Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems
severe 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 30 body complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 we track for body problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 30.
Owners have filed 30 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Frame corrosion is the dominant issue. Multiple owners report fuel tank straps pulling free or frame attachment slots rusting through by 80,000–165,000 miles, allowing the tank to hang underneath or sag dangerously. One owner's tank hung 8 inches down while driving; another's remained held only by the rear strap after the front strap's frame anchor rusted through. Dealers often refuse warranty work, claiming owner responsibility for rust. Owners note the frame design lacks drainage holes, trapping moisture in boxed sections. Some had the truck rustproofed when new and maintained carefully, yet failure still occurred. Later model year Rams received a redesigned cross-member, suggesting Dodge knew of the design flaw.
Beyond fuel tanks, the rear frame rails near bumper and towing points show severe rust-through by 82,000 miles in some cases, with corrosion visible on both sides and frame fractures reported. Paint bubbles under doors and rust spreads to the rear tow frame.
Running boards come loose repeatedly—mounting holes strip and enlarge within months of dealer tightening. After 1.5 years, boards fell off when metal fractured around bolt holes. Dealers blame owners and recommend aftermarket replacement at owner cost.
Water leaks into the cabin during rain, pooling in rear seats and floors. One owner reported this happening five times in 2 years. Faulty third brake light seals and roof seam failures are suspected causes.
Ram box lids shed fiberglass-like fibers that cause severe skin rashes and itching for days. Dodge dealers deny any recall or record of the issue.
Other reported problems include passenger door wind noise, door squeaking, rear bump stop deterioration, and a dangerous chrome shifter trim that reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes.
Same Dodge Ram 1500 body reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel tank retaining straps — frame corrosion failure
Front fuel tank mounting straps pulling free or the frame attachment point rusting through, allowing the fuel tank to hang unsecured or drop toward the road surface. Owners report the T-slot frame attachment points deteriorating due to moisture entrapment in the boxed frame structure, with no drainage design to prevent water pooling. Some owners note the frame was rustproofed when new and well-maintained, yet failure still occurred within 6–8 years.
When: 6–8 years of ownership; mileage range 82,000–165,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel tank hanging or sagging underneath vehicle; Visible rust and corrosion at frame attachment point; Strap intact but frame slot rusted through; Scraping noise while driving; Tank only partially retained by rear strap
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers declining repair under warranty due to frame rust being owner responsibility; one independent estimate cited $2,200 for frame repair; NHTSA Campaign 18V160000 (Fuel System) recalled in some cases but dealers refused work when subframe already rusted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); Fiat Chrysler Automotive refused assistance per owner complaint; manufacturers stated frame rust not covered by warranty; some later model years received redesigned cross-member
Frame corrosion — structural integrity compromise
Severe rust and corrosion in critical frame areas, including near rear bumper/towing attachment points and rear wheel areas. Owners report reinforcement pieces on the inside of frame rails not properly coated with rust inhibitor, allowing moisture to penetrate between metal layers and cause complete rust-through. In one case, frame was fractured at 82,000 miles. Corrosion observed on both sides of rear frame, compromising structural safety for bumper and trailer attachment.
When: Observed as early as 82,000 miles; ongoing for months before discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Severe corrosion near rear bumper and towing package attachment points; Rust-through visible on both sides of rear frame rails; Support metal visible through corroded areas; Fractured frame structure; Corrosion worse on one side than the other
Repairs/costs cited: One independent repair estimate: $2,200 for frame repair near rear wheels; no parts costs cited for bumper attachment point corrosion; repair typically involves frame replacement or welding reinforcement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but stated responsibility falls to owner; one later model year production incorporated new designed cross-member per owner research
Running boards — loose fasteners and stripped mounting holes
Factory-installed running boards becoming loose repeatedly, with mount holes stripping out within months of tightening. One owner reported the boards fell off after 1.5 years with metal around bolt holes fractured to failure. Dealers acknowledged the pattern but blamed owner misuse and recommended aftermarket replacement at owner expense. Safety hazard when boards detach while vehicle in use.
When: 5 months to 1.5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards loose and wobbling; Excessive noise while driving; Mounting holes stripped (holes enlarged to quarter size); Metal around bolt holes fractured; Running boards fell off vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer tightening temporary solution lasting weeks to months; boards ultimately not repairable per dealer; owners advised to replace with aftermarket boards at own cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One factory rep offered refund of running board cost only; 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty did not cover repeated failures; dealer service manager acknowledged same issue occurs on both sides
Water intrusion — roof seams and third brake light seal
Water leaking into cabin during rain, pooling in rear seat and floor. Multiple owners report water entry occurring repeatedly over months, with one owner reporting five separate incidents in 2 years. Cause attributed to faulty third brake light seal or improper roof seam seals where they meet rear windshield. Owners concerned about mold and mildew development.
When: Multiple incidents over 2–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headliner soaking wet in rear corners near C-post; Rear seat and floor fully wet; Water continued entering while driving; Incident repeated five times in 2 years; Mold or mildew concern due to repeated water exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Third brake light seal identified as source in one case but specific repair cost not cited; water damage to seats and carpet potential but extent unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response cited in narratives
Ram box lid fiberglass shedding
Plastic Ram box lids releasing fiberglass-like fibers that cause skin irritation and rashes when touched or leaned upon. Owners report severe itching lasting several days, similar to handling fiberglass insulation. One owner found multiple complaints from other 2009 Ram owners online, and unconfirmed information suggests Dodge changed the manufacturer of lids for following year models.
When: Occurring during ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Fiberglass-like fibers shedding from lid surface; Skin rash upon contact with lid; Severe itching lasting days; Affects multiple family members
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; issue reportedly affected multiple owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer and national warranty office stated no recall issued and no record of issue; possible change to lid manufacturer for subsequent model year (unconfirmed)
Paint defects — bubbling and deterioration
Paint bubbling under doors on driver and passenger sides. One owner also reported rust beginning at rear body and tow frame attachment points after less than four years. Paint issues not occurring elsewhere on vehicle.
When: Early in ownership; less than four years; beginning around 82,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbling under driver and passenger doors; Rust appearance at rear body/tow frame area; Isolated to specific areas
Door wind noise — passenger side
Extreme wind noise around passenger side door at highway speeds (75 mph). Dealer diagnosed as missing foam blocks in door cavity.
When: Apparent at 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme wind noise around passenger door; Noise at 75 mph highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer noted foam blocks would need to be inserted in passenger door to reduce noise; vehicle not repaired per owner report
Door squeaking — intermittent hinge noise
Multiple doors squeaking when opening and closing. Dealer temporary fix of spraying WD-40 on hinges provides only short-term relief.
When: Occurring during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking when opening and closing doors; Affects many doors on vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: WD-40 spray temporary workaround only; lasting several weeks to months
Rear bump stop deterioration
Both rear bump stops deteriorated by 143,000 miles. Discovered during routine rear axle fluid service.
When: 143,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear bump stops deteriorated on both sides
Shifter chrome trim sun glare hazard
Chrome trim ring around shifter reflects sunlight directly into driver's eyes during certain times of day, creating dangerous glare that obscures vision and requires driver to use one hand to block light, removing hand from steering wheel.
When: Occurring during daylight driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sun glare reflection from chrome shifter trim; Glare obscures driver vision during certain times of day; Requires one-handed blocking to mitigate
Manufacturer jack defect — stranded owner
Factory-supplied jack failed during use to change flat tire in remote area. Multiple extensions tore like soft metal, and hook twisted, becoming unusable. Prevented owner from changing flat tire, stranding disabled couple in high desert for over 10 hours without medication.
When: Early in ownership; brand new jack
Symptoms owners cite: Jack extension tore during use; Second extension also tore; Third extension used; hook became twisted and unusable; Jack failure prevented tire change
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 gas tank almost fell out causing almost an explosion of tank. Reason: the tank is held in by two metal straps one side is attach to a frame bolt the other side of the strap is a t shape that slides into a t slot in the frame now what happen is the t section pulled right through the frame causing the tank to drop almost to the road the remainder of the strap was hitting the…
Had body trouble with your 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 31,000 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 82,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Ram 1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.