474000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

| 44,300 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

884 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Train
Complaints: 217 7 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 95
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 52 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 50
Wheels
Complaints: 49 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 33
Air Bags
Complaints: 32 11 Crashes 10 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 30 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 30
Suspension
Complaints: 29 2 Crashes
Service Brakes
Complaints: 28 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 25 2 Crashes
Tires
Complaints: 23
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 19
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 19
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 10
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 9
Seats
Complaints: 8
Structure
Complaints: 8
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 7
Visibility
Complaints: 7
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 6
Seat Belts
Complaints: 6 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 4
Equipment
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 3
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11717980 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
Involved in an accident 2/09/26. Air bag did not deploy. Fractured sternum as a result.
#11716468 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
- 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 now "I hope you're doing well. I'm following up regarding your case. There is no definite ETA for the part. Our parts team is working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me." - Still today Stellantis cannot give me a date when my truck will be repaired. Near 4months later...
#11685690 | VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | | 158,000 miles
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.
#11674783 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
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!!!
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.

View all Power Train complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

SB 11575 — EQUIPMENT

FIAT CHRYSLER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT REPAIRED *CN

SB-18-019-15REVA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

DODGE: SOME TRUCKS EXPERIENCING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON: EXCESSIVE TIME ENTERING CLOSED LOOP AIR/FUEL RATIO CONTROL, POSITION OF BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REDUCTANT PRESSURE TOO HIGH, REDUCTANT PUMP 1 CONTROL PERFORMANCE. MODEL 2015 RAM 1500. *PE UPDATED 10/15/15. *PE

SB-08-028-15REVA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

CHRYSLER: SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE SCREEN LOCK UP ON RADIO DISPLAY OR THE SCREEN GOES BLANK, INTERMITTENTLY, TEXT MESSAGE IS GRAYED OUT SOFT KEYS, BACK UP DISPLAY TURNS OFF. MODEL 2015 CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CHEROKEE, CHEROKEE, RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 CAB, 4500 CAB, TRUCK. *PE

SB18-019-15REVA — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

RAM: THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PROCEDURE ON REPROGRAMMING POWER TRAIN MODULE WITH THE MOST UPDATED SOFTWARE *CN UPDATED 10/2/15 *CN

SB18-019-15REVA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

RAM: THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PROCEDURE ON REPROGRAMMING POWER TRAIN MODULE WITH THE MOST UPDATED SOFTWARE *CN UPDATED 10/2/15 *CN

ER-N-24 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

CHRYSLER: THE CURRENT VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL WAS INACCURATELY IDENTIFIES THE ENGINE AS HAVING AN EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR). *JS

CSN-K23 — STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

DODGE SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. MOPAR CHROME FRONT BUMPER CORROSION. THE MOPAR REPLACEMENT CHROME FRONT BUMPER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CORROSION CONDITION ON THE CHROME SURFACE OF THE BUMPER. THE FRONT BUMPER MUST BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED....

CSN- K-10 — SEATS

DODGE TRUCK SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE FRONT DRIVER/PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION COVERS ON THE TRUCKS MAY TEAR DURING NORMAL USAGE. THE FRONT DRIVER/PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION COVERS MUST BE INSPECTED AND SOME SEAT CUSHIONS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. CSC LETTER WAS REC'D. *PE

SB-J-06 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

DODGE SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL SENSOR ON SOME TRUCKS MAY LEAK ALLOWING WASHER FLUID TO WICK THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP...

SB-J-06 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

DODGE SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL SENSOR ON SOME TRUCKS MAY LEAK ALLOWING WASHER FLUID TO WICK THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP...

Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2009 DODGE RAM 1500.

Investigation DP14004 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Closed

Opened:

Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

Investigation PE12021 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE Closed

Opened:

Rear Differential Failure

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

View all DODGE RAM 1500 model years →

Other DODGE Models

View all DODGE models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report