Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical problems
moderate 79 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
79
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 79 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 79 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination With Transmission And Driveability Improvements This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience a MIL illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that any of the following erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ? U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module. 2010 DJ 5.7L (Sales Code EZC) Attempting to clear this DTC will be unsuccessful. ? P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle. ? P2181 - Cooling System Performance has been set. ? P0935 - Line Pressure Sensor Circuit High. All RFE transmissions. P0300 through P0308 - Multiple and Single Cylinder Misfire. This condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DODGE: SOME TRUCKS EXPERIENCING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON: EXCESSIVE TIME ENTERING CLOSED LOOP AIR/FUEL RATIO CONTROL, POSITION OF BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REDUCTANT PRESSURE TOO HIGH, REDUCTANT PUMP 1 CONTROL PERFORMANCE. MODEL 2015 RAM 1500. UPDATED 10/15/15.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical complaints center on two dominant failure modes: HVAC actuator/control system malfunction and Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) breakdown.
HVAC actuators and control head failures occur repeatedly across model years. Owners report loud knocking or popping noises from behind the dash, mode doors sticking in one position (blocking defrost/heat), and plastic actuator gears stripping. Recall K17 (reprogram HVAC control head and inspect/replace actuators) and recall J12 address this, but owners say the fixes don't stick—components fail again after repair, sometimes within months. One owner replaced actuators independently only to have others fail. Dealers quote $500–$1,500 for repairs due to dashboard removal labor.
TIPM failures trigger cascading electrical shutdown: windows and door locks malfunction, headlights stay on or fail entirely, wipers stop working, defrosters quit (especially in freezing weather), heated seats and mirrors go dark, ABS and traction control lights illuminate, and the truck loses power while driving. Several owners report the engine dying on the highway at cruising speeds; power steering goes out, forcing hazardous roadside stops. Battery drain without load is common—one owner measured 4 amps draw when the truck was off. Owners describe waiting weeks for TIPM replacement due to backorders. Repair cost runs $650–$1,200 plus programming labor.
Secondary complaints include key fob failures after about a year, rear power door locks that don't function (front-door controls don't affect rear doors), headlight circuit failures requiring wiring harness replacement, and alternator/voltage regulator replacement not fixing charging issues because Dodge integrated the regulator into the engine computer.
Same Dodge Ram 1500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
HVAC mode door actuators and control head failure
Plastic gears in mode door actuators strip or break, causing doors to stick and blocking airflow to defrost, heat, or face vents. Control head module becomes unresponsive or sends faulty signals that damage actuators. Loud knocking or popping sounds from behind the dash result.
When: Typically 40,000–92,000 miles; some failures early (under warranty), others recur after recall repairs within months
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or popping noise from behind dash when key turned off or vehicle starting; Mode doors stuck in one position (floor vents only, no defrost/mid-level); Windshield and windows fog up or ice over; defrost inoperable; HVAC fan cuts to minimum or cycles on/off randomly; Temperature control unresponsive—heat or cool won't change
Repairs/costs cited: Recall K17 (reprogram HVAC control head) and recall J12 (replace actuators and reprogram) address this. One owner paid $585–$444 after dealer repairs; others quote $500–$1,500 for dashboard removal and parts. Dealers note all actuators superseded by 'high-torque' versions, indicating known defect. Repairs often fail within months; multiple replacements reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall K17 (Customer Satisfaction Notification) and Recall J12 (Safety Recall) issued; repairs involve software reprogram and actuator/control panel replacement. Chrysler has denied reimbursement claims stating recalls were already performed in 2010, even though new failures occurred years later. One owner reported recall performed with no visible defects, so parts were never replaced; parts now failing.
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure
TIPM shorts, burns, or loses programming, cutting power to multiple electrical systems. Can occur suddenly with no warning or gradually. One failed accessory (e.g., backup camera short) can cascade and burn out the entire module. Vehicle loses ability to start, or stalls while driving.
When: No consistent mileage; some at 50,000 miles, some at 100,000+ miles. Temperature sensitivity noted—failures more common in freezing conditions (below 32°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at any speed; won't restart or restarts intermittently; Complete loss of power—headlights, interior lights, wipers, heated seats/mirrors all dead; Doors won't lock/unlock via key fob or interior switches; Windshield wipers inoperable; defrost fails (interior windows ice over in cold); Windows roll up/down on their own or won't operate; ABS, airbag, traction control, ESP/BAS lights illuminate; warning lights flash erratically; Radio and climate control unresponsive or cycling through fault codes; Power steering loss while driving (hazardous on highway); Battery drains overnight even with new battery installed; Check engine light, voltage warning, all dashboard lights come on simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement cost $650–$1,200 plus labor and reprogramming (additional $150–$300). One owner reported paying ~$870 for WIN module replacement after alternator didn't fix the issue. Multiple owners report severe backordering (weeks of wait time), with dealers citing Chrysler changed suppliers and raised prices. Some owners forced to disconnect battery when parked. One owner had TIPM replaced twice; another found a single failed backup camera short cascaded failure across all systems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2009 Ram 1500 TIPM as of complaint dates, despite multiple complaints and owners citing TIPM recalls on other Chrysler/Jeep models. Dodge customer support told owners repairs are their responsibility. Service bulletins may exist but not widely advertised.
Key fob and door lock control failure
Remote and manual door lock controls malfunction. Key fob fails to unlock/lock doors; lights may flash but doors don't respond. Rear power locks do not respond to front controls or key fob. Remote loses function after ~1 year of ownership.
When: Throughout vehicle life; one owner noted failure after ~1 year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob buttons do nothing or work intermittently (requiring 5–10 presses); Front door lock controls don't affect rear doors; Rear door locks stuck in one state (locked or unlocked); no remote or manual control; Doors won't auto-lock when vehicle reaches driving speed; Doors won't auto-unlock when shifted to Park; Key fob lights flash but doors don't lock/unlock
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob replacement cost varies; owners note new fobs fail within ~1 year. One ASE tech reported owners disconnecting horns to avoid alarm when manually unlocking with key (creating secondary safety issue). Rear door lock repair requires electrical diagnosis.
Headlight and lighting circuit failures
Headlights fail to illuminate at low or high beam, or fail intermittently. Circuit requires multiple wiring harness replacements. Failure often occurs during humid conditions. Low-beam and high-beam visibility compromised.
When: Low mileage (10,000 miles) to higher mileage (93,000+ miles); more frequent in humid/wet mornings
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights fail to turn on when activated; Low beam and high beam both inoperative; Lights flicker or cut out while driving; Automatic headlight switch fails to activate lights
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replaced multiple times (three replacements noted in one complaint) without lasting fix. One owner at 93,000 miles required TIPM reset, then TIPM replacement. Another owner at 10,000 miles required three harness replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed one owner warranty expired; no further assistance offered.
Battery drain and alternator charging failure
Battery drains overnight despite new battery installation. Alternator replaced but vehicle won't charge. Voltage regulator integrated into engine computer, requiring full computer replacement to address charging circuit.
When: Intermittent or continuous; some nights battery dead, others fine. Temperature does not correlate with failure
Symptoms owners cite: Battery fully discharged after 1–4 nights parked; Vehicle won't start after sitting; Alternator shows not charging despite replacement; New battery drains same as old
Codes mentioned: PCM fuse blown (one owner found and replaced blown PCM fuse without solving issue)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner measured TIPM drawing 4 amps when truck was off (normal is <0.1 amp). Alternator replacement, battery replacement, fuse replacement, and voltage regulator inspection did not resolve drain in some cases. Computer replacement quoted as only remaining option for voltage regulation issue.
Engine stall while driving—no diagnostic codes
Engine dies while driving at various speeds (20–70 mph) without warning. Vehicle restarts but may die again. No fault codes appear when hooked to diagnostic scanner. Described as 'phantom' problem by dealership; difficult to replicate during service.
When: Daily occurrences or sporadic; one owner reported 3–4 stalls per day at 20–30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Vehicle restarts but dies again shortly after; No check-engine codes or fault codes present; Problem does not occur during dealership service (disappears when vehicle is with dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had computer replaced three times by dealership without resolving issue. Described as 'phantom problem' with no reproducible diagnostic code.
Wireless Ignition Module (WIN module) and ignition system failure
Key fob becomes trapped in ignition; wireless ignition switch fails. Vehicle loses automatic lock system functionality and must be manually locked/unlocked. Automatic lock system fails to engage.
When: Variable mileage (58,000–120,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob becomes trapped in ignition; Automatic door lock system fails; Shifter will not move; engine won't start; Key won't release from ignition switch; 'Key still in ignition' message displayed even after key removed
Repairs/costs cited: WIN module replacement cost ~$870 (module + programming). One owner had alternator replaced first, which did not fix the issue. Owner had to disconnect battery and manually lock doors as temporary workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported Manufacturer stated VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 10V200000 (Electrical System) despite similar failure.
Power window and sliding glass failure
Passenger side window or rear sliding glass window operates only with manual controls, not electric. Windows roll up/down on their own or stop responding. Power windows fail to lock automatically with other doors during motion.
When: After ~1 year of ownership; also reported at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger window only operates via manual lock/push-pull control; Electric switches in driver or passenger door do not control passenger window; Window does not auto-lock when vehicle in motion; Windows roll down on their own while parked or unattended; All four windows go down simultaneously without user input
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had power window motor issue; another had windows go down together due to TIPM fault. Backup camera short circuit caused TIPM to fail and lose window control.
Synthesized from 79 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while stationary, the HVAC system would not defrost the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
My extremely low-mileage Ram is experiencing electrical and sensor issues of a truck tens of thousands of miles higher. The key fob will not lock or unlock the doors but the lights will flash. The esp/bas light remains on along with the slipping light plus the airbag light. They all remain on. The driver side door panel will not lock or unlock the doors. The panel will not open or close the 2…
The dealer says its a bad tipm, and that they go bad on Ram trucks often. All the electrical system goes crazy, traction control, air bags, ABS, blower for heat and air, wipers, door locks, windows and others. If they know this is faulty why not should they have to recall or pay us back
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 79 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 74 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 56,650 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,650; a quarter make it past 102,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.