Problems · NHTSA complaints

2009 Ram 1500 problems

Owners filed 37 complaints about the 2009 Ram 1500 with NHTSA between Nov 2015 and Feb 2026. The most-cited component is power train (9).

Complaints
37
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train9
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Engine5
  4. Suspension4
  5. Structure4
  6. Steering3
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Visibility1
  10. Exterior lighting1
  11. Visibility/wiper1
  12. Wheels1
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  14. Other / unknown7

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20151
20160
20170
201811
20195
20200
20218
20224
20235
20242
20250
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

9 reports1 related recall
“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

Suspension

4 reports
“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 pinion”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2024SuspensionODI 11572638

Structure

4 reports
“Frame rail has rusted out causing this vehicle unsafe to drive. A quick google search showed this a common problem. I know Mercedes Benz have recalled rusting brake boosters and provided extended warranty on rear subframe rust. Toyota has recalled truck frames. Dodge is ignoring this issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2023StructureODI 11528025

Steering

3 reports
“I purchased this vehicle from a private party and insured it and my insurance offers free carfax after checking through its history i see that it has 2 pending recalls and one of them has a buyback program, i called dealerships and the Chrysler warranty phone number but they do not want to buy it back even though that is one of the remedy's , the main problem is with the driveshaft which can separate due to a axle pinion bolt and cause an accident i really do not want to deal with these recalls and would rather go with the available option of having it repurchased from chrysler”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2023Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11515288
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026

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