2009 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Dodge Ram: 5 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #09V078000 · 2009 · 504 vehicles
What's wrong: The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder May separate from the master cylinder. This May not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed, which could result in unintended vehicle movement.
Why it matters: Increased stopping distance and engine stalling May occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #09V084000 · 2009 · 65,896 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper module motor assembly May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 17, 2009.
Equipment Vehicle recall #09V158000 · 2009 · 36,793 vehicles
What's wrong: The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module May cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.
Why it matters: This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 3, 2009.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V009000 · 2010 · 20,045 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
Why it matters: This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010.
Steering Vehicle recall #10V657000 · 2010 · 15,271 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Why it matters: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #09E009000 · 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
What's wrong: These wiper module assemblies May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Dodge Ram has 9 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (well below the 181 average). Complaints peaked in 2011 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 43,992 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (25 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (27 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Dodge Ram.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Dodge Ram, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (3), fuel system (2), transmission & drivetrain (2).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.