2009 Ram 3500 problems

General information about Ram-3500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

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Common 2009 Ram 3500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500, several common problems have been reported:

Electrical Problems: Complaints include flickering lights on the dashboard and overhead console, which could be indicative of electrical system issues. This may require a thorough inspection to identify the root cause and ensure proper functioning of the electrical components.

Steering and Suspension: Some owners have experienced issues with the steering and suspension components, like worn ball joints and wheel bearings. These problems can affect the vehicle's handling and safety, necessitating timely repairs to maintain optimal performance.

Interior Concerns: Reports of cracked dashboards have been noted, which can be a cosmetic issue but may also indicate underlying structural weaknesses. Addressing this problem may involve repairs or replacements to restore the interior aesthetics and integrity of the vehicle.

Engine Performance: The Cummins engine in the 2009 Ram 3500 is generally praised for its power and reliability. However, some owners have mentioned oil change alerts and the need for service, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the engine's longevity and efficiency.

Airbag Recalls: The vehicle is subject to recalls related to airbag inflators, as part of broader safety concerns. It is crucial for owners to stay informed about recalls and promptly address any safety-related issues to mitigate potential risks.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and staying informed about recalls to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.

2009 Ram 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Steering problems
Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Ram 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Ram 3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Ram 3500.

2019-06-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-06-03
VIN: 3C6URVJG4KE
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DOWN A HILL, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED FROM SIXTH TO FIFTH TO FOURTH GEAR AS THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AGAIN FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTO FARM PRICE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (354 UT-55, PRICE, UT 84501, (435) 637-3360) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER (FLETCHER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 3099 N MORTON ST, FRANKLIN, IN 46131, (317) 738-4170) WHERE A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS PRESENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOWNSHIFTING WAS NORMAL WHEN TRAVELING DOWN A HILL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

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2017-11-04

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-05-10
VIN: 3D6WH38L99G
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: BREAKS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. EMERGENCY STOP LUCKY NOT MANY CARS ON THE FREEWAY AT THE TIME. THE HYDRO BREAK BOOSTER WENT OUT. THIS WAS RECALLED ON TRUCKS MANUFACTURED EARLIER IN THE YEAR AND WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THE PRODUCTION DATE OF MY TRUCK. NEARLY CRASHED AT HIGHWAY SPENDS.

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2017-09-18

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-09-17
VIN: 3D7MX48L59G
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: IT HAS A DEATH WOBBLE SO BAD MY WIFE JUST ABOUT LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AS WE WHERE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES A HOUR.

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2009 Ram 3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2009 Ram 3500.

2018-01-09

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

2016-10-13

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.