Most common 2009 Ram 3500 problems
Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ram 3500 complaints by model year
Best 3500 years: 2023, 2021, 2013. Years to avoid: 2018, 2017, 2022, 2025, 2014. Compare all years →
2009 Ram 3500 recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Ram 3500:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Ram 3500 a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 3500 rates better than average: 97% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 3500 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 3500?
The steering — 1 complaint, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (1) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 3500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Ram 3500, the most recent from January 9, 2018 (inflator module). 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 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2021 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2017, 2022, 2025 and 2014. See the full Ram 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Ram 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 50% 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.