Most common 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
Share of the 670 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 1500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 1500 years: 1997, 2005, 1998. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
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,…
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…
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.
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
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500:
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.
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.
What 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 231 →
- 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...
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.
Electrical system all 97 →
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.
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?
Wheels & tires all 67 →
On my 2009 Dodge Ram truck the low tire pressure valve sensors are secured to the wheel with a retaining nut. The valve stem on the low tire pressure sensor has threads that go threw the wheels and then secure with that retaining nut. The retaining nut was made out of ether aluminum or inferior metal. During last years extreme cold weather moisture got between the treads and the retaining nut. The retaining nut on the low tire pressure sensor on the left front wheel of my 2009 Dodge Ram cracked from the moisture and cold weather. When the nut cracked the low pressure sensor fell off inside of the tire, which cause the left front tire to start to go flat. After the low tire pressure sensor fell off it was driven threw the tire before I could apply the brakes. That accelerated the tire going flat and loss of control of the vehicle. …
I was driving my truck to work one morning. I was traveling at a steady speed of 70mph in a straight stretch. All of the sudden my steering wheel started to wobble and I had the low tire pressure warning light on my dash. After no more than 2 seconds the truck pulled extremely hard to the right. I knew that I had a flat tire. After attempting to safely pull off and avoid the tractor trailer from slamming into me I was able to pull over. After inspecting the tire, I noticed that I didn't have a valve stem in my front passenger tire. I attempted to change the tire on the side of the road in the rain but broke the cheap lug wrench that is supplied with the vehicle. Apparently the dealership over torqued the lug nuts. I had to get a ride to work, being 1.5 hours late and leave my truck on the interstate all day. My father in law works for a tire and lube center. …
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 a good car?
Based on 670 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Ram 1500 rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 1500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 231 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › differential unit. Next are the electrical system (97) and wheels & tires (67).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, the most recent from February 6, 2013 (differential unit). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997, 2005 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Dodge Ram 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.