Most common 2009 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
2009 Dodge Ram recalls (5)
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles May experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring; Dodge avenger and nitro; Jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 Dodge Ram truck. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
Remedy: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module May cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 3, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty Dodge Ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 17, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder May separate from the master cylinder.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Dodge Ram:
Outer Tie Rod Failure
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler…
What 2009 Dodge Ram owners say
Steering
After backing out of my garage, at an approx. Speed of 1 MPH, I turned the wheels to the left to run an errand, and the drivers side tie rod end broke. The drag link dropped and the wheel cocked to the full left. At this point I don't know if it caused any other damage. I spoke with the nearest dealer and was told that there are no recalls on this vehicle at this time. Unfortunately I need this vehicle and had to order a new tie rod end at a cost of $116.00. Bearing any other damage, I will also have to get an alignment, at an unknown cost at this time. Thank god that I had not been traveling at a higher rate of speed when this part decided to fail, because I am sure the outcome would not have been good.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to shake. The check engine warning light and the service needed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however the failure was not determined. The dealer replaced the rear driver side rim, the rear and front driver and passenger side tires, and a replacement related to the rear axle however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however no further assistance was provided. The VIN was unavailable.the current mileage was 83,000. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Ram rates better than average: 95% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram at the same age. It is one of the best Ram years by this measure. 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?
The steering — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Ram have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Ram, the most recent from December 24, 2010 (tie rod assembly). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 63% 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.