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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 37

2 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train9 reports · 24% of complaints
Owner complaints37Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train9
  2. Other or unspecified7
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Engine5
  5. Structure4
  6. Suspension4
  7. Steering3
  8. Fuel/propulsion system2

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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: engine

5 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Engine, Sep 26, 2018

    EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS SNAP AND CREATES A LOUD TICKING SOUND AT START UP, IT IDLES HIGH THEN EVENTUALLY SMOOTHS OUT AFTER IT HEATS UP. WAS REPAIRED ONCE AT DEALER UNDER WARRANTY BUT KEEPS REOCCURRING.

  5. Engine, Mar 10, 2018

    MANIFOLD BOLTS TO THE HEADS BROKE OFF. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN VEHICLE AND LOST CONTROL. THE NEED TO BE A RECALL.