2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (194) · Wheels (49) · Engine (37)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram 1500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
541 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (2)
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit 2013-02-06 · campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles
Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from Janua
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall option
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit 2012-10-02 · campaign 12V474000 · 44,300 vehicles
Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Service bulletins (40)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Power Train 2021-04-07 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Showing the 6 most recent of 40 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-02-14 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“involved in an accident 2/09/26. air bag did not deploy. fractured sternum as a result.…”
2026-02-07 · Power Train“- week of october 6th 2025 i experienced 4-wheel drive issues and lights. - october 13th 2025 dropped off to dealer for review - october 14th 2025 dealer deemed not safe to drive and ordered parts under warranty repair. - following weeks went on with parts being backordered. - after having to push the dealer for updates for weeks on december 22nd 2…”
2025-09-08 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · 158,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the mtc unit failed to function as intended. the contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. in addition, the defrost system was deactivated. the vehicle was not diag…”
2025-07-19 · Exterior Lighting“the left turn signal not working properly. when i put my left turn signal the amber light front of the truck not working instead the high bean works as turn signal also amber running light not working. is so frustrating getting pulled over by a cop for that reason!!!…”
2025-06-20 · Electrical System:instrument Panel:speedometer/Odometer · 211,492 mi“odometer fraud. the contact purchased a 2009 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. the vehicle was a private sale. at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered on the title that the milea…”
2025-05-29 · Unknown Or Other“carfax got the wrong mileage 1 have 185292 and i can send pictures…”
2025-01-24 · Fuel/Propulsion System“heating & ventilation, i have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck won’t start, and had the water pump had to be replace. i believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. what is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?…”
2024-09-14 · Power Train“my trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on i've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded …”
2023-05-24 · Structure · 149,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. the failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. both fuel tank straps had failed due to the s…”
2023-02-18 · Power Train“the shifter began changing gears on its own. before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. i was never notified of the recall. then on rear axle pinion nut. the nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a l…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.