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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-DODGE-RAM-2500NHTSA data synced minutes ago
2009 · Dodge
Dodge Ram 2500 problems
214 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.0 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Ram 2500?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 155 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,791–82,096 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — 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 2500? 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
steering — 155 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,054 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,030 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
airbags — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,000 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 39,900 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 64,054 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: 7.0/10 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.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 Ram 2500· steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA recall campaign number: 13v529000, steering; however, the part was unavailable. The dealer was unable to provide an expected date for the part to become available. The manufacturer was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, a loud was heard from the front driver's side tire. The steering wheel also became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not…
In motion the blinkers would turn on without me touching the switch. When I applied the left blinker the right one would turn on and vice versa. Finally the flashers turned on and I couldn't turn off. It started malfunctioning while I was driving down the highway at 60mph.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the fly wheel and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer…
Had a problem with your 2009 Dodge Ram 2500?
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 32,782 my 2008-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with powers and sons steering linkage
This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before february 16, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture
This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500?
The 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 155 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,791–82,096 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — 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 2500?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 155 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,054 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 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 2500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 214 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 64,054 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 2500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 155 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,054 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,054 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 214 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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 minutes ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Ram 2500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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