Most common 2009 Ram 1500 problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ram 1500 complaints by model year
Best 1500 years: 2024, 2013, 2023. Years to avoid: 2025, 2019, 2022, 2016. Compare all years →
2009 Ram 1500 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Ram 1500:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2009 Ram 1500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there were two open recalls on the VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact scheduled an appointment with a dealer, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. Upon picking the vehicle and exiting the parking lot, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the front passenger's side axle fractured and detached, which caused the front passenger's side tire to detach. Additionally, the failure caused brake damage, and the front passenger's side door would not open due to damage done to the fender. Prior to the failure, the front driver's side axle also fractured and detached a year prior. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical system
When driving the vehicle at lower speeds, usually between 25 to 38 mph, the engine will surge for about 1 to 2 seconds then back to normal as long as I remain in that speed range. It happens each time within that range of speed.
Tipm causing horn to work not work goes off by itself. Locks don't work windshield wipers stop working or don't work at all. Airbags not working. Caused battery to overcharge and begin to smoke. Replaced battery
Engine & cooling
The exhaust manifold cracked. This allows toxic pre-catalitic converter fumes to be released under the vehicle and potentially enter the vehicle. I have been informed that this is a common issue on This generation truck. It has not been inspected by manufturer, police, or insurance. And this has caused no warning lamps or signals before or after issue arose.
When driving the vehicle at lower speeds, usually between 25 to 38 mph, the engine will surge for about 1 to 2 seconds then back to normal as long as I remain in that speed range. It happens each time within that range of speed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Ram 1500 a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 1500 rates better than average: 99% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 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 Ram 1500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 9 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about axle assembly. Next are the electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 1500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Ram 1500, the most recent from March 8, 2018 (mounting). 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 Ram 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2013 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2019, 2022 and 2016. See the full Ram 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Ram 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 13% 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.