Total Complaints
884 filings
DODGE RAM 1500 · model year
884 NHTSA complaints, 42 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2009DODGERAM 1500 carries 884 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 42 crashes, 2 fires, 26 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 RAM 1500 is power train with 217 filings, followed by electrical system (95) and unknown or other (52). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2009 RAM 1500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
884 filings
Crashes Reported
42 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 217 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 95 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 52 |
| ENGINE | 50 |
| WHEELS | 49 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 33 |
| AIR BAGS | 32 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 30 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 30 |
| SUSPENSION | 29 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 28 |
| STEERING | 25 |
| TIRES | 23 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 19 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 19 |
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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.
Involved in an accident 2/09/26. Air bag did not deploy. Fractured sternum as a result.
- Week of October 6th 2025 I experienced 4-wheel drive issues and lights. - October 13th 2025 dropped off to dealer for review - October 14th 2025 dealer deemed not safe to drive and ordered parts under warranty repair. - following weeks went on with parts being backordered. - after having to push the dealer for updates for weeks on December 22nd 2025 I informed Stellantis Customer Service US. - Customer service looked into and gave me the same delayed responses for weeks now "I hope you're doing well. I'm following up regarding your case. There is no definite ETA for the part. Our parts team is working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me." - Still today Stellantis cannot give me a date when my truck will be repaired. Near 4months later...
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the MTC unit failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. In addition, the defrost system was deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Mileage: 158,000
The left turn signal not working properly. When I put my left turn signal the amber light front of the truck not working instead the high bean works as turn signal also amber running light not working. Is so frustrating getting pulled over by a cop for that reason!!!
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered on the title that the mileage was 211,492.
Mileage: 211,492
CARFAX GOT THE WRONG MILEAGE 1 HAVE 185292 AND I CAN SEND PICTURES
Heating & ventilation, I have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck wonât start, and had the water pump had to be replace. I believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. What is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?
Heating & ventilation, I have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck wonât start, and had the water pump had to be replace. I believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. What is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?
My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank straps had failed due to the subframe corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN and vehicles from the state of Kansas were not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Mileage: 149,000
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank straps had failed due to the subframe corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN and vehicles from the state of Kansas were not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Mileage: 149,000
the shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control. I was never notified of and the rear end came down while on the freeway. The fuel tank began leaking I repaired this before the recall came out. I submitted a reimbursement request they denied me stating my car was over 7 years old.
the shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control. I was never notified of and the rear end came down while on the freeway. The fuel tank began leaking I repaired this before the recall came out. I submitted a reimbursement request they denied me stating my car was over 7 years old.
the shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control. I was never notified of and the rear end came down while on the freeway. The fuel tank began leaking I repaired this before the recall came out. I submitted a reimbursement request they denied me stating my car was over 7 years old.
Gas tank straps causing fuel tank to drop from under truck. The Chrysler recall 18V160000 or U04 covers this problem but they tell me my VIN is not included in the recall.I live on the Outer Banks of NC and we at times have salt water standing on the side of the roads.and this is the same problem in this recall. I am Deputy Chief of the local fire department and we have 4 of the trucks and all have the same problem also. My truck has 150,000 miles on it and is well taken care of. This truck has a NC DOT inspection every year.
The brakes locked up twice since purchased the vehicle. The left side locking up would have caused me to veer into oncoming traffic. Years late when the right side locked up would've have veered right causing an accident. This last time the brakes aren't releasing. This happening 3 times has reproduced itself. The 1st time I took it to a dealership. No warning lamps were showing or any symptoms for this happening. I've purchased the lifetime warranty on this vehicle.
The rear axle pinion nut came off and the rear axle locked up. Driveshaft dropped to the street, breaking the transfer case. Incident resulted in an immediate loss of control. Driver behind me saw the driveshaft fall and braked to avoid contact with my vehicle. Luckily, I was driving about 25 miles per hour and was able to come to a stop on the roadside without wrecking. I later learned that in late 2015, Chrysler was supposed to notify owners of the defect concerning the rear axle pinion nut. I never received that notification or any other recall notice regarding my vehicle. The local Dodge dealer has told me to have my vehicle towed to them. They said the damage will be evaluated and Chrysler will determine if they should pay for the necessary repairs. I believe they should, since I was never notified of the problem with the rear axle pinion nut. The consumer stated the District Manager at the dealership refused to repair the vehicle. The reasons for not repairing the vehic
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to Hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (625 NJ-440, Jersey City, NJ 07304) on two separate occasions and the dealers declined to perform the recall repair because the sub frame was rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he was responsible for the sub frame replacement. The failure mileage was 165,851. Case number [XXX] . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).â
Mileage: 165,851
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.