RAM 1500 · model year

2009 RAM 1500

47 NHTSA complaints, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009RAM1500 carries 47 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 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 1500 is power train with 8 filings, followed by unknown or other (7) and electrical system (6). 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 1500, and 1 remain open. 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.

47
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

47 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
STEERING3
SUSPENSION3
SERVICE BRAKES2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION:REAR1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
WHEELS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

Recalls (2)

17V82100020/12/2017

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.

18V16000008/03/2018

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,

Recent Complaints

20260213POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 120,000

20240218SUSPENSION

I bought this 2009 Dodge ram Laramie about a year ago been riding like new but 4 days ago starting to hear a bad whining noise from the rear end and I see this truck had a recall on the pinion nut I think it's coming lose from the pinion

20240110VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air conditioner, heater, and defogger were inoperable. The climate control warning light was not illuminated. The contact replaced the climate control module; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20230620STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame rail has rusted out causing this vehicle unsafe to drive. A quick google search showed this a common problem. I know Mercedes Benz have recalled rusting brake boosters and provided extended warranty on rear subframe rust. Toyota has recalled truck frames. Dodge is ignoring this issue.

20230605FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In researching the vin for my vehicle, a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, it shows there are no recalls on it but I've recently found that the front fuel tank bracket has rusted out of the frame of the vehicle I believe this VIN should fall under Safety Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V-160 Frame Bracket. This is the subject of that Safety recall which has impacted my vehicle: The front fuel tank strap on about 287,000 of the above vehicles may detach due to the frame bracket corroding. Detachment of the front fuel tank strap could potentially allow the front of the fuel tank to make contact with the ground, increasing the risk of a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

20230424ENGINE

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.

20230424ELECTRICAL 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.

20230403POWER TRAIN

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

20230403FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20230403STEERING

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

20230212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20220824UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The hvac System behind dashboard stopped working and there is no air or heat it keeps making a loud clicking noise for about 1 minute and goes away and then 5 minutes later it does it again for another 5 minutes I took to a shop the said the hvac system behind the dash went out and you have to remove the whole dashboard and replace the whole hvac system to fix it I have no heat or a/c and I seen there are recalls concerning this matter

20220617EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The third brake light stays lit even when key is off and gets extremely hot. rear brake lights come on when key is turned on making them indistinguishable from running lights. This happens even if brake pedal switch is removed!

20220216POWER TRAIN

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.

20220110SUSPENSION

Took the truck in for tire rotation and was told they couldn't do it due to the rear frame being severely rusted out I have noticed this is a very common problem with this year truck in the same area mine is rusted out

20220110POWER TRAIN

Took the truck in for tire rotation and was told they couldn't do it due to the rear frame being severely rusted out I have noticed this is a very common problem with this year truck in the same area mine is rusted out

20211208POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

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.

Mileage: 200,000

20211006VISIBILITY/WIPER

K-17 recall. Chris Nikel CDJRF at 2920 N. Aspen Ave. Broken Arrrow, OK 74012, 918-806-4197, diagnosed that an actuator door is not functioning properly within the HVAC system on 10-5-21. Service Advisor 856 Dwayne Appeldorn told me that he can not obtain recall approval for Chrysler to cover the repair expense. On 10-6-21, I called the Chrysler Customer Service Center at 866-726-4636 and a Mercedes told me that Chrysler will not cover the expense of the repair. NHTSA has helped me with this same exact problem in the past by telling me that recalls are good for the life of the vehicle and original owner.

20210924ENGINE

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.

20210825SERVICE BRAKES

I Just bought this car, i get a notice from DMV 2-recalls have not been fixed on this truck I am not driving it until it is repaired, i need to drive it soon for I have a son on a ventilator i need to drive to the Dr only. I am getting the run around with dodge called 5-dealers to hear all different stories why this cannot be taken care of. if i bring it to the local repair shop dodge should pay i need my vehicle

Compare 2009RAM1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 RAM 1500 have?
The 2009 RAM 1500 has 47 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2009 RAM 1500 has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2009 RAM 1500 is POWER TRAIN with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2009 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.