2009 Dodge Ram Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Dodge Ram has 9 complaints, 5 recalls, and a complaint index of 17, ranking 6th worst out of 7 model years. NHTSA caps its verdict at Good because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete, even though the complaint index alone looks strong.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 Ram years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 9
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2009 Dodge Ram problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering3 (33%)
- Fuel System2 (22%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (22%)
- Engine1 (11%)
- Seat Belts1 (11%)
- Structure & Body1 (11%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel line caught fire underneath the vehicle while driving at very low speed.
- Tie rod end broke while backing out of a driveway, causing the wheel to turn fully to one side.
- Aluminum valve stem and TPMS sensors on both front wheels corroded and failed together, causing two flat tires and loss of steering.
- Vehicle shook while driving, with the check engine and service warning lights illuminating and a wheel rim and tires needing replacement.
- Ticking noise on startup and hesitation on acceleration with the engine revving without warning.
- Rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket detached, producing an abnormal sound while driving.
2009 Dodge Ram recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
2009 compared with other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Dodge Ram reliable?
- NHTSA lists 9 complaints and a complaint index of 17 for the 2009 Ram, the second-lowest among the 7 model years with data. Its verdict is capped at Good rather than a higher rating because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Ram?
- Steering issues make up 33% of complaints, followed by Fuel System, Suspension/Wheels/Tires, and Transmission & Powertrain each at 22%. The top problem area overall is Steering.
- Does the 2009 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2009 Ram, covering Steering, Brakes, an HVAC software issue, Visibility & Wipers, and Transmission & Powertrain components. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2009 Ram compare to other Ram model years?
- The 2009 Ram ranks 6th worst out of 7 years tracked, with a complaint index of 17 versus 100 for the worst year, 2010, and 83 for 2005. Only one other year performs better on complaint index.
- At what mileage do 2009 Ram problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure across complaints is 43,992. Steering complaints show a median mileage of 47,985 while Fuel System complaints show a median of 94,000.