Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2009 Dodge Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 679 owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Most complaints involve power train (233) and electrical system (97). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Feb 2013
Owner complaints
679
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Feb 6, 2013NHTSA 13V038000

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Oct 2, 2012NHTSA 12V474000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

679 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2009 – Feb 2026
  1. Power train233
  2. Electrical system97
  3. Engine51
  4. Wheels51
  5. Structure41
  6. Tires37
  7. Suspension35
  8. Air bags34
  9. Fuel/propulsion system33

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Ram 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996936
20051,213
2006817
2007534
2008579
2009679
2010515
Crashes reported
29
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

233 reports7 crashes
“- Week of October 6th 2025 I experienced 4-wheel drive issues and lights. - October 13th 2025 dropped off to dealer for review - October 14th 2025 dealer deemed not safe to drive and ordered parts under warranty repair. - following weeks went on with parts being backordered. - after having to push the dealer for updates for weeks on December 22nd 2025 I informed Stellantis Customer Service US. - Customer service looked into and gave me the same delayed responses for weeks now "I hope you're doing well. I'm following up regarding your case. There is no definite ETA for the part. Our parts team is working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me." - Still today Stellantis cannot give me a date when my truck will be repaired. Near 4months later...”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2026Power trainODI 11716468

Electrical system

97 reports
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered on the title that the mileage was 211,492.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2025Electrical systemODI 11668161

Engine

51 reports
“The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an abnormal, ticking noise would emit from the vehicle upon startup without warning. He also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the engine would rev without warning. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact believed that the failure was related to a defective exhaust manifold. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2021Power train, EngineODI 11444690
All 2009 Ram 1500 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 4.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141915$4,300592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300592
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5386Vehicle 5385Vehicle 5384
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Ram 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 679 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (233), electrical system (97), engine (51). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026