2009 RAM 1500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 13, 2026 · 37 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 1500 years
Far fewer complaints than other years 15th of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 RAM 1500. That ranks 15th out of 18 1500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (9 complaints, 24%), typically at around 89,253 miles. Complaints mention 2 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 RAM 1500 problems

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

Power Train9 · ~89,253 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~79,300 mi
Electrical System6 · ~79,300 mi
Engine5 · ~80,454 mi
Structure4 · ~87,400 mi
Suspension4 · ~106,000 mi
Steering3 · ~58,505 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2
Service Brakes2 · ~58,505 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~51,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train924%89,253——
Unknown or Other719%79,300——
Electrical System616%79,300——
Engine514%80,454——
Structure411%87,400——
Suspension411%106,000——
Steering38%58,505——
Fuel/propulsion System25%———
Service Brakes25%58,505——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13%51,000——
Exterior Lighting13%———
Visibility13%200,000——
Visibility/wiper13%———
Wheels13%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 11 complaints
2015: 1201512018: 112018112019: 5201952021: 8202182022: 4202242023: 5202352024: 2202422026: 120261

n = 37 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 RAM 1500 recalls (2)

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

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mountingMar 8, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V160000 · 218,617 vehicles

Problem: 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, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Risk: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftDec 20, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem: 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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

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

  • Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.

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 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…

Power Train · received Feb 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11717891

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

Suspension · received Feb 18, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11572638

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…

Visibility · received Jan 10, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11564563

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.

Structure · received Jun 20, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11528025

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…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jun 5, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11525394

Other RAM 1500 years

2010 1500 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 15001019
2025 15003608
2024 1500766
2023 150020211
2022 150062316
2021 150068315
2020 150063914
2019 15001,49229
2018 150066415
2017 150088213
2016 15001,54816
2015 15001,45717
2014 15001,77316
2013 15001,27911
2012 150000
2011 150000
2010 150000
2009372

See all RAM 1500 problems by year, every RAM model, or the RAM VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 RAM 1500?

Owners most often report power train, unknown or other, electrical system problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 9 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 RAM 1500?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 RAM 1500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 1500 model years, the 2009 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.