Model year guide

2009 Dodge RAM 1500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 — representative photo
Representative photo

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints679
Combined15–16 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls 2

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit NHTSA Campaign #13V038000 · manufacturer #N08 · 06/02/2013

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 De…

Fix: 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 vehi…

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit NHTSA Campaign #12V474000 · manufacturer #M34 · 02/10/2012

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 679 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Rollover risk: 21.9% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR. Quad Cab w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,350
EPA size classStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Automatic 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,750
Fuel only$21,750
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

Totally Integrated Power Module Failure Closed

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV’s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployme…

NHTSA #DP14004 · Electrical System · opened Sep 2014 · closed Jul 2015

Rear Differential Failure Closed

In a letter dated October 2, 2012, Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect in approximately 48,058 vehicles built with an axle pinion nut that can loosen, which could result in lock-up of the rear axle and/or separation of the rear drive shaft from the rear axle (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-474). The vehicles involved in this recall are model year (MY) 2…

NHTSA #PE12021 · Power Train · opened Jul 2012 · closed Mar 2013

Outer Tie Rod Failure Closed

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control. Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture. Chrysler submi…

NHTSA #PE11009 · Steering · opened Apr 2011 · closed Feb 2012

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 44

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 44.

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…

Bulletin 9100226 · Electrical System · Sep 2023

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…

Bulletin 9100226 · Electrical System · Sep 2023

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built pri…

Bulletin 9004009 · Power Train · Apr 2021

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Bulletin 23-015-20 · Equipment, Structure · Apr 2020

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.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Authentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.

Bulletin 3100419 · Visibility · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM 1500 RWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles on record

Other Dodge RAM 1500 model years

2009 Dodge RAM 1500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500?

Across all 679 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, wheels.

What is the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 get?

The 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.