2009 Ram 1500 — Known Issues & Recalls

Your truck's rear end locked up while driving, causing the driveshaft to break and shear off. You noticed a low humming noise when easing off the gas that gradually became louder, and when you accelerated after turning, you heard loud banging as the broken driveshaft spun and struck components underneath the truck, causing the vehicle to skid. The driveshaft will need to be replaced and the rear differential inspected for damage.

Your front passenger-side axle fractured and broke off while driving at 30 mph, causing the tire to detach and damaging your brakes and fender. This happened after your driver-side axle had fractured and detached about a year earlier. The damage was severe enough that your front passenger door wouldn't open. Repairing this will require replacing the damaged axle shaft, inspecting and repairing the brake system, and assessing fender and door damage.

After your dealer completed recall repairs on your 2009 Ram 1500, you heard an abnormal whining sound from the engine and the check engine light came on as you left the parking lot. The dealer kept your vehicle but hasn't repaired it yet, and the manufacturer hasn't been notified of the problem. The issue may require transmission fluid service, filter replacement, or internal transmission inspection to identify what's causing the noise and warning light.

Your truck's TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is malfunctioning and causing multiple electrical problems: the horn either won't work or sounds off on its own, door locks are inoperative, windshield wipers stop working intermittently or don't work at all, and airbags aren't functioning. The TIPM also caused your battery to overcharge, which led to smoke. The battery was replaced, but the underlying TIPM issue likely needs to be addressed to prevent these problems from recurring.

Your door locks don't work properly. This could make it difficult to secure your vehicle and may affect your safety and security.

Your HVAC system has stopped working, leaving you with no heat or air conditioning. You're hearing a loud clicking noise that repeats every few minutes. A repair shop indicated that the entire HVAC unit behind the dashboard needs to be removed and replaced to fix the problem.

Your odometer stops counting after 621,369 miles and won't display higher mileage. Dodge has refused to repair this issue despite your vehicle having an unlimited powertrain warranty. While this is a display problem rather than a mechanical one, it prevents you from accurately tracking your vehicle's actual mileage. Fixing this typically involves replacing the instrument cluster or having the odometer reprogrammed.

Your truck's frame rail has rusted through, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This appears to be a widespread issue with this model year that other manufacturers have addressed through recalls and extended warranties for similar rust problems.

Your truck's front fuel tank bracket has rusted and corroded, which could cause the fuel tank strap to detach. If this happens, the front of your fuel tank could sag and contact the ground, potentially causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source could result in a fire. The repair will likely involve replacing the rusted fuel tank bracket and strap.

Your 2009 Ram 1500 has at least two pending recalls, including one with a manufacturer buyback program available. The main concern is a driveshaft that can separate due to a loose axle pinion bolt, which could cause loss of vehicle control. You've contacted Chrysler and dealerships requesting the buyback option, but they're refusing to participate in the repurchase program. Resolving this issue will require either getting the driveshaft and axle assembly inspected and repaired, or pursuing the recall remedy through Chrysler.

While driving at 26 mph, you heard a clanking noise from the back of your truck that grew louder when you pressed the gas pedal. The noise turned into a loud grinding sound from the wheels, the truck slowed down quickly, and eventually came to a complete stop on its own. When you got out to investigate, you discovered the rear driveshaft had completely separated and fallen onto the road, and the transmission joint was leaking bright green transmission fluid. The truck's wheels were locked up and it wouldn't move, even with multiple people trying to push it. The driveshaft separation caused you to lose control of the truck while turning, resulting in injury. Repairing this will likely require replacing the driveshaft, inspecting the transmission, and checking the U-joints and mounting hardware.

Your truck recently started making a loud whining noise from the rear end. You suspect the pinion nut (which was subject to a recall) may be coming loose. This should be inspected promptly at a dealer, as a loose pinion nut can affect rear axle function and handling.

Your air conditioner, heater, and defogger have all stopped working, making it difficult to maintain visibility in bad weather. The climate control warning light isn't coming on to alert you to the problem. Even after replacing the climate control module, the issue continued.

Your third brake light (the high-mounted center light) stays on even when the key is off and becomes very hot. Additionally, your rear brake lights turn on whenever you start the vehicle, making them look like regular running lights instead of brake lights. This problem persists even if the brake pedal switch is disconnected. The issue likely involves a faulty brake light relay or wiring problem that's causing the lights to stay energized.

Your truck's rear frame has severe rust damage that prevented a tire rotation service. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting other 2009 Ram 1500 trucks in the same area. The rusted frame may affect suspension integrity and structural safety. Addressing this typically requires rust repair or frame replacement by a professional mechanic.

Your truck has a known recall (K-17) involving a broken actuator door in the HVAC system that's affecting visibility or wiper function. The dealer says they can't get Chrysler to approve covering the repair under the recall, and Chrysler customer service confirmed they won't cover the cost. You believe this recall should be covered for the life of the vehicle under the original owner.

Your exhaust manifold has cracked, which allows exhaust fumes to escape underneath your vehicle and potentially seep into the cabin. You may smell exhaust odors inside your truck, and this problem reportedly occurs frequently on this generation of Ram 1500. Fixing this will likely involve removing and replacing the cracked exhaust manifold.

Your truck has two open safety recalls that haven't been repaired yet, which is why you're hesitant to drive it. You've contacted multiple Dodge dealers but received conflicting information about why the recalls can't be completed. Getting these recalls fixed at an authorized Dodge dealer should be free, or you may have the option to use an independent repair shop at Dodge's expense.

You're hearing a loud humming noise from the rear of your truck, and multiple mechanics have confirmed that your rear wheel bearings have failed. The wheel bearing failure may have also damaged your rear differential. Repairs could cost between $1,500 and $4,000, and you've found reports online suggesting this is a widespread issue with this model year.

Your engine surges (speeds up briefly) for 1-2 seconds when you drive between 25-38 mph, then returns to normal. This happens consistently every time you drive in that speed range. The issue may involve the fuel delivery or ignition timing system needing adjustment or component replacement.