The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has 679 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 216 complaints, typically surfacing around 76,938 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Ram 1500?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Suspension: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,800–80,000 mi
Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 56,000–107,000 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Dodge Ram 1500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 216 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,938 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 79 owner reports
· tends to show around 85,039 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 38 owner reports
· tends to show around 73,369 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
tires — 35 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,771 mi · ~$150 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: suspension is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 64,408 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 Ram 1500· powertrainCrash
Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab, v6 engine. Dial gear shifter goes out of park while stopped and placed in park. Will move forward. I was stopped(stationary), vehicle was in park. On a highway and the vehicle moved forward, the striking vehicle in front. Police report completed,…
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module date reported july 09, 2009 NHTSA reference #10030926 tsb reference #tsb-09-041 description: Chrysler: Dodge-approximately 125,182 vehicles, equipped with esp sales code (bnb ) have a condition that may set the ABS,…
The manifold bolts on the 5.7 hemi break sometimes breaks off in the head and are not easily removed. Thus causing an exhaust leak (aka hemi tick). And my truck only has 77000 miles on it. Bought used so no warranty to cover the repairs.
Passenger side headlight intermittantly fails, but bulb is ok. Windows intermittantly roll themselves down. Key(fob) gets stuck in recepticale. Passenger side windshield sprayer does not spray water.
Had a problem with your 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
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
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.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 679 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Suspension: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,800–80,000 mi; Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 56,000–107,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 216 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,938 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 679 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 76,938 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 216 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,938 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 76,938 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Ram 1500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 679 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Ram 1500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
