CHRYSLER: VEHICLE VIBRATION OR SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED: THE TIRES ARE FLAT SPOTTED DUE TO SHIPPING OR SITTING IN THE LOT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, THE VEHICLE VIBRATION WILL GO AWAY AFTER THE TIRES ARE WARMED UP, (NORMALLY 10 TO 20 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING DEPENDING ON OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Ram 1500 tires problems
moderate 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $150 · see tires across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$150
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 we track for tires problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 35.
Owners have filed 35 tires 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 tires 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Dodge Ram 1500s report a pervasive problem with aluminum valve stems integrated into the tire pressure monitoring system. The stems corrode rapidly, particularly in areas exposed to road salt, and the corrosion settles in the threaded collar that secures the stem to the rim. The metal becomes brittle and annealed; owners have physically crumbled stem fragments between their fingers and watched stems shear cleanly when simply uncapping them to check pressure.
The failure manifests as sudden, catastrophic tire deflation at highway speeds—often 65–72 mph. The low-tire warning light illuminates, but within seconds the affected tire goes completely flat as the corroded retaining nut fails or the stem ejects entirely. The TPMS sensor, which is integrated into the valve stem, is either lost inside the tire or ejected from the rim, rendering the monitoring system inoperative on subsequent failures.
Owners report repeated failures on the same vehicle. One driver experienced three separate stem failures within a few months. Another had stems replaced, only to have a fourth fail a year and a half later. Tire tread is often destroyed when the stem ejects, requiring full tire replacement alongside the $50–$160 stem replacement cost. Owners note that Dodge switched to rubber valve stems on 2012 and later models, confirming manufacturer awareness of the defect, yet 2009 models remain unfixed and unrecalled.
Same Dodge Ram 1500 tires reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Aluminum valve stem corrosion and structural failure
Metal valve stems integrated with TPMS sensors corrode and become brittle, eventually cracking, shearing, or crumbling when subjected to normal handling or pressure cycles. Corrosion appears concentrated in threaded areas and is exacerbated by road salt and moisture. The metal exhibits oxidation and becomes annealed, losing structural integrity.
When: Between 15,000 and 145,000 miles; multiple owners report failures recurring within months of initial replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Valve stem threads fill with corrosion, leaving no grip; Metal valve stem shears off circumferentially when uncapping; Valve stem crumbles into fragments when squeezed lightly; Stem becomes corroded and brittle, easily broken during inflation attempts; Visible corrosion buildup at the base of stem where it meets rim
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement costs of $50–$160 per stem, with labor and mounting fees adding another $42–$100 per tire. Rubber valve stems used as replacement on later models. Some shops charge $75–$90 per stem replacement; full tire replacement needed if tread damage occurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer service managers confirmed no recall issued. Owners note that later model Dodge Rams (2012+) switched to rubber valve stems, indicating manufacturer knowledge of the defect. One owner noted NHTSA campaign 13V038000 (powertrain) did not address this, and parts were unavailable.
Valve stem ejection due to retaining nut failure
The threaded collar or locking nut holding the valve stem in the rim corrodes and splits, loosens, or separates entirely. This allows the valve stem assembly (including TPMS sensor) to be ejected from the rim under pressure or vibration, causing instant tire deflation.
When: Reported from 17,000 to 92,000 miles; some occur shortly after tire rotation or at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure warning illuminates on dash; Sudden violent tire deflation at highway speeds (65–72 mph typical); Valve stem or TPMS sensor found inside deflated tire; Steering wheel wobbles or vehicle pulls hard to one side immediately after stem ejection; Second or third failure on same vehicle within weeks to months
Codes mentioned: TPMS warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Tire tread shredding and sidewall damage common, requiring full tire replacement ($50–$300+ per tire). Replacement valve stems with rubber construction used as fix. Some owners report $376.97 total for mounting, balancing, and three stem replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealers acknowledged corrosion of retaining nuts and recommended replacement. No recall issued for 2009 models. Service managers stated later model design modifications corrected the issue but offered no remedy for 2009 owners.
TPMS sensor integration failure and sensor loss
The tire pressure monitoring system sensor is integrated into the valve stem assembly. When the stem fails or ejects, the sensor is lost inside the tire or ejected from the rim, rendering the TPMS non-functional and unable to warn of subsequent tire pressure losses.
When: Occurs coincident with valve stem failures; reported from 17,000 to 145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light remains illuminated even after repair; Sensor found inside deflated tire upon inspection; Sensor fragments found inside tire; TPMS unable to detect subsequent tire pressure drops on other tires
Codes mentioned: TPMS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: TPMS sensor replacement required along with new valve stem; owner reports $75 per sensor at independent shops. One dealer noted replacement parts unavailable under NHTSA campaign 13V038000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. One owner noted NHTSA campaign 13V038000 applied to powertrain but parts were unavailable for the TPMS defect.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2009 Dodge Ram. Consumer writes in regards to tire pressure problems and requests reimbursement. *smd the consumer stated two of the four valve stems came apart and broke. The first valve stem came apart while using only hand pressure, and the second came apart using a socket and ratchet, due to severe corrosion.
Had tires 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 tires problem on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 35 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $150 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the tires typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most tires failures cluster between 35,000 and 77,345 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 77,345. 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 $150 for tires 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 tires?
No active recalls currently cover tires 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.