Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Defroster does not work, blower emits air (cold) but only to floor. Loud popping noise from air box, found actuators were malfunctioning. Nearly caused collision with oncoming traffic. Contacted Chrysler for recall status and they claimed truck was under this recall, however truck had been inspected and found to have no problems with regards to air box actuators. I subsequently found out from a nameless Dodge technician that they were instructed to engage air systems for the inspection and if no apparent malfunction is found they were to pass the recall and write it off. I am outraged that yet another corporate entity is preying on American consumers and getting by with it, while claiming to stand behind their product and it's engineering. I asked Chrysler what repair was needed. They replied" air box circulation doors bad. Would need box removed and replace 5 actuators and doors. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the heater, defroster, and air conditioner malfunctioned. In addition, the transmission failed while the vehicle was turning into a driveway. The vehicle was towed to butte's mile high Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3883 harrison ave, butte, mt 59701,[phone]) and repaired under warranty. The contact had to pay for a loaner vehicle because they exceeded the mileage limitation due to the distance from their home to the dealer. The contact also stated that the headlight switch did not activate the headlights; therefore, the contact had to use the high beams. The contact repaired the headlights themselves. The heater and air conditioner were not under warranty and were repaired by the contact, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,000.
The heater/ac control module went out on the vehicle. I brought it in to my mechanic on 9/24/15 he checked with the dealer they said the part is on back order and there are 59 back orders of this part in front of mine. They said it would be in on 11/9/15. On 11/9/15 my mechanic inquired and found the part delayed now until 12/2/15. This is a crucial element as I do not have defrost capabilities and the automatic lights do not come on. In rainy weather and now as we are hitting winter this is a safety hazard. For t here to be 59 of these parts on backorder tells me there is an issue with this part. The 2009 Dodge Ram has had quite a few serious recalls. I wanted this to be out there so NHTSA knows the customer service Dodge isnt providing their customers or their lack of regard for this safety issue
I have had the totally integrated power module replaced twice now due to failure. Apparently this is a very common issue in dodges. It has caused my window defroster, wipers, door locks and windows randomly not to work. Pretty much anything electrical. My passenger airbag goes on and off, regardless of whether or not someone is in the passenger seat. My ABS brake system has been malfunctioning and locking up on me. This has been a huge safety issue when there's cold weather or rain and all of a sudden my defroster or wipers arent working or my turn signal is cutting out. The TIPM on other Jeep and Chrysler products have been recalled. I don't understand why Dodge hasnt issued a recall. This needs to be investigated farther.
While driving in a rain storm with my three children my windows fogged up preventing me from seeing the road. I had to drive with the windows open in the cold rain so I could have limited visibility. I researched the problem and called the Dodge recall 17 number. I figured it was a broken actuator that keeps the air from changing direction. Dodge told me it would be covered if it was part of the recall. The dealer told me it wasn't the actuator and it was the air blend door. The dealer said it would cost $1,500. To fix it. I told them I cant afford it. I looked at the problem and the actuator is broken. Its a $25 dollar part and they want to charge me $1,500 to fix it.
There is a problem with everything electrically related to the truck. The headlights stay on, I have to disconnect the battery to get them to go off. The windshield wipers constantly remain on. The interior lights, door locks, windows, seats, heat, A/C, radio, dash lights, etc do not work. Once the truck starts, all of the dash warning lights come on. (check engine, ABS, low windshield wiper fluid, voltage, low oil pressure, etc) the truck is not safe to drive and is a hazard to my family.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving in inclement weather, the contact attempted to activate the defroster, but the air conditioner failed to function without warning. The vehicle was taken to saint marys Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (located at 1237 million dollar highway kersey, pa) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle operated as intended. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,643.
Started vehicle and the following lights on the dash were lit airbag, traction control, ESP bad, antilock brake, and the wipers wouldn't work, also the power outlet that only run when the key is turned, I drove the vehicle and all fore mentioned items went back to normal. This has happened on several occasions and the length of time they are lit/ not functioning varies from a couple of.minute to a couple of weeks.
Driving on the highway in washington state during a snowy day and the defrost started blowing cold air. Dealer seems to think it is a broken blend door. As I have researched it on the web it is a very common problem and very expensive to fix but since someone hasn't deemed it a safety issue there is no recall. I on the other hand see foggy frozen windshield and windows as a safety issue.
Passenger side headlight intermittantly fails, but bulb is OK. Windows intermittantly roll themselves down. Key(fob) gets stuck in recepticale. Passenger side windshield sprayer does not spray water.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 6% 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.