Model year record

2009 Chrysler Aspen recalls & problems

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen has 4 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (9 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints25filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

3 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 9, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V021000328,177 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Air bagsDec 22, 2016

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 16V94700012,691 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S92. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were accidentally excluded from recall 15V-313.

Air bagsMay 24, 2016

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 16V3520004,648,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: 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 replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Power trainFeb 6, 2013

Driveline › Differential unit

Recall 13V038000278,674 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
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.
Fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2009 Chrysler Aspen 4-Dr. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	19.1%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Aspen HEV Hybrid

21mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Aspen 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Aspen 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Aspen 2WD FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Aspen 4WD FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power train	9	0	0	112,684 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	5	0	0	—
Air bags	5	1	2	—
Electrical system	3	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasoline	2	0	0	—
Seat belts	2	1	1	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
Every time I fill the gas tank, the fuel spills out of the fill tube when it gets full. I have tried putting it in slow but before the nozzle can shut off it blows the fuel back out of the fill tube. This is a substantial amount of fuel which I believe is a serious hazard.
Dec 18, 2023
Air bagsCrash2 injuries
The contact owned a 2009 Chrysler Aspen. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown rate of speed, she was run off the road by a vehicle by another vehicle. The contact crashed into an unknown object and hit her face on the steering wheel since the airbags did not deploy. The contact temporarily lost consciousness; once she regained consciousness, blood was coming from her mouth. The contact immediately checked on her two young children who were both treated by an ambulance. The contact stated that her son was treated for facial injuries. A police report was filed. The contact had yet to seek medical attention for her injuries. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow…
Feb 18, 2023
Power train
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Aspen. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shifted from 4-wheel drive to 4-wheel low. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that a family member arrived at her location and assisted her with resetting the 4-wheel drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,369.
Jan 1, 2022 · 109,369 miles
Power train
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE. PROBABLE TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. I STARTED THE VEHICLE USING THE REMOTE START AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD SEVERAL INCHES THEN SETTLED BACK WERE IT WAS. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE HAD BEEN +- ZERO FOR SEVERAL DAYS. IT DID NOT REPEAT AFTER BEING WARMED UP. IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. 116,000 MILES.
Feb 22, 2021 · 116,000 miles
Engine
CHRYSLER HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THEIR 5.8 HEMI ENGINE. 12/16/2020 I PAID $3791.07 TO REPLACE A BAD CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 72,768 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I FIND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES! IN CONTACTING CHRYSLER, THEY OF COURSE, REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, IT IS A MAJOR ENGINE DEFECT WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IF ANYONE ELSE HAS EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER'S COMPLETE DISREGARD.
Aug 1, 2020
Power train
I HAD TROUBLE WITH A HUMMING NOISE AND POPPING UNDER MY VEHICLE FOR A FEW MONTHS. THE HUMMING GOT SO LOUD THAT WE COULD NOT HEAR EACH OTHER TALK TO ONE ANOTHER AT ALL. IT POPPED PULLING OUT, GOING AROUND A CURVE, GOING BACKWARDS, OR SLOWING DOWN. THE HUMMING STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER IT GOT VERY LOUD. MY ASPEN THEN FELL TOWARD THE RIGHT SIDE AND SMOKE STARTED SHOOTING OUT FROM THE PASSENGER BACK TIRE WHEN DRIVING IT. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC. HE SAID IT WAS VERY BAD. THE REAR AXLE AND REAR AXLE BEARING ARE DESTROYED AND IT WILL NEED A NEW REAR END. THIS VEHICLE HAD NO8 REAR PINION NUT RECALL COMPLETED ON 1/13/2014. IF THE RECALL REALLY SOLVES THE 2009 ASPEN PROBLEM OF THE REAR END…
Dec 11, 2019 · 196,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO CONFIRMED WITH OURISMAN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF BOWIE (LOCATED AT 2406 CRAIN HWY, BOWIE, MD 20716, (855) 822-3228) THAT THE CHECK VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MORE PROMINENT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
Feb 5, 2019 · 189,000 miles
Electrical system
FUEL PUMP SHORT CIRCUIT. AFTER PUMPING GAS THE TRUCK WILL NOT TURN ON. SHORT CIRCUIT FROM THE PUMP TO THE STARTER. AFTER TURNING THE KEY TO POWER ON THE TRUCK ALL THE GAS SPILLED FROM UNDERNEATH. I DROVE TO MY KIDS SCHOOL AT 230PM , AFTER LEAVING POWERED ON THE TRUCK TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND THATS WHEN ALL THE GAS SPILLED FROM UNDERNEATH.
Dec 20, 2018

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021