2009 Dodge RAM 1500 Problems
Compared with other Dodge RAM 1500 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
24/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Dodge RAM 1500 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 42 of its 670 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Rear axle pinion nut loosening / differential noise or (203 complaints, median 67,794 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 670filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,074miles, 540 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 most often report rear axle and driveline trouble — a loosening pinion nut, noise, and in some cases rear-wheel lockup — along with intermittent full electrical shutdowns and heater/defroster controls that quit. Many complaints are filed well past 60,000 miles, but driveline and valve-stem faults also show up on low-mileage trucks.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Rear axle pinion nut loosening / differential noise or
- 203 complaints (30%)
- median 67,794 mi at 5.8 yrs old (177 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 23 quotes)
- filed 2010–2023
Complaints describe a loosening pinion nut, oil thrown from the rear differential, humming, whining or clunking from the rear axle, and in several cases the rear wheels locking or the driveshaft breaking. Some owners had the pinion work done under a recall and later faced stripped gears and a full differential rebuild. Dealers and the manufacturer are described as declining further repair, sometimes citing build date or VIN not covered. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 190,000 miles, with many between 55,000 and 110,000 miles.
Recall 12V474000Recall 13V038000
What to check: Ask whether the rear axle pinion nut recall was performed and get the paperwork; listen for whine or clunk from the rear axle on a test drive and check the differential for oil seepage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving like any other day when turning onto state route. Heard a loud pop sound and my rear tires locked up. Luckily the oncoming traffic just missed us (had my daughter in the vehicle with me). Certified mechanic says it is the front pinion bearing that went out causing the tires to lock up. It happened when I was going at a relatively slow speed but I did slide into oncoming traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11343820, filed 2020-08, 105,000 miles“While driving on the hwy at 73 MPH my truck randomly went from being in automatic to manual, stuck in 4th gear. It would not come out of 4th. After almost being rear ended due to my abrupt drop in speed I was able to coast and then brake to a stop on the side of the busy hwy. I had to turn the truck all the way off and then back on to redet it. As I crawled at a slow speed to get off the near exist it did it again.”
NHTSA complaint #11326466, filed 2020-05, 156,000 miles - Electrical system
Truck shuts off or loses all electrical power while driving
- 81 complaints (12%)
- median 78,900 mi at 6.9 yrs old (75 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $957 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2010–2021
Owners describe the engine dying at speed or at stops, sometimes with all lights, steering assist and gauges going dead, and intermittent no-start conditions. Complaints mention replaced batteries, alternators, starters, sensors and the power module (TIPM) without a lasting fix, and dealers reporting no stored fault or no applicable recall. Mostly reported between 50,000 and 170,000 miles, often during highway or stop-and-go driving.
What to check: Have the battery, charging system and grounds checked, and ask whether the powertrain control module software updates were applied; note any history of repeated no-start or dead-dash repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I noticed that when breaking at a red light or during high traffic areas, my truck looses complete power. I cannot turn the steering wheel and the engine shuts down. It doesn't happen all the time, but enough to worry about not being able to steer away from traffic. I don't know if there is a recall for this issue, but I will certainly will like to get some information about this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11127923, filed 2018-09, 106,000 miles“Vehicle power failure while moving on three occasions. Vehicle loses all power including steering. Have already replaced several sensors and the PCM with no success. Very hazardous to me and all motorists around me.”
NHTSA complaint #11301938, filed 2020-01, 54,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel tank straps / corroded frame letting the tank hang down
- 50 complaints (7%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners report the fuel tank dropping or hanging below the truck after the strap anchor or the frame section it mounts to rusts through. Complaints describe a dragging noise while driving, the strap rubbing the driveshaft, and dealers declining assistance, sometimes citing mileage or the vehicle's state of registration. Mostly reported between 43,000 and 150,000 miles, on trucks in rust-belt or coastal areas.
What to check: Look under the truck at the fuel tank straps and the frame where they attach, checking for heavy scale or rust-through; ask whether any fuel-system or frame recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While my wife was driving our 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 she suddenly noticed a dragging noise so she immediately pulled into a parking lot. When looking under the truck she noticed the fuel tank hanging and the fuel strap hanging (one side broken). She had just come off a 50 MPH highway so I am grateful it did not happen while on that roadway. We have read 3 other documented exact problems within a months time of our problem. We had it towed by aaa to a close to the location it was at Dodge dealership in the annapolis, md area. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759617, filed 2015-08, 137,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10812059, filed 2015-12, 43,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Heater and defroster stop working (blend door / HVAC)
- 88 complaints (13%)
- median 73,500 mi at 6.0 yrs old (82 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2009–2025
Complaints describe no heat from the vents, a clicking from behind the dash, and windows that fog up because the defroster will not clear the windshield. Some owners were told their truck was not covered by the HVAC-related campaign; others report the climate unit switching between heat and cool or dropping defrost on its own. Reported from about 34,000 to 160,000 miles, often noticed in cold or wet weather.
What to check: On a cold start, confirm heat reaches the vents and the defroster clears the glass; listen for repeated clicking from the dash and ask whether the HVAC control head or actuators were replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is a clicking in the dashboard for a few minutes I tried common problems that would make that noise are the blower motor or blend door actuator replaced them and still the clicking happens but a cause of this clicking the air won't work or is good very slowly and causes my front windshield to fog up to the point at which I can't see out the front when my truck is not moving same result I. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340769, filed 2020-07, 189,000 miles“My 2009 Dodge ram windshield became real foggy while I was driving at a speed of 56mph and when I attempted to turn on the defrost/defogger nothing happen. So I applied the brakes and move to the shoulder of the road safely that time thanks the almighty. This could be deadly and I am glad I was driving andnotone of the children nor my wife. Please recall all 2009 Dodge ram pickups and replace the manual climate valve motor and sensors if needed, I beg Dodge to make our vehicles safer. Thank you!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10481474, filed 2012-10, 68,000 miles
Buying note. The 2009 Ram 1500 has a well-documented rear axle pinion issue and a long-running pattern of electrical shutdowns, so check recall work on the rear axle and have the electrical system inspected before purchase. On older trucks, inspect the frame and fuel tank mounting for rust and confirm the heater and defroster work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 670 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500. 540 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,074 miles. Of all complaints, 29 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 19 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 40 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Dodge RAM 1500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 24 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain231 34%
- Electrical system97 14%
- Other or unknown53 7.9%
- Engine50 7.5%
- Wheels50 7.5%
- Fuel system43 6.4%
- Body and structure41 6.1%
- Tires36 5.4%
- Air bags34 5.1%
Also reported: Brakes (34), Suspension (34), Steering (28), Exterior lighting (19), Electronic stability control (15), Vehicle speed control (12), Equipment (11), Engine cooling (9), Seats (8), Seat belts (6), Latches, locks and linkages (5).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Was driving about 25 miles per hour when I heard a loud pop or bang. The truck felt slightly funny. Put into neutral and coasted to an empty parking lot. Approx 75 to 100 feet and stopped. When I tried to move the vehicle again it would lock up within a foot of travel. Had to tow it to a garage. The rear axle is locked up the rear flange is sitting at a crooked angle.”
NHTSA complaint #11280806, filed 2019-11, 118,000 milesElectrical system: “The key falls out of ignition while driving ,also the shifter can be moved without key in ignition it is the same problem as 10v200000 recall but my truck isn't included in recall search but it should, I know Dodge retooled in the middle of the 2009 year and the parts on my truck match a 2010 year model for which the recall is intended.this is a dangerous situation that isn't being addressed by seemingly a clerical error.”
NHTSA complaint #11403292, filed 2021-03, 220,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10690329, filed 2015-02, 84,000 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving in heavy rush hour traffic at 55 MPH when my left front tire rapidly went flat do to the TPMS valve stem failure causing me to take evasive action in order to avoid a multi vehicle collision. This driving on a flat tire caused extensive side wall damage to my new tire with only 6000 miles on it, $233.00 to replace it low cost to avoid a major accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10743466, filed 2015-07, 53,811 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 540 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 95,700 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM 1500 · sedan (side air bags) RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| RAM 1500 · coupe RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| RAM 1500 · sedan (side air bags) RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V038000Feb 6, 2013Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: Dodge RAM 1500 2009–2012, Dakota 2009–2011, Durango 2009 +1 more
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007…
- 12V474000Oct 2, 2012Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: Dodge RAM 1500 2009–2010, Dakota 2009–2010
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
Recall details for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE12021Rear Differential FailureClosed · Jul 19, 2012
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 40 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Equipment, Body and structure. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220098Nov 20, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Authentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Other model years of the Dodge RAM 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 698 | 70,875 | 6 | — | 16 | 53 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 689 | 75,557 | 4 | — | 16 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 488 | 64,600 | 4 | — | 16 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 670 | 67,074 | 2 | — | 16 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 554 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 517 | 69,250 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 792 | 61,110 | 9 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,173 | 86,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,099 | 70,992 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,171 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 815 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,112 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 513 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 610 | 85,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 520 | 95,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 361 | 99,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 298 | 122,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 213 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 116 | 108,250 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 6 | 100,003 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 7 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 most often report rear axle and driveline trouble — a loosening pinion nut, noise, and in some cases rear-wheel lockup — along with intermittent full electrical shutdowns and heater/defroster controls that quit. The issues reported most often: Rear axle pinion nut loosening / differential noise or; Truck shuts off or loses all electrical power while driving; Fuel tank straps / corroded frame letting the tank hang down.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 670 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 231 complaints (34% of the total), followed by electrical system with 97.
Has the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 (Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 reported?
Among the 540 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,074 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 95,700 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.