2009 Ram 1500 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Ram 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Ram 1500 a good year?
It's one of the better years for the 1500. Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 15 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and engine.
37 complaints 2 recalls, 1 fire risk 15th worst of 15 1500 years
Top 2009 Ram 1500 problems
Transmission problems
9 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly.
Electrical problems
6 complaints (16%) name the electrical system.
Engine problems
5 complaints (14%) name the engine.
Body problems
4 complaints (11%) name the body and structure, most often the body.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (16 of 37). The amber line is the middle value, about 82,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Ram 1500 recalls
Corroded bracket may let fuel tank drop
Fire riskRoad salt and water can corrode the bracket that holds the front fuel tank strap to the frame. The tank can then drop toward the ground or come loose in a crash, which can cause a fuel leak and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: The dealer will bolt a reinforcement bracket to the frame to secure the fuel tank strap, and the repair is free of charge.
Recall 18V160000 · Mar 2018Column shift
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. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge.
Recall 17V821000 · Dec 2017Get an email when your 2009 Ram 1500 gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Ram 1500, you'll hear about it the same week.
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1500 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Ram 1500 a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the 1500. Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 15 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2009 Ram 1500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, electrical system, engine and body and structure. 9 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly.
At what mileage do 2009 Ram 1500 transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 56,000–140,000 miles, with a middle value near 89,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Ram 1500 have?
2. Corroded bracket may let fuel tank drop (18V160000); Column shift (17V821000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Ram 1500?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2024 and 2026 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.