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, CASE #18-101657
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 powertrain problems
moderate 216 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
216
Recalls
0
Crashes
5
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMITH HAVEN AUTOMOTIVE (827 JERICHO TURNPIKE, ST. JAMES, NY 11780) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE PINION NUT WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE R…
2010 DODGE 1500 RAM WITH LESS THAN 9000 MILES SUDDEN DANGEROUS DECELERATION AND ABS,4WHEEL DRIVE SERVICE AND ESP LIGHTS ALARMING WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. FRIGHTENING! TRUCK SEEMING TO CUT OUT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM DRIVER. COULD EASILY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. SPEEDOMETER ALSO SWINGING ACROSS FROM 0 TO 65MPH CONSTANTLY DURING EVENTS. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE VEHICLE MADE A SLIGHT ROAD NOISE SOUND, SUCH AS A ROCK STUCK IN THE TIRE TREAD. WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF THE SOUND STARTING, THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" SOUND AND THE DRIVESHAFT FLEW OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS SHATTERED INTO MANY PIECES. WHEN THE WRECKER ARRIVED, THE TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THE REAR AS THE REAR EN…
2009 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR AXLE PINION NUT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE CALLED THE DEALER TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR, ONLY TO BE TOLD THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 …
DRIVE-SHAFT DROPPED OFF REAR DIFF. AT HIGHWAY SPEED. DIFF. FLUID DRAINED CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO SEIZE. I HEARD DRIVE SHAFT START TO DRAG AND HAD A LOSS OF POWER SO I WAS SLOWING DOWN WHEN AT APPROX. 45 MPH REAR WHEELS LOCKED SUDDENLY. I WAS ABLE TO STOP SAFELY BUT WAS BLOCKING AN OFF RAMP FOR THE 2 HOURS IT TOOK TO GET A FLAT BED TO GET THE TRUCK. DEALER SAID PINION NUT CAME OFF. *TR
THE REAR END LOCKED UP. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 216 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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