Total Complaints
12 filings
RAM 2500 · model year
2009 RAM 2500
12 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2009RAM2500 carries 12 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, 0 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 2500 is steering with 4 filings, followed by suspension (4) and engine (1). 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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2 investigation files overlapping the 2009 2500. 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.
12
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
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
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| ENGINE | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
Recalls (1)
18V02100009/01/2018
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,
Recent Complaints
20240121SUSPENSION
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile a
20240121WHEELS
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile a
20240121STEERING
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile a
20220521STEERING
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
20220521UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
20220521SUSPENSION
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
20211122SERVICE BRAKES
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
20211122STEERING
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
20211122SUSPENSION
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
20210723ENGINE
My truck was running fine then started to skip and lost power. It was dangerous because i was on the interstate and the truck would not go. People were honking and flying ar0und me was very disturbing. Seems this has been a problem for awhile talking to other Dodge owners a valve spring or lifter breaks and destroys the can shaft in the Hemi engines certain years.
20190714STEERING
I HAVE A 2009 RAM 2500 4WHEEL DRIVE. I CAN NOT USE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING; AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH THE FRONT SUSPENSION TENDS TO EXPERIENCE A SEVERE SHAKING THAT IS CAUSED BY A RAPID LATERAL OSCILLATION OF THE ENTIRE AXLE AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN CROSSING AN UNEVEN, ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD, OR WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A GRADE BREAK THAT IS NOT "SQUARE" WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, (DIAGONAL). I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOMENA. THERE IS A TERM THAT HAS EMERGED OUT HERE IN THE REAL WORLD THAT BEST DESCRIBES THIS CONDITION, WHICH IS "THE DEATH WOBBLE". ( SEE YOU TUBE FOR SOME GOOD EXAMPLES). THERE IS ALSO ONE REMEDY FOR THIS THAT SEEMS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM,(YOU TUBE/ BIG'OL BUSHING) THAT BEING SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE THE JOB OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO RE-ENGINEER THEIR VEHICLES IN ORDER TO USE THEM ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. THIS RAM AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN RE-CALLED FOR FAILURE OF STEERING COM
Mileage: 161,000
20190714SUSPENSION
I HAVE A 2009 RAM 2500 4WHEEL DRIVE. I CAN NOT USE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING; AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH THE FRONT SUSPENSION TENDS TO EXPERIENCE A SEVERE SHAKING THAT IS CAUSED BY A RAPID LATERAL OSCILLATION OF THE ENTIRE AXLE AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN CROSSING AN UNEVEN, ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD, OR WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A GRADE BREAK THAT IS NOT "SQUARE" WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, (DIAGONAL). I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOMENA. THERE IS A TERM THAT HAS EMERGED OUT HERE IN THE REAL WORLD THAT BEST DESCRIBES THIS CONDITION, WHICH IS "THE DEATH WOBBLE". ( SEE YOU TUBE FOR SOME GOOD EXAMPLES). THERE IS ALSO ONE REMEDY FOR THIS THAT SEEMS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM,(YOU TUBE/ BIG'OL BUSHING) THAT BEING SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE THE JOB OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO RE-ENGINEER THEIR VEHICLES IN ORDER TO USE THEM ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. THIS RAM AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN RE-CALLED FOR FAILURE OF STEERING COM
Mileage: 161,000
Compare 2009RAM2500 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2009 RAM 2500 have?▼
The 2009 RAM 2500 has 12 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 RAM 2500?▼
Yes, the 2009 RAM 2500 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 RAM 2500?▼
The most-complained component for the 2009 RAM 2500 is STEERING with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and ENGINE.
Is the 2009 RAM 2500 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.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.