repaired · 2015 Q2
Driveline: differential unit
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.
2009 Dodge RAM 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 670 owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-038 the manufacturer reports only 75% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 has problems
670 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
231Power train7 crash/fire/injury
97Electrical system
50Engine
50Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
41Structure
36Tires
34Air bags
34Suspension
33Fuel/propulsion system
21616 other systems17 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 231 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 97 | 0 |
| Engine | 50 | 0 |
| Wheels | 50 | 1 |
| Structure | 41 | 3 |
| Tires | 36 | 0 |
| Air bags | 34 | 13 |
| Suspension | 34 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 216 | 17 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Driveline: differential unit
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
69kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 148 power train complaints. 77% were reported before 100,000 miles.
22under 30k miles114under 100k miles34100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Wheels
9 owners mentioned a cost$90median
Middle half: $80 – $233
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other RAM 1500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 1500 median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 safety ratings
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR. Quad Cab w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- Totally Integrated Power Module FailureNo recall
- Rear Differential FailureLed to recall 12V-474
In owners' words
What RAM 1500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
- Week of October 6th 2025 I experienced 4-wheel drive issues and lights. - October 13th 2025 dropped off to dealer for review - October 14th 2025 dealer deemed not safe to drive and ordered parts under warranty repair. - following weeks went on with parts being backordered. - after having to push…
My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded
the shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can…
Own a 2009 RAM 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.