2009 RAM 1500 Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 RAM 1500. Part of Generation 4 — 2009–2018.

< older2010
Complaints
47
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2009 RAM 1500 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#18 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:75,835 mi
#26 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:80,433 mi
#35 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:80,454 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 RAM 1500.

Transmission / Drivetrain
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,835
Electrical Faults
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
80,433
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
80,454
Body Structure
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Axle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Rear
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Windshield:Electrical Heating Element
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 RAM 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 RAM 1500

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,701,491 vehicles.

18V160000Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
~218,617 affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

17V821000Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
~1,482,874 affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Other RAM 1500 Years

2009 RAM 1500 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 RAM 1500 reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2009 RAM 1500 has 47 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 8 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 RAM 1500?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints, avg 75,835 mi); Electrical Faults (6 complaints, avg 80,433 mi); Engine Problems (5 complaints, avg 80,454 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 RAM 1500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 78,503 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 RAM 1500?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 RAM 1500 include 0 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,701,491 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 RAM 1500?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full RAM 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2009 RAM 1500

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