Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2009 Dodge RAM with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 2
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 Dodge RAM
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
323.1%
Median failure at 47,985 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
215.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 94,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
215.4%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
17.7%
Median failure at 12,200 miles
Seat Belts
17.7%
Median failure at 12,200 miles
Wheels
17.7%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Tires
17.7%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Suspension
17.7%
Median failure at 47,985 miles
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
18.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
216.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
433.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
216.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
150,000+ miles
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2009peak 2Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Dodge RAM
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE11009Opened 4 Apr 2011Closed 6 Feb 2012STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Outer Tie Rod Failure
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect...
Recalls on the 2009 Dodge RAM
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2018122105,028 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the front fuel tank strap may become loose or detached due to corrosion of the frame bracket. This could result in the front of the fuel tank to lower, potentially allowing the front of the tank to make contact with the ground, which could increase the risk of a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a reinforcement bracket onto the frame.
Recall 2016265459,492 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015228374,508 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2015-003. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of the previous special service campaign will have a replacement inflator installed.
Recall 201339748,517 units in Canada
Steering
On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2011-253 (L16). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 20133966,674 units in Canada
Steering
Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: As an interim repair, dealers will align the left tie rod end. Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly once parts are available. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2010-465 (K28). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 201304463,201 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut could loosen and allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle, or fully detach from the vehicle. Pinion nut separation could also cause the rear axle differential to fail suddenly, causing rear wheel lockup. These issues could result in loss of propulsion, danger to other road users, loss of vehicle control and possible crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer.
Recall 201232715,432 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles built between July 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, the rear axle pinion nut may have been incorrectly manufactured and could loosen. If the pinion nut was to separate from the pinion, the rear driveshaft could become detached from the rear axle, or fully detached from the vehicle. Pinion nut separation could also cause the rear axle differential to fail suddenly, causing rear wheel lockup. These issues could result in loss of propulsion, danger to other road users, loss of vehicle control and possible crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 8,000 milesLeechburg, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS DEFECTIVE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH THE FUEL LINE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT STATE IF ANYONE WAS INJURED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8000.
NHTSA complaint #10320679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oakton, VA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected, and it was confirmed that the vehicle qualified for the buyback option under the recall. After contacting the dealer and manufacturer to initiate the buyback process, the recall process was not completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall resolution and buyback. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11653639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCrofton, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket had detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket. The contact was informed that the rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that about five years prior, the front fuel tank metal strap mounting bracket was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAustin, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an abnormal, ticking noise would emit from the vehicle upon startup without warning. He also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the engine would rev without warning. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact believed that the failure was related to a defective exhaust manifold. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11444690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an abnormal, ticking noise would emit from the vehicle upon startup without warning. He also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the engine would rev without warning. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact believed that the failure was related to a defective exhaust manifold. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11444690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesNatalbany, LA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE SERVICE NEEDED WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE RIM, THE REAR AND FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES, AND A REPLACEMENT RELATED TO THE REAR AXLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #10467016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNEW Carlisle, OH
WHEELS
ALUMINUM VALVE STEM/TPMS SENSORS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS CORRODED AND FAILED AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING TWO FLAT FRONT TIRES AND LOSS OF STEERING. PROCEEDED TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE ALL (4) VALVE STEMS AND (2) FRONT TIRES REPLACED. REPAIR PERSONNEL INFORMED US THAT THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC. ACCORDING TO THEM, IN 2010, MANUFACTURERS BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND BEGAN USING RUBBER VALVE STEM/TPMS SENSORS.
NHTSA complaint #10453252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNEW Carlisle, OH
TIRES
ALUMINUM VALVE STEM/TPMS SENSORS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS CORRODED AND FAILED AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING TWO FLAT FRONT TIRES AND LOSS OF STEERING. PROCEEDED TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE ALL (4) VALVE STEMS AND (2) FRONT TIRES REPLACED. REPAIR PERSONNEL INFORMED US THAT THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC. ACCORDING TO THEM, IN 2010, MANUFACTURERS BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND BEGAN USING RUBBER VALVE STEM/TPMS SENSORS.
NHTSA complaint #10453252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,985 milesMcadoo, PA
STEERING
AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, AT AN APPROX. SPEED OF 1 MPH, I TURNED THE WHEELS TO THE LEFT TO RUN AN ERRAND, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD END BROKE. THE DRAG LINK DROPPED AND THE WHEEL COCKED TO THE FULL LEFT. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAUSED ANY OTHER DAMAGE. I SPOKE WITH THE NEAREST DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. UNFORTUNATELY I NEED THIS VEHICLE AND HAD TO ORDER A NEW TIE ROD END AT A COST OF $116.00. BEARING ANY OTHER DAMAGE, I WILL ALSO HAVE TO GET AN ALIGNMENT, AT AN UNKNOWN COST AT THIS TIME. THANK GOD THAT I HAD NOT BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS PART DECIDED TO FAIL, BECAUSE I AM SURE THE OUTCOME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10424295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,985 milesMcadoo, PA
SUSPENSION
AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, AT AN APPROX. SPEED OF 1 MPH, I TURNED THE WHEELS TO THE LEFT TO RUN AN ERRAND, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD END BROKE. THE DRAG LINK DROPPED AND THE WHEEL COCKED TO THE FULL LEFT. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAUSED ANY OTHER DAMAGE. I SPOKE WITH THE NEAREST DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. UNFORTUNATELY I NEED THIS VEHICLE AND HAD TO ORDER A NEW TIE ROD END AT A COST OF $116.00. BEARING ANY OTHER DAMAGE, I WILL ALSO HAVE TO GET AN ALIGNMENT, AT AN UNKNOWN COST AT THIS TIME. THANK GOD THAT I HAD NOT BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS PART DECIDED TO FAIL, BECAUSE I AM SURE THE OUTCOME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10424295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,200 milesPasco, WA
SEAT BELTS
SEATBELT IN TRUCK CAUGHT THE DOOR HANDLE AND LOCKED SO YOU CANNOT PULL OUT MORE BELT TO GET IT OFF THE HANDLE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE DOOR HANDLE TO BE PARTIALLY LIFTED WHICH AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKS AND OPENS THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR IN MOTION. EVEN WITH THE DOOR CRACKED OPENAS FAR AS THE BELT WILL ALLOW THE BELT WILL NOT RELEASE THE HANDLE AND ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN MORE THEN A FEW INCHES. IF THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT A PERSON COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT WITHOUT REQUIRING ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO CUT THE SEATBELT OR BREAK A WINDOW. SO FAR THIS HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED ON MY VEHICLE WE WILL TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE DODGE DEALER TOMORROW FOR NOW NO ONE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I SUSPECT THE SEATBELT WILL NEED TO BE UNBOLTED FROM THE FLOOR TO UNHOOK THE BELT OFF THE DOOR HANDLE. I DO HAVE PHOTOS AVAILABLE AND THE ISSUE CAN BE REPLICATED ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS DOORS.
NHTSA complaint #10374055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,200 milesPasco, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
SEATBELT IN TRUCK CAUGHT THE DOOR HANDLE AND LOCKED SO YOU CANNOT PULL OUT MORE BELT TO GET IT OFF THE HANDLE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE DOOR HANDLE TO BE PARTIALLY LIFTED WHICH AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKS AND OPENS THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR IN MOTION. EVEN WITH THE DOOR CRACKED OPENAS FAR AS THE BELT WILL ALLOW THE BELT WILL NOT RELEASE THE HANDLE AND ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN MORE THEN A FEW INCHES. IF THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT A PERSON COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT WITHOUT REQUIRING ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO CUT THE SEATBELT OR BREAK A WINDOW. SO FAR THIS HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED ON MY VEHICLE WE WILL TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE DODGE DEALER TOMORROW FOR NOW NO ONE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I SUSPECT THE SEATBELT WILL NEED TO BE UNBOLTED FROM THE FLOOR TO UNHOOK THE BELT OFF THE DOOR HANDLE. I DO HAVE PHOTOS AVAILABLE AND THE ISSUE CAN BE REPLICATED ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS DOORS.
NHTSA complaint #10374055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLeechburg, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS DEFECTIVE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH THE FUEL LINE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT STATE IF ANYONE WAS INJURED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8000.
NHTSA complaint #10320679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212 milesUniversity Park, MD
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V005000 (STEERING: LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 212.
NHTSA complaint #10256872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.