2009 Dodge Ram 5500 problems

General information about Dodge-Ram 5500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram Heavy Duty (also known as the Ram HD) is the 4.5 generation of the Ram Pickup, a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ram Trucks division of Stellantis. Slotted above the Ram 1500, the Heavy Duty trucks range from the Ram 2500 to the Ram 5500. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are offered as pickup trucks, while the Ram 3500 through Ram 5500 are offered as chassis cabs.

Introduced in January 2019 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the current Ram Heavy Duty trucks are based on the Ram 1500 (DT). Ram Heavy-Duty models are produced at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico.

Cab configurations

The Ram Heavy Duty is available in three different configurations: a two-door regular cab with a long bed, a four-door crew cab with either a standard bed or a long bed, or a four-door Mega Cab (a crew cab extended by 11.1 in (280 mm) allowing the rear seats to recline or offering more in-cab storage) with a standard bed.

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Common 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 problems

The Dodge Ram 5500, produced in 2009, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues include excessive engine noise paired with poor acceleration, the truck popping into gear while parked, and a faulty brake interlock pin that allows the automatic transmission to pop in and out of gear without the brake pedal being applied.

Excessive engine noise and poor acceleration are common complaints among owners of the 1995 to 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 3.7L or 4.7L engine. This issue is often caused by a decrease in power during acceleration, which can be due to a lack of fuel pressure or a malfunctioning fuel pump. To address this problem, the engine should be thoroughly inspected for any vacuum leaks, and the fuel pressure should be checked to ensure it is within the recommended range. If the fuel pump is found to be faulty, it may need to be replaced.

Another issue reported by owners of the 2009 to 2017 Dodge Ram trucks is the truck popping into gear while parked, even when the engine is off. This problem is caused by a faulty brake interlock pin, which allows the automatic transmission to engage without the brake pedal being applied. A major recall was issued for this issue, affecting 1.5 million vehicles, and involved inspecting the brake interlock pin or module and replacing them if necessary.

The 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 may also experience hesitation on acceleration, which can be caused by several factors, including a faulty throttle body, a dirty or faulty mass airflow sensor, or a clogged fuel filter. If the hesitation is caused by a faulty throttle body, resetting the computer or installing a new throttle body may solve the problem. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to clean or replace the fuel injectors, as they can become dirty or faulty over time.

In some cases, a faulty ECU (Engine Control Unit) may also contribute to hesitation on acceleration. The ECU is responsible for controlling various engine functions, and if it is faulty, it may cause the engine to hesitate during acceleration. Replacing the ECU with a new one is the best way to address this issue.

A fuel pump issue may also be responsible for hesitation on acceleration in the Dodge Ram 5500. If the fuel pump is not working correctly, it may not be providing enough fuel to the engine, causing it to hesitate during acceleration.

In summary, the Dodge Ram 5500, produced in 2009, has several common problems, including excessive engine noise and poor acceleration, the truck popping into gear while parked, and hesitation on acceleration. These issues can be caused by various factors, including vacuum leaks, faulty fuel pumps, faulty throttle bodies, and faulty ECUs. To address these problems, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the affected components and replace any that are found to be faulty.

Is the Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?

Ram 5500 Reliability Problems. 5500 owners have made 5 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real electrical and wheels concerns.

Is there a recall on Dodge Ram 5500?

The Details. Vehicles recalled: About 306,165 Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel pickup trucks and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 diesel cab chassis trucks from the 2021 through 2023 model years. The problem: A heater-grid relay could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

What is a Ram 5500 rated for?

The heavy-hitting 2024 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab boasts a maximum towing capacity of 35,150 pounds 1 when equipped with the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine and a maximum payload capacity of 12,550 pounds when equipped with the 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine.

What engine is in a Dodge 5500?

6.4L HEMI® V8 ENGINE

With the six-speed automatic transmission.

Is the Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?

What engine is in a Dodge 5500?

6.4L HEMI® V8 ENGINE

With the six-speed automatic transmission.

What is the towing capacity of a 2009 Ram 5500?

Owing to their power and strength, the 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks boast maximum towing capability of 16,850 lbs., a payload of 5,180 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 24,000 lbs. and 12,200 lbs., respectively.

Is there a recall on Dodge Ram 5500?

2009 Dodge Ram 5500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram 5500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Suspension problems
Air bags problems
Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Dodge Ram 5500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Dodge Ram 5500.

2015-08-21

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-07-21
VIN: 3D6WD76L79G
Components: STEERING
Summary: 7/21/15 TOOK TRUCK TO RAM DEALER FOR RECALL R-16 DEALER STATED IT ALSO HAS R-25 RECALL, TRUCK STILL HAS VIBRATION AT 55 MPH AND NOW IT WILL DRIFT LEFT AND RIGHT CALLED DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME TO HAVE MY TIRES CHECKED, 7/30/15 CALLED CHRYSLER HOTLINE WAS TOLD NO OPEN RECALLS I TOLD HER I HAD IT IN FOR REPAIR BUT IT STILL WASN'T RIGHT SHE SAID THEY NEED TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THEIR DIME. 7/30/15 CALLED DEALER, SERVICE MANAGER HAD QUIT NEED TO CALL ON 8/3/15 TO TALK TO NEW SERVICE MANAGER. 8/3/15 TALKED TO NEW SERVICE MANAGER TOLD HIM WHAT CHRYSLER SAID, HE SCHEDULED TO INSPECT TRUCK FOR 8/11/15 DROPPED TRUCK OFF ON 8/10/15 PUT KEY AND NOTE IN DROP BOX STATING SINCE AIRBAG WAS REPAIRED HORN AND CRUSE NO LONGER WORKED 8/16/15 HAVE NOT HEARD BACK 8/17/15 CALLED DEALER LEFT A MESSAGE TO CALL ME, 8/18/15 CALLED DEALER TALKED TO SERVICE MANAGER HE THOUGHT TRUCK HAD BEEN PICKED UP, SAID HE WOULD CHECK AND CALL ME BACK. DEALER CALLED BACK SAID TECH HAD QUIT AND THEY CANT FIND THE KEY BUT WILL MAKE A NEW ONE AND DRIVE IT AND CALL ME. LATER THAT DAY HE CALLED BACK SAID THE BOARD WAS BROKE BEHIND THE AIRBAG AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE IF A SALVAGE YARD DIDN'T HAVE ONE, AND ASKED ME TO DESCRIBE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. 8/19/15 LEFT A MESSAGE TO CALL ME. 8/20/15 I CALLED TALKED TO SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID TRUCK DROVE ALL OVER THE ROAD JUST AS DESCRIBED AND THAT IT COULD BE SEVERAL THINGS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE HAS A NEW GUY COMING IN NEXT WEEK AND COULD LOOK AT IT BUT HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW DEEP I WANTED TO GO WITH IT BECAUSE IT HAS 160,000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN ONE THING STARTS WEARING IT WILL CAUSE OTHER THINGS TO WEAR OUT. I TOLD HIM THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE A RECALL HE TOLD ME THEY ARE ONLY REPLACING THE TIE RODS BECAUSE THEY MAY BREAK WEAR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT AND ANY OTHER REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID FOR BY ME. I AM PICKING IT UP ON 8/24/15

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2015-08-04

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-04-01
Crash: 1
VIN: 3C7WDNEL2CG
Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 (NA) DODGE RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY MADE A SHARP RIGHT TURN CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

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2015-06-30

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-03-26
VIN: 3D6WC76L39G
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIE ROD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

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2015-03-03

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-12-01
VIN: 3D6WD76L99G
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

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2014-02-04

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-01-11
VIN: 3D6WC76L89G
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD SUDDENLY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AND WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. ..UPDATED 03-12-14 *BF

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2013-03-08

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-03-06
Fire: 1
VIN: 3D6WC76L19G
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY IGNITED INTO MASSIVE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

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2012-05-22

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-05-17
VIN: 3D6WD76LX9G
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V657000 (STEERING: LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY) MAY 2011. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ELEVEN MONTHS LATER, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,847.

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2009 Dodge Ram 5500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2009 Dodge Ram 5500.

2016-05-24

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

2015-05-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

2013-11-06

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is R16.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 problems:

Finally, the truck shows its cards - Transmission Digest

https://www.transmissiondigest.com/finally-the-truck-shows-its-cards/

Nov 1, 2016 ... The following issue that I encountered belonged to a 2008 Dodge Ram 5500 ... - Hidden problems ... Dealing with the increasingly common pin-fit ...

Dodge 5500 Transmission Problems: Q&A on 2011 Ram 5500 ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/ijyor-2011-ram-5500-transmission-limp-mode-code-p0766.html

Jan 18, 2022 ... Since you have a new solenoid, you may have a bad pressure switch, internal trans wiring issues or external trans wiring issues. The common ...

4th Generation (2008-2011) Ram 5500 Problems

http://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/ram-5500/generations/4/

Jan 11, 2019 ... Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability , with plenty of suspension concerns. Common ...

Q&A: 2019 Ram 5500 Check Engine & ABS Light - Causes, Solutions

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/fefbn-2019-ram-5500-check-engine-light-abs-light-trac.html

Oct 30, 2020 ... I am sorry to hear you are having issues or concerns with your vehicle, I do know how frustrating this can be! Rest assured I will try my best ...

Problems with 4500 & 5500 - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource ...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/forums/4500-5500-chassis-cab-trucks-158/problems-4500-5500-a-214936/

Aug 22, 2008 ... 4500: No issues to report as of yet accpet a CEL that will be delt with monday. They are good trucks overall,I perfer the 4500 over the 5500 ...