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2009
Used 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Dodge Ram 1500

EPA MPG: 15 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2009 Ram 1500 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2009 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

""During my warranty check-up the dealer did an alignment of the front end after replacing the tie rod and control arm, as I understand it.""

Anonymous, AZ (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX 5.7-L V8)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Rack and pinion had to be replaced at what I felt was a low mileage."

Anonymous, GA (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4.7-L V8)
Tie rods

"I took the truck in for a 5-year check for my incredible warranty. The dealer found and replaced a control arm and tie rod under warranty. I had not noticed any problems with steering."

Anonymous, AZ (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX 5.7-L V8)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Other climate system problem

"actuator door broken. replaced"

Anonymous, KY (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7-L V8)
Refrigerant leaks

"Leaking evaporator core"

Anonymous A., FL (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"head gasket leaked. new head gasket"

Anonymous, KY (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7-L V8)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Radio

"Radio quit working, was not covered by extended warranty"

Anonymous A., KS (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7-L V8)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Remote engine starter

"Car wouldn't start. Wire was broken"

Anonymous A., ID (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4.7-L V8)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Transmission sensor or solenoid

"Shift solenoid failed and was replaced, but now truck doesn't always shift reliably into the highest gear. Unsure if it is related to the repair or age related failure."

Anonymous, TX (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4.7-L V8)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Water pump"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX 5.7-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Other driveline problem

"Rear end had to be replaced."

Anonymous A., VA (2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4.7-L V8)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

2009 Pickup Trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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05
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08
09*
10
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25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN
Feb 06, 2013
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
What should you do:
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
For more information:
This campaign is an expansion of a recall campaign 12V-474.Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V038000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 278674
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Oct 02, 2012
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
What should you do:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
For more information:
Chrysler's recall campaign number is M34. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V474000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 44300
Hide Recall Details
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