RoadVitals

2009 Dodge Ram Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
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Latest Apr 9, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Ram, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering323.1%
  • Powertrain (other)215.4%
  • Fuel system215.4%
  • Seat belts17.7%
  • Suspension17.7%
  • Engine17.7%
  • Tires & wheels17.7%
  • Interior & seats17.7%
  • Other / unspecified17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10467016 · filed Jul 23, 2012

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10424295 · filed Sep 8, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11653639 · filed Apr 9, 2025

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 ID 11444690 · filed Dec 22, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11605710 · filed Jul 31, 2024

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 ID 10320679 · filed Mar 18, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10374055 · filed Jan 4, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10424295 · filed Sep 8, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11444690 · filed Dec 22, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10453252 · filed Mar 27, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10374055 · filed Jan 4, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10453252 · filed Mar 27, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .