The 2009 Dodge Ram has 6 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (3 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints9filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
NHTSA recall 10V657000 · Dec 24, 2010 · 15,271 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
Risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA recall 10V009000 · Jan 11, 2010 · 20,045 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
NHTSA recall 09V158000 · May 8, 2009 · 36,793 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 36,793 MY 2009 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL (MTC) ONLY. THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MODULE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING FUNCTIONS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Risk: THIS CAN DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 3, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
NHTSA recall 09V084000 · Mar 13, 2009 · 65,896 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 65,896 MY 2008-2009 LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
Risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA recall 09E009000 · Mar 13, 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
Risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
NHTSA recall 09V078000 · Mar 10, 2009 · 504 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 504 MY 2009 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 PICKUP TRUCKS HEAVY DUTY CAB CHASSIS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDAL PACKAGE. THE CLUTCH PEDAL CONNECTING ROD TO THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MAY SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS MAY NOT ALLOW DISENGAGEMENT OF THE CLUTCH WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT.
Risk: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AND ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Steering
3
0
0
0
47,985 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
2
0
1
0
—
Power train
2
0
0
0
—
Seat belts
1
0
0
0
—
Latches/locks/linkages
1
0
0
0
—
Suspension
1
0
0
0
—
Wheels
1
0
0
0
—
Tires
1
0
0
0
—
Engine
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 9, 2025Power 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.
Jul 24, 2024 · 180,000 milesFuel 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).…
Jun 1, 2019 · 60,000 milesEngine 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.
May 1, 2012 · 78,000 milesSteering 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.
Mar 19, 2012 · 40,000 milesWheels 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. *TR
Sep 8, 2011 · 47,985 milesSuspension 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…
Jan 3, 2011 · 12,200 milesSeat 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…
Feb 27, 2010 · 8,000 miles · fireFuel 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.
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
PE11009 · opened Apr 4, 2011 · closed Feb 6, 2012 · led to recall 11V350000Outer 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, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525,…