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Model year record

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls & problems

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has 2 safety recalls and 670 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (233 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints670filed by owners
Crashes · fires29 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths19 · 0reported in complaints
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

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.
Power trainOct 2, 2012

Driveline › Differential unit

Recall 12V47400044,300 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
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
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

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 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR. Quad Cab w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.9%

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.9%

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR. Crew Cab w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.9%
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

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

Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD

15mpg combined
City / highway13 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV

15mpg combined
City / highway14 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV

15mpg combined
City / highway13 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular 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 areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power trainDriveline › Differential unit; Automatic transmission23370169,000 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Ignition9800082,000 mi
Unknown or other5220166,963 mi
WheelsLugs/nuts/bolts/studs5010051,000 mi
Engine5000080,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members4110269,000 mi
TiresValve; Pressure monitoring and regulating systems3900042,445 mi
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing; Rear3622066,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal341301174,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system3300097,000 mi
Visibility/wiper3000069,000 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Rearview mirrors/devices2800064,077 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

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