2009 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 37 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingMar 8, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V160000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
37 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 13, 2026
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.
Suspension, Feb 18, 2024
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
Visibility, Jan 10, 2024
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.
Structure, Jun 20, 2023
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2023
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2023
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.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2023
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
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2023
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
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
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
Exterior lighting, Jun 17, 2022
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!
Power train, Feb 16, 2022
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.
Suspension, Power train, Jan 10, 2022
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
Power train, Dec 8, 2021
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.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2021
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.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 25, 2021
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
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2021
The odometer on 4th generation dodge will not go over 621,369 miles. This is a none problem which they refuse to fix. This vehicle has a unlimited power train warranty. Dodge refuses to fix the problem.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2021
I was driving down road when I heard a clanking noise coming from back of truck. I was going about 26mph and I checked for warning lights and system info that shows Temps, but everything was showing normal. The noise got louder ,so I took foot off gas pedal, which then started getting a loud rubbing noise coming from wheels. Truck slowed down quickly. When I pressed gas pedal the clanking/grinding noise got louder. I was close to a 7-Eleven entry way,so I took foot off gas. I then heard a loud clanking (like metal dropped on pavement), so I turned to enter 7-Eleven area to get truck out of road . Truck turned into entrance and came to a dead stop. No of pedals were pushed, engine was in drive, and noise got louder. I turned off truck, cause of noise and dashboard had most lights on adif you were going to start engine. There were no red warnings or messages showing on dashboard. With engine off, I got out of truck and looked under my truck and the rear driveshaft was completely off sitting on road, and the rear transmission joint it connects to was dumping transmission fluid onto pavement. Fluid was bright green with nothing in it. The truck would not move, all 4 wheels were locked up. Me and several people tried pushing truck so the rear end was in roadway. Put truck would not move at all. If you turned key to put into neutral the clanking/grind noise would start again so shutdown engine. I called roadside assistance to come tow truck to dealership a few miles from where I was. Talking with others they said never seen something like this happen. Especially with the truck being '09, with only 58,505 miles. The dealership has a technician looking at it to see what parts it needs and to see what parts are discontinued. I told service rep. it was strange it came without a warning, she said it's a common problem, happens all the time. That's shocking, I had no control when driveshaft came off. I was turning, it jerked to a stop, messed up 3 ribs and hip.
Wheels, May 26, 2021
I have had three separate mechanics diagnose my 2009 Dodge Pickup truck after reporting hearing a loud hum. All three mechanics diagnosed rear-wheel bearings failure. Also, the wheel bearing failure may have caused the rear differential to fail as well. To repair my vehicle will cost between $1500 and $4000. I have seen several reports online that this is a common problem and I would like to file a complaint the Dodge did not properly design the vehicle.
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2021
DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK
Suspension, Aug 7, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 RAM 1500. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HUB DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. GERRY WOOD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (525 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD S, SALISBURY, NC 28147, (704) 508-4660) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V038000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 12, 2019
THE TRUCK LOST POWER AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP.IT WAS IN MOTION GOING AROUND A TURN AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER THE FIRST WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND THE DEALER SAID THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES.
Structure, Mar 19, 2019
RUSTED FRAME, REPORTED TO FCA 2/19/19 , PRESENTED TO DEALERSHIP 2/25/19, I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT LIFT TRUCK FOR SAFETY REASONS, THERE IS A HOLE ROTTED THROUGH THE FRAME RAIL FORWARD OF REAR TIRE. THIS COULD BE AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL DONE FOR THE GAS TANK STRAP, FRAME RUST, THE TRUCK IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, IT HAS 74,800 MILES, NOT A SCRATCH AND A LIFETIME POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED. THIS FRAME WAS ONLY USED FOR A COUPLE YEARS, I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF ALL RAMS OF THIS VINTAGE DID NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OR WILL SHORTLY I SPOKE TO FCA ON 3/14/19, I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD TAKE MY TRUCK TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, THEY COULD PREVENT ME FROM DRIVING MY TRUCK HOME, AND FCA WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. PRESENTLY A NEW FRAME IS NOT AVAIL COULD TAKE MONTHS TO GET, IF IT CAN BE GOTTEN. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2019
I OWN A 2009 RAM 1500 SLT WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW THAT CAN NO LONGER SUPPORT ITS OWN WEIGHT. THE FRAME IS SO BADLY CORRODED IT CAN NOT BE LIFTED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO FAIR OAKS CHANTILLY MOTORS (703-961-9900) FOR A RECALL AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, TOM ARCHER CALLED TO INFORM ME THE FRAME WAS SO CORRODED THEY COULD NOT LIFT THE VEHICLE TO PREFORM THE MAINTENANCE. THIS TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 58,000 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN IN OR NEAR SALTWATER, WAS PARKED OFF STREET ON A HARD DRIVEWAY, WAS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND WAS WASHED REGULARLY AT A CARWASH WITH AN UNDER CARRIAGE SPRAY. I WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER UNDER THEIR "GOOD WILL" PROGRAM, BECAUSE I HAVE PURCHASED 4 NEW CHRYSLER PRODUCTS IN THE LAST 22 YEARS. THE CASE NUMBER IS 57483749. CHRYSLER HAS AGREED TO PAY FOR LABOR, BUT I MUST PAY FOR THE PARTS TO INCLUDE A NEW FRAME. THE FRAME COST ALONE IS $2,000. THIS IS A MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT. A TRUCK FRAME WITH LESS THAN 60,000 MILES SHOULD NOT BE SO CORRODED IT CAN NOT SUPPORT ITS OWN WEIGHT. THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE CRACKED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THE TRUCK WILL NO LONGER PASS INSPECTION AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING ANY OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE I HOPE YOU CAN RESOLVE, OR ARE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING.
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2019
TIPM FAILURE- TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE FAILED ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS. ABS- BREAK- ESP/BAS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS TO LIGHT. THE FOLLOWING SYSTEMS NO LONGER WORK- HVAC- BLOWER FAN- WINDSHIELD WIPERS- DOOR LOCKS AND HORN ARE INOPERABLE. NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE FOR A MINIMUM OF 35 DAYS PER DODGE CUSTOMER CARE LINE. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE MOVING AND GAVE NO WARNING OF TROUBLE BEFORE HAND.