Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While the vehicle was stationary, the heating system and the defroster stopped working. The contact stated that the windows would not defrost and the heating system blew cold air in the winter of 2015. A dealer was not contacted about the failures. In addition, while driving 75 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate violently. An independent mechanic replaced the front driver and passenger sides outer tie rods to correct the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was recalled per NHTSA campaign number: 09V158000 (equipment) prior to purchasing the vehicle in regards to the HVAC system failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
My 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is making a banging sound behind the glove box. I have had this issue before since it was an heat blend door actuator that went out. The dealership fixed it once and now its back again. Is this going to be an on going issue each year and the part needs to be replaced. I was quoted almost "$750" in just labor fees to get it changed out. I don't think this is an issue on my end since the part appears to last for a year. I will continue to monitor the A/C and check with other Dodge Ram forums on how others had this solved.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the front windshield defroster became inoperable without warning. The contact had to pull over to wipe the windows down and continued driving with the windows down for better visibility. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V158000 (equipment). The approximate failure mileage was 34,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound underneath the dashboard. When the knocking sound stopped, the ventilation system failed and caused the defrost to fail. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised that the air blend door and the actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the dashboard and afterwards the defrost became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred approximately two years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. When the vehicle was started, the windshield started to fog. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that HVAC blower door and motor HVAC head unit need to be removed and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,750.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the windshield defroster failed to work. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing where it was determined that the control head and actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air conditioner became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
I have a Dodge Ram 1500 affected by the k17 recall for parts cdea1k171aa (reprogramming) and cdj1k172aa (recirculation door). The second is a actuator for the recirculation door. This recall was completed on 12/22/2010. In jan and again in mar 2014 two more actuator doors went out due to an electrical issue with the actuator. First, part number 68089742aa, for the blend door and secondly, part number 68089742aa, for the foot actuator and the defrost. The gears were stripped on both doors and the vehicle made a loud thumping from under the dash. Both were replaced at my cost. There are four actuator doors in this model Ram truck. This is far past coincidental that "actuators" are defective in this truck, but the recall only replaced one when the recall clearly states "actuators", plural. The first I replaced in jan. Caused me not to be able to see out the front window from ice and fog. …
AC & Heater complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 3% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.