2009 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 9, 2025 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other RAM years
Not enough data 16th of 17 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge RAM. That ranks 16th out of 17 RAM model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (3 complaints, 33%), typically at around 47,985 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Dodge RAM
1981-1993 Dodge Ram photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2009 Dodge RAM problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering3 · ~47,985 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~94,000 mi
Power Train2 · ~60,000 mi
Engine1 · ~60,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1 · ~12,200 mi
Seat Belts1 · ~12,200 mi
Suspension1 · ~47,985 mi
Tires1 · ~40,000 mi
Wheels1 · ~40,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering333%47,985——
Fuel System, Gasoline222%94,000——
Power Train222%60,000——
Engine111%60,000——
Latches/locks/linkages111%12,200——
Seat Belts111%12,200——
Suspension111%47,985——
Tires111%40,000——
Wheels111%40,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 2 complaints
2009: 1200912010: 1201012011: 2201122012: 2201222021: 1202112024: 1202412025: 120251

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Dodge RAM recalls (5)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyDec 24, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.

Risk: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 11, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V009000 · 20,045 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.

Risk: This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Equipment:appliance:air conditionerMay 8, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V158000 · 36,793 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 dodge ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.

Risk: This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the hvac module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 3, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorMar 13, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V084000 · 65,896 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty dodge ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.

Risk: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)Mar 10, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V078000 · 504 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 dodge ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate from the master cylinder. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed, which could result in unintended vehicle movement.

Risk: Increased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Outer Tie Rod Failure (PE11009) — opened Apr 4, 2011, closed Feb 6, 2012, led to recall 11V350000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected, and it was confirmed that the vehicle qualified for the buyback option under the recall. After contacting the dealer…

Power Train · received Apr 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11653639

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket had detached. The vehicle was taken to…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Jul 31, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11605710

The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an abnormal, ticking noise would emit from the vehicle upon startup without warning. He also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the engine would rev without…

Engine · received Dec 22, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11444690

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to shake. The check engine warning light and the service needed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however the failure was not determined. The dealer replaced the rear…

Steering · received Jul 23, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10467016

Aluminum valve stem/tpms sensors on both front wheels corroded and failed at the same time causing two flat front tires and loss of steering. Proceeded to repair shop to have all (4) valve stems and (2) front tires replaced. Repair personnel informed us that this is an epidemic. According to them…

Wheels · received Mar 27, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10453252

Other Dodge RAM years

← 2008 RAM · 2010 RAM →

See all Dodge RAM problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge RAM?

Owners most often report steering, fuel system, gasoline, power train problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge RAM?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Dodge RAM a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RAM model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.