Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ranks #2 of 9 among Ram 1500 model years (Complaint Index 88/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 670 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?

The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (231 complaints), electrical system (107 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (99 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 67,472 miles.

Does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, most recently reported 2013, covering transmission & powertrain.

What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?

EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

88/100

#2 most-complained of 9 Ram 1500 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has 670 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 88 out of 100 — #2 highest of 9 Ram 1500 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (231 complaints, 34% of the total). Complaints report 29 crashes, 2 fires, and 19 injuries.

Complaints: 670
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 29 / 2
Injuries / deaths: 19 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 15; 14 city / 19 hwy

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

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2007	Caution	13	517	4 !	14
2008	Caution	38	554	5 !	15
2009	Avoid	88	670	2	15
2010	Good	25	486	4	15
2011	Caution	63	689	4	15

All Dodge Ram 1500 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ranks #2 of 9 among Ram 1500 model years (Complaint Index 88/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 670 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?: The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (231 complaints), electrical system (107 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (99 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 67,472 miles.
Does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, most recently reported 2013, covering transmission & powertrain.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?: EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.