2009 Dodge RAM 1500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 231 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500, 34% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 69,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear axle” (20% of reports).
- 231power train complaints
- 69,000median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear axle: mentioned in 46 of 231 complaints (20%)
- Pinion nut: mentioned in 45 of 231 complaints (19%)
- Unable provide: mentioned in 12 of 231 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 148 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 231 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 1 an injury.
Dodge RAM 1500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 1500 | 92 | 13% | 65,500 |
| 2011 RAM 1500 | 176 | 26% | 44,000 |
| 2010 RAM 1500 | 229 | 47% | 60,000 |
| 2009 RAM 1500 | 231 | 34% | 69,000 |
| 2008 RAM 1500 | 73 | 13% | 84,459 |
| 2007 RAM 1500 | 61 | 12% | 63,500 |
| 2006 RAM 1500 | 100 | 13% | 89,500 |
| 2005 RAM 1500 | 593 | 51% | 110,967 |
| 2004 RAM 1500 | 181 | 16% | 120,678 |
| 2003 RAM 1500 | 125 | 11% | 74,000 |
| 2002 RAM 1500 | 99 | 12% | 82,500 |
| 2001 RAM 1500 | 95 | 9% | 57,570 |
| 2000 RAM 1500 | 45 | 9% | 60,000 |
| 1999 RAM 1500 | 59 | 10% | 70,000 |
| 1998 RAM 1500 | 85 | 16% | 90,000 |
| 1997 RAM 1500 | 56 | 16% | 70,001 |
| 1996 RAM 1500 | 52 | 17% | 106,000 |
| 1995 RAM 1500 | 30 | 14% | 86,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Problem: 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, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
- 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…
My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2009 Dodge RAM 1500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 231 owner complaints about power train for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 (34% of the 670 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 69,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “rear axle”, in 46 of 231 complaints, followed by “pinion nut” (45).
Other 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
- Electrical System problems (97)
- Engine problems (50)
- Wheels problems (50)
See all 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 problems or power train problems across all RAM 1500 years.