Research

2009 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints for the 2009 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve power train (9) and electrical system (6).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2018
Owner complaints
37
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Fuel system

Free remedy

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, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Mar 8, 2018NHTSA 18V160000

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

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 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Power trainReported Dec 20, 2017NHTSA 17V821000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

37 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2015 – Feb 2026
  1. Power train9
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Engine5
  4. Suspension4
  5. Structure4
  6. Steering3
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Visibility1

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 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200937
2011689
20131,282
20141,780
20151,460
20161,554
2017884
2018667
20191,496
2020642
2021685
2022637
2023205
20240
20260
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

9 reports
“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). The contact scheduled an appointment with a dealer, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. Upon picking the vehicle and exiting the parking lot, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2026Power trainODI 11717891

Electrical system

6 reports
“When driving the vehicle at lower speeds, usually between 25 to 38 mph, the engine will surge for about 1 to 2 seconds then back to normal as long as I remain in that speed range. It happens each time within that range of speed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11518578

Engine

5 reports
“The exhaust manifold cracked. This allows toxic pre-catalitic converter fumes to be released under the vehicle and potentially enter the vehicle. I have been informed that this is a common issue on This generation truck. It has not been inspected by manufturer, police, or insurance. And this has caused no warning lamps or signals before or after issue arose.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2021EngineODI 11434230
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ram 1500 as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026
05 —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.
07 —FAQ

2009 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 1500 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 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 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (9), electrical system (6), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026