Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 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 informed that the VIN and vehicles from the state of Kansas were not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to Hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (625 NJ-440, Jersey City, NJ 07304) on two separate occasions and the dealers declined to perform the recall repair because the sub frame was rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he was responsible for the sub frame replacement. The failure mileage was 165,851. Case number [redacted] . "
Fuel tank retaining strap detached from frame cross-member causing fuel tank to hang unsecured under vehicle causing potential catastrophic consequences! Dodge dealership states frame structure rusted due to bad design, manufacturer failed to design a moisture drain into the boxed frame which caused the strap attachment point to give away. Dealer states non-repairable ** non-driveable! Fiat Chrysler automotive customer assistance refused any assistance in rendering any type of resolution. No concern regarding possibility of having fuel tank falling from vehicle. I mentioned later year production of same model has a new designed cross-member. This substantiates a known failure/design flaw. I am requesting NHTSA to please investigate and issue a safety recall. A <7 year old vehicle should not have a frame structure rust to point of rendering vehicle unsafe and undriveable. Please help! …
Severe corrosion resulting in compromised structural frame integrity near where the rear bumper and towing packages attaches to the frame. Appears to be the result of a frame reinforcement on the inside of the frame that was not properly coated with a rust inhibitor at the factory. Moisture likely penetrated the space between the two metal pieces and caused complete rust-through, compromising the integrity of the rear of the frame. This could be a serious safety issue since bumpers and towing packages mount to the frame in this exact spot. At highway speeds, bumpers or trailers in tow could break away from the vehicle and become dangerous projectiles on the road. This issue was observed during routine maintenance to the rear differential. It has likely been ongoing for months. …
Team: I was replacing the rear shocks when I noticed a weird rust pattern on the cross member near the right frame & catalytic convertor. It looked like orange peel or a rose blooming. I checked the rest of the frame while I was under there. I have done cosmetic rust prevention in the past. Since I'm a diyer & proactive, I grabbed a paint tool to scrape the rust to get to bare metal so I could treat/prime it. Lol not only did the top layer of metal come off, the entire cross member disintegrated into brittle metal chunks which I saved/documented. There's a 4" square section that's gone. Since this is a 400 hp vehicle, I'm sure the frame will tear itself apart eventually even though I baby the truck. E.g. No dents I surmise that water has been trapped up there since I bought the vehicle resulting in frame failure. The metal has no strength. …
The front strap holding the gas tank to the frame broke causing the fuel tank to drop very close to the ground. The vehicle was parked and I noticed something hanging underneath the car. Had I driven it, my concern is that it would have detached from the vehicle either because the remaining strap would detach or because the fuel tank would not clear a bump in the road surface. The potential for rupture or accident by my vehicle or a vehicle behind me is a major concern on my part. I have researched the issue on the web and there are quite a few reports of this happening. There have been complaints filed with Dodge/Ram and the company (from the reports) is not accepting responsibility for this issue. I am submitting this in the hope that the NHTSA May mitigate a potentially serious situation for someone else. ..updated 09/25/17 .updated 10/04/17
While driving vehicle I heard occasional scraping noise and had other vehicles flash lights at me. I pulled off the road in the 1st safe area and found front of fuel tank hanging down approximately 8 inches and the front retaining strap disconnected. I thought the strap had disconnected but upon further inspection by my mechanic found that the frame was rotted through where the strap attaches. Mechanic states that I was lucky not to lose the tank, poor design and that this should not happen to a 6.5 year old truck. I contacted dealer and was told it was not covered by warranty. Suggested I contact Chrysler. Chrysler says they cannot help even though obvious safety concern. My Ram 1500 is my every day vehicle. I do not use it for work or plow with it. Truck has been well cared for. Design needs to be investigated.
While driving to work I heard a strange sound underneath my truck. I pulled off the road to have a look and noticed the strap that holds the gas tank detached on one side and the front of the fuel tank was hanging down. Apparently the strap support in the frame rotted out. The rear strap attachment also seems to be corroding. I hate to think what would have happened if both straps detached at the same time with a full tank of fuel. I temporarily strapped the tank to the frame, using a ratchet strap, and brought the truck to the dealer. They confirmed what had happened, not covered under warranty, and said I had to take the truck to a body shop to be repaired.
Frame appears bad in several spots, so much rust. Rust on virtually every panel on the body. Above windshield middle of of door. It literally everywhere. The leather seats are junked. I understand it's a 11 year old vehicle but truck is falling apart everywhere you look. You can look inside the truck has been very well cared for drives horribly makes so many sounds from rattles to clunks.mostly on 2 lane roads afraid to drive much interstate after having tire blowing out sidewalk going down interstate eats tires on the inside on both sides been lined up still same result. Exhaust manifolds leaking bad.
My 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 gas tank almost fell out causing almost an explosion of tank. Reason: the tank is held in by two metal straps one side is attach to a frame bolt the other side of the strap is a t shape that slides into a t slot in the frame now what happen is the t section pulled right through the frame causing the tank to drop almost to the road the remainder of the strap was hitting the driveshaft causing sparks if the plastic tank hit the ground it could explode. Dodge rep had mention to me this is a common issue. So I think there should be a recall on this issue...updated 08/07/17
Body complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is body (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.