YearToAvoid

2009 Dodge Ram Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

17/100

#6 most-complained of 7 Ram years

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

The 2009 Dodge Ram has 9 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 17 out of 100 — #6 highest of 7 Ram model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is steering (3 complaints, 33% of the total). Complaints report 1 fire.

Complaints
9
Recalls
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2009 Dodge Ram problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering3 (33%)
  2. Fuel System2 (22%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (22%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain2 (22%)
  5. Engine1 (11%)
  6. Seat Belts1 (11%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (11%)
2009 Dodge Ram complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2009Jan 2011Mar 2012Dec 2021Apr 2025
12 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2009 to Apr 2025; peak Jan 2011 (2).

2009 Dodge Ram recalls

5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V657000Dec 24, 2010Steering15,271 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.

    Risk: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  2. NHTSA 10V009000Jan 11, 2010Brakes20,045 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.

    Risk: This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  3. NHTSA 09V158000May 8, 2009Other36,793 vehicles

    Equipment:appliance:air conditioner

    Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 dodge ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.

    Risk: This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 3, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.

See all 5 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Ram →

2009 compared with other Ram years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002005200620072008200920102011
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Good33171—
2008Caution67252—
2009Best1795—
2010Avoid100275—
2011No verdict004—

All Dodge Ram years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Ram a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Ram ranks #6 of 7 among Ram model years (Complaint Index 17/100, verdict: Best). It has 9 complaints and 5 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?
The most reported problem areas are steering (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 43,993 miles.
Does the 2009 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Ram, most recently reported 2010, covering steering, brakes, other, and visibility & wipers.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.