2009 Ram 1500: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 47 complaints
47
Total Complaints
79,300mi
Median Mileage
Power Train
Top Issue
0
Crash Reports

When Do Complaints Happen?

Distribution of NHTSA complaints by vehicle mileage at time of report.

58,505 25th Percentile
79,300 Median Mileage
103,454 75th Percentile

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

Power Train
8
Unknown Or Other
7
Electrical System
6
Engine
5
Body
4
Steering
3
Suspension
3
Service Brakes
2
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
Rear
1

Severity Assessment

0
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

"BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR FOR HEATER, DEFROSTER DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK SO DEFROST OR HEATER WILL NOT PUT OUT ANY HEAT AND THEREFORE WINDSHIELD WILL NOT DEFROST AND HEATER WIIL NOT PUT OUT HEAT, IN MY PICKUP THIS IS ON PASSENGER SIDE. IN MONTANA WHERE IT IS STARTING TO GET COLD THIS CAN BE A LIFE THREATENING..."
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT "IT FELT LIKE THE BED OF THE VEHICLE WAS FALLING OFF." THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC IN TEMPLE HILLS, MD WHERE PREVIOUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE F..."
"MANIFOLD BOLTS TO THE HEADS BROKE OFF. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN VEHICLE AND LOST CONTROL. THE NEED TO BE A RECALL."

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

When Were Complaints Filed?

Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.

When Does Each Component Fail?

Median mileage at complaint for top components.

Power Train 8 complaints
Median: 58,505 mi
Unknown Or Other 7 complaints
Median: 79,300 mi
Electrical System 6 complaints
Median: 79,300 mi

Where Are Complaints Coming From?

Top states by complaint count.

VA: 9 OK: 5 MI: 3 NY: 3 FL: 3 DE: 2 GA: 2 LA: 2 MD: 1 MT: 1

Ram 1500 — Other Years

See how this model compares across different model years.

YearComplaintsCrashes
201062932
20131532103
20142328148
20151903113
20161990122
20171126109
201886234
20192036103
202084235
2021105437
202289936
202327519
20241086
20253978
2026430

Active Recalls (2)

Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.

Column Shift
Campaign 17V821000 | 20/12/2017
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.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Mounting
Campaign 18V160000 | 08/03/2018
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.

Extend Your Transmission Life

Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.

  • Change transmission fluid at manufacturer intervals — not 'lifetime' fluid
  • Come to a full stop before shifting from reverse to drive
  • Don't ride the brakes on hills — use a lower gear
  • Check transmission fluid level and color monthly — dark fluid needs changing
  • Address slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement immediately

Vehicle Rankings

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Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28