VehicleVerdict

2009 Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Ram 1500 is among the quieter years of the 1500 on NHTSA's books: 47 complaints (95% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), electrical system (7), and other (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 1500 years?

1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted2,374 complaints2009: 47 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1,570 complaints2014: 2,374 complaints2015: 1,941 complaints2016: 2,046 complaints2017: 1,169 complaints2018: 889 complaints2019: 2,102 complaints2020: 875 complaints2021: 1,103 complaints2022: 992 complaints2023: 313 complaints2024: 123 complaints2025: 529 complaints2026: 70 complaints
1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission919%
Electrical System715%
Other715%
Engine511%
Body & Structure49%
Suspension49%
Steering36%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Fuel System24%
Brakes24%
Lighting12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2009 Ram 1500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V160000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 218,617 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 22, 2019

“BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR FOR HEATER, DEFROSTER DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK SO DEFROST OR HEATER WILL NOT PUT OUT ANY HEAT AND THEREFORE WINDSHIELD WILL NOT DEFROST AND HEATER WIIL NOT PUT OUT HEAT, IN MY PICKUP THIS IS ON PASSENGER SIDE. IN MONTANA WHERE IT IS STARTING TO GET COLD THIS CAN BE A LIFE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 22, 2017

“2009 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOOSE REAR AXLE PINION NUTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE TO COME A SUDDEN STOP CAUSING THE DRIVERS' CHEST TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER SIGNIFICANT CHEST PAINS. THE CONSUMER STATED FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THE REAR AXLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 21, 2014

2009 Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2009 Ram 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 47 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 1500 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among 1500 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.