2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA has 231 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 34% of all 670 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest transmission complaint count among 9 Ram 1500 model years. These complaints report 7 crashes and 1 injury. Median mileage at failure: 69,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 231
- 34% of 670
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 69,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
When 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 17, 2009, latest Feb 7, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ram 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
- NHTSA has 231 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 34% of all complaints for this model year, including 7 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 69,000 miles.
- Which Dodge Ram 1500 year has the most transmission complaints?
- The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 has the most transmission complaints (593), compared with 231 for the 2009.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
- Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 concern the transmission: 13V038000 and 12V474000.