repaired · 2018 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or…
2009 Dodge RAM 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 105 owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-352 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 22, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 has problems
105 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
69Steering3 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
12Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system
5Service brakes
4Power train
3Visibility/wiper
3Exterior lighting
2Wheels
97 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 69 | 3 |
| Air bags | 12 | 4 |
| Suspension | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 Dodge RAM 3500 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.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2015 Q1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT 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 steering problems start?
45kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 27 steering complaints. 85% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 48% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
7under 30k miles23under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other RAM 3500 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 3500 median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529No recall
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Outer Tie Rod FailureLed to recall 11V-350
In owners' words
What RAM 3500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY 2011 MEGA CAB 3500 WAS PURCHASED IN NOV OF 2018 WITH ONLY APPROX. 110K MILES ON ODOMETER. AFTER A SHORT WHILE OF DRIVING, A VIBRATION STARTED GETTING WORSE UP UNTIL I TOOK TO A DEALER AT APPROX. 114K FOR A CHECK ON TOE & ALIGNMENT. IT ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL REPAIR OF UPPER & LOWER U-JOINTS &…
TWO ISSUES: 1: KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS. I'VE REPLACED BUSHINGS, LINKAGES, BALL JOINTS, AND NOTHING HELPED. I REPLACED WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES AND THE KNOCKING IS REDUCED, BUT NOT FIXED. SHOP OWNERS THAT DRIVE THE SAME TRUCK SAY THEY'VE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THEIR OWN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD BALL STUD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE…
Own a 2009 RAM 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.