Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2009 RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 15 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 — 1
Against the median year of the RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 RAM 2500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
433.3%
Median failure at 161,000 miles
Steering
433.3%
Median failure at 161,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
18.3%
Wheels
18.3%
Brakes
18.3%
Engine & Cooling
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.
Jul 2019peak 3Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 RAM 2500
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.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2009 RAM 2500
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 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 2009081363 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Owners who had windshield wiper motor assemblies serviced during the '08 and '09 calendar year will be requested to take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for inspection and repair if required.
Recall 200908018,824 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain 2008 Dodge Ram light duty and 2008-2009 heavy duty pickup trucks, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly.
Recall 20090108,042 units in Canada
Steering
On certain 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, the drag link inner tie rod attachment to the pitman arm ball stud may fracture. A loss of steering control could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Also, in some cases, the steering damper attaching bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This may restrict the ability to turn the vehicle in one direction. Correction: Dealers will replace the drag link inner tie rod assembly. The steering damper will also be inspected and, if required, the damper bracket and bolts will be replaced.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Front Royal, VA
WHEELS
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile and their brains are still developing. It's a miracle she survived; hopefully she didn't suffer any brain damage that will manifest itself in the future. I found NHTSA Recall ID 11V350000, which pertains to 2003-11 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. I called Dodge multiple times and spoke with our local dealer. They won't do anything, because "Your VIN doesn't show in our system." To me, this is a documented safety problem that nearly killed my daughter, and Dodge needs to make it right (our truck fit the recall description). I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Please investigate and use your authorities to persuade Dodge to do the right thing.
NHTSA complaint #11566838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front Royal, VA
STEERING
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile and their brains are still developing. It's a miracle she survived; hopefully she didn't suffer any brain damage that will manifest itself in the future. I found NHTSA Recall ID 11V350000, which pertains to 2003-11 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. I called Dodge multiple times and spoke with our local dealer. They won't do anything, because "Your VIN doesn't show in our system." To me, this is a documented safety problem that nearly killed my daughter, and Dodge needs to make it right (our truck fit the recall description). I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Please investigate and use your authorities to persuade Dodge to do the right thing.
NHTSA complaint #11566838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front Royal, VA
SUSPENSION
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first time it happened, the truck was almost due for inspection, so we took it for an inspection hoping that the cause would be discovered/repaired. The shop replaced a ball joint (left upper); we were hoping that was the cause. After it passed the state safety inspection, I took it out on the same stretch of road where I had trouble earlier and it seemed fine. Then, a few weeks later, the death wobble struck back - this time with my wife driving and our six-month-old daughter in the back seat. It was my worst nightmare that it happened with my daughter in the truck. Young children are so fragile and their brains are still developing. It's a miracle she survived; hopefully she didn't suffer any brain damage that will manifest itself in the future. I found NHTSA Recall ID 11V350000, which pertains to 2003-11 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. I called Dodge multiple times and spoke with our local dealer. They won't do anything, because "Your VIN doesn't show in our system." To me, this is a documented safety problem that nearly killed my daughter, and Dodge needs to make it right (our truck fit the recall description). I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Please investigate and use your authorities to persuade Dodge to do the right thing.
NHTSA complaint #11566838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ward Cove, AK
STEERING
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
NHTSA complaint #11465576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ward Cove, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
NHTSA complaint #11465576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ward Cove, AK
SUSPENSION
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If I were to take this on a ferry to the mainland, I would be afraid to drive the freeways. It happens here in Ketchikan, pot hole capital of the world. I only need to hit a bump and the front end goes wonkers. Help me fix this.
NHTSA complaint #11465576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millersport, OH
STEERING
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
NHTSA complaint #11441404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millersport, OH
SUSPENSION
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
NHTSA complaint #11441404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millersport, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Dodge death wobble. Hit a bridge gap almost lost control. Definitely in the front end suspension or linkage? Recall other vins not mine in the same year? Not confirmed yet. Needs to have same recalls as the others 2009 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi big horn.
NHTSA complaint #11441404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamston, SC
ENGINE
My truck was running fine then started to skip and lost power. It was dangerous because i was on the interstate and the truck would not go. People were honking and flying ar0und me was very disturbing. Seems this has been a problem for awhile talking to other Dodge owners a valve spring or lifter breaks and destroys the can shaft in the Hemi engines certain years.
NHTSA complaint #11426203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesHampton, VA
STEERING
I HAVE A 2009 RAM 2500 4WHEEL DRIVE. I CAN NOT USE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING; AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH THE FRONT SUSPENSION TENDS TO EXPERIENCE A SEVERE SHAKING THAT IS CAUSED BY A RAPID LATERAL OSCILLATION OF THE ENTIRE AXLE AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN CROSSING AN UNEVEN, ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD, OR WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A GRADE BREAK THAT IS NOT "SQUARE" WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, (DIAGONAL). I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOMENA. THERE IS A TERM THAT HAS EMERGED OUT HERE IN THE REAL WORLD THAT BEST DESCRIBES THIS CONDITION, WHICH IS "THE DEATH WOBBLE". ( SEE YOU TUBE FOR SOME GOOD EXAMPLES). THERE IS ALSO ONE REMEDY FOR THIS THAT SEEMS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM,(YOU TUBE/ BIG'OL BUSHING) THAT BEING SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE THE JOB OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO RE-ENGINEER THEIR VEHICLES IN ORDER TO USE THEM ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. THIS RAM AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN RE-CALLED FOR FAILURE OF STEERING COMPONENTS,MAINLY TIE-ROD ENDS, NO DOUBT. TAKE NOTICE OF THIS FACT! THE PROBLEM NEVER WAS THE TIE-ROD ENDS, BUT THIS INCREDIBLE OSCILLATION THAT OCCURS WHEN THE TRACK BAR MOUNTING BOLTS WEAR OUT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE BRACKETS TO AN OBLONG,NON CONCENTRIC STATE. THIS WILL BE AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR AS LONG AS THIS THIS DESIGN IS IN SERVICE. THESE BOLTS ARE WEARING OUT THE BRACKETS WHICH ARE WELDED TO THE FRAME, MAKING A REMEDY IMPOSSIBLE. I MUST POINT OUT THAT EVEN AFTER A CRASH INVOLVING ONE OF THESE UNITS, THIS CAN EASILY BE OVERLOOKED ,OR COMPLETELY MISSED AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR OR DIRECT CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT! THESE VEHICLES ARE A DANGER TO THE TRAVELING PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND RETROFITTED BY THE MANUFACTURER OR BE CONDEMNED AND PLACED OUT OF SERVICE IMMEDIATELY!
NHTSA complaint #11231697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesHampton, VA
SUSPENSION
I HAVE A 2009 RAM 2500 4WHEEL DRIVE. I CAN NOT USE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING; AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH THE FRONT SUSPENSION TENDS TO EXPERIENCE A SEVERE SHAKING THAT IS CAUSED BY A RAPID LATERAL OSCILLATION OF THE ENTIRE AXLE AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN CROSSING AN UNEVEN, ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD, OR WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A GRADE BREAK THAT IS NOT "SQUARE" WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, (DIAGONAL). I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOMENA. THERE IS A TERM THAT HAS EMERGED OUT HERE IN THE REAL WORLD THAT BEST DESCRIBES THIS CONDITION, WHICH IS "THE DEATH WOBBLE". ( SEE YOU TUBE FOR SOME GOOD EXAMPLES). THERE IS ALSO ONE REMEDY FOR THIS THAT SEEMS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM,(YOU TUBE/ BIG'OL BUSHING) THAT BEING SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE THE JOB OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO RE-ENGINEER THEIR VEHICLES IN ORDER TO USE THEM ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. THIS RAM AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN RE-CALLED FOR FAILURE OF STEERING COMPONENTS,MAINLY TIE-ROD ENDS, NO DOUBT. TAKE NOTICE OF THIS FACT! THE PROBLEM NEVER WAS THE TIE-ROD ENDS, BUT THIS INCREDIBLE OSCILLATION THAT OCCURS WHEN THE TRACK BAR MOUNTING BOLTS WEAR OUT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE BRACKETS TO AN OBLONG,NON CONCENTRIC STATE. THIS WILL BE AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR AS LONG AS THIS THIS DESIGN IS IN SERVICE. THESE BOLTS ARE WEARING OUT THE BRACKETS WHICH ARE WELDED TO THE FRAME, MAKING A REMEDY IMPOSSIBLE. I MUST POINT OUT THAT EVEN AFTER A CRASH INVOLVING ONE OF THESE UNITS, THIS CAN EASILY BE OVERLOOKED ,OR COMPLETELY MISSED AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR OR DIRECT CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT! THESE VEHICLES ARE A DANGER TO THE TRAVELING PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND RETROFITTED BY THE MANUFACTURER OR BE CONDEMNED AND PLACED OUT OF SERVICE IMMEDIATELY!
NHTSA complaint #11231697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.