2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 88 and 670 complaints, driven mainly by transmission and powertrain issues. It carries 2 recalls for a rear axle pinion nut defect and earns an Avoid verdict compared to other Ram 1500 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 Ram 1500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 670
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 29
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 19
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
Top 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain231 (34%)
- Electrical System107 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires99 (15%)
- Engine69 (10%)
- Other62 (9%)
- Structure & Body52 (8%)
- Brakes43 (6%)
- Fuel System43 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers38 (6%)
- Airbags34 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the transmission slipping out of park into reverse unexpectedly, even with no one inside the vehicle.
- Brake pedal reportedly went to the floor with no stopping power during sudden traffic slowdowns.
- Ice buildup around rear brake calipers was said to rip wheel speed sensor wires loose, causing sudden loss of traction control and anti-lock braking.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during frontal and side collisions, in some cases while seat belts also failed to retract or lock.
- One owner described an airbag housing unit becoming unbolted and striking the driver instead of deploying properly.
- A rubber brake line on the driver's side reportedly broke after contact with built-up snow, leading to loss of vehicle control.
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V038000Feb 6, 2013Transmission & Powertrain278,674 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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 January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
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.
Remedy: 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 options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
- NHTSA 12V474000Oct 2, 2012Transmission & Powertrain44,300 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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.
Remedy: 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.
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Ram 1500 ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years with a complaint index of 88, compared to a low of 0 and high of 100 across other years. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Ram 1500 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
- Transmission and powertrain issues make up 34% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 69,000. Electrical system problems account for 16% and suspension, wheels, and tires issues account for 15% of complaints.
- Does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls, both related to the rear axle pinion nut loosening due to lack of adhesive on the Transmission & Powertrain system. Neither recall is a do-not-drive order.
- How does the 2009 Ram 1500 compare to the 2010 model?
- The 2010 Ram 1500 has a much lower complaint index of 25 and a Good verdict, compared to the 2009's complaint index of 88 and Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
- EPA rates the 2009 Ram 1500 at 15 mpg combined, 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300.