Is the 2009 Ram 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ram 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ram 1500?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 1500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Ram 1500

▲ Better than typical

2009 Ram 1500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:06.045Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 37
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2009: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	37
2010	0
2011	0
2012	0
2013	1,277
2014	1,773
2015	1,450
2016	1,551
2017	879
2018	663
2019	1,492
2020	635
2021	683
2022	629
2023	203
2024	78
2025	361
2026	102

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

24% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing axle assembly.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down road when I heard a clanking noise coming from back of truck. I was going about 26mph and I checked for warning lights and system info that shows Temps, but everything was showing normal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-25

Also filed under Steering

The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there were two open recalls on the VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) and 17V821000 (Power Train).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-13

Electrical system

16% · 6 reports

Engine

14% · 5 reports

Structure

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Suspension

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing rear.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Consumer writes in regards to loose rear axle pinion nuts. *ld the consumer stated the failure to come a sudden stop causing the drivers' chest to hit the steering wheel. This caused the driver significant chest pains.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-27

I bought this 2009 Dodge ram Laramie about a year ago been riding like new but 4 days ago starting to hear a bad whining noise from the rear end and I see this truck had a recall on the pinion nut I think it's coming lose from the…

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-18

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-02-26Power train17V821000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500...

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-05-02Fuel system, gasoline18V160000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey,...

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Ram 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V821000 · Power train
Recall 18V160000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Ram 1500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ram 1500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ram 1500?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 1500 have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.