2009 Ram 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 24%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,252miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Ram 1500, 24% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,252 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down road when I heard a clanking noise coming from back of truck. I was going about 26mph and I checked for warning lights and system info that shows Temps, but everything was showing normal. The noise got louder ,so I took foot off gas pedal, which then started getting a loud rubbing noise coming from wheels. Truck slowed down quickly. When I pressed gas pedal the clanking/grinding noise got louder. I was close to a 7-Eleven entry way,so I took foot off gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11422358, filed 2021-06, 58,505 miles“Driving home from the store the rear end locked up, sheared off my drive shaft. Caused a slight skid. There was a low hum when I let off the gas. I thought it was road noise. It got louder as I got closer to home. As I hit the brakes to turn into my neighborhood it was very loud. As soon as I turned and hit the accelerator I heard a loud noise and started to skid into the curb. There as a loud banging as my drive shaft spun and hit everything under my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11452184, filed 2022-02“I purchased this vehicle from a private party and insured it and my insurance offers free carfax after checking through its history i see that it has 2 pending recalls and one of them has a buyback program, i called dealerships and the Chrysler warranty phone number but they do not want to buy it back even though that is one of the remedy's , the main problem is with the driveshaft which can separate due to a axle pinion bolt and cause an accident i really do not want to deal with these recalls and would rather go with the available option of having it repurchased from chrysler”
NHTSA complaint #11515288, filed 2023-04“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11717891, filed 2026-02, 120,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11443136, filed 2021-12, 200,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Chrysler (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…Covers: Ram 1500 2009, 2013–2017, 2500 2013–2017, 3500 2013–2017 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10229031Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission 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…
- 10220837Mar 10, 2021GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to…
- 10220868Mar 4, 2021Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10190615Mar 4, 2021Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10162502May 22, 2019Power Transfer Unit
- 10162487May 7, 2019Transmission ? With Torque Converter
- 10139588May 31, 2018Job aid - If you have a suspected TC shudder/vibration, check the Interactive Network for Service Bulletins for the vehicle you are working on. A test-drive snap shot may help…
- 10142197Mar 16, 2016Housing, Axle Housing cover mounting bolt holes use self-tapping fasteners. New fasteners are required with housing replacement. Order housing 05170303AE and (12) selftapping…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 10% |
| 2025 | 49 | 13% |
| 2024 | 15 | 19% |
| 2023 | 29 | 14% |
| 2022 | 108 | 17% |
| 2021 | 100 | 15% |
| 2020 | 63 | 10% |
| 2019 | 207 | 14% |
| 2018 | 60 | 9% |
| 2017 | 98 | 11% |
| 2016 | 202 | 13% |
| 2015 | 226 | 15% |
| 2014 | 192 | 11% |
| 2013 | 86 | 7% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2009 Ram 1500
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Ram 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology