Dodge Ram 1500 2009–2010 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (DS) — Dodge-branded portion only
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,194 complaints, 911 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 707
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2009
- Transmission and driveline240 reports · median 69,000 mi
- Electrical system103 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise59 reports · median 67,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Power train — automatic transmission · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 487
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2010
- Transmission and driveline229 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Electrical system71 reports · median 87,000 mi
- Engine61 reports · median 86,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Power train — automatic transmission · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2009; earliest: the 2010, and the 2009 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2009–2010 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 66,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 137,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 911
- Recalls
- 12
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline39.3% of complaints · median 64,000 mi
- Electrical system14.6% of complaints · median 85,000 mi
- Engine9.7% of complaints · median 84,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine (5.7L Hemi)2009–2010
- Electrical (TIPM)2009–2010
- Suspension2009–2010
Owners filed 1,194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009–2010 Dodge Ram 1500; the transmission and driveline leads with 39.3% of them, and half of the 911 that record an odometer reading came by 66,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 39,000 to 99,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2009–2010 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
On the 2009–2010 Dodge Ram 1500, half of the 911 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 66,000 miles and 90% by 137,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
66 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 17 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Ram 1500 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Dodge Ram 1500 2009–2010 · 911 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 90 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 17 complaints (1.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 18,000
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 66,000
- 75%
- 99,000
- 90%
- 137,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 53 | 5.8% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 50 | 5.5% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 50 | 5.5% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 76 | 8.3% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 80 | 8.8% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 81 | 8.9% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 90 | 9.9% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 77 | 8.5% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 78 | 8.6% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 53 | 5.8% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 56 | 6.1% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 36 | 4.0% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 17 | 1.9% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 29 | 3.2% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 19 | 2.1% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 21 | 2.3% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 9 | 1.0% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 3 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 17 | 1.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Ram 1500 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Dodge Ram 1500 2009–2010
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline469 reportsmedian 64,000middle half 40,000–96,000
- Suspension66 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 39,000–90,000
- Steering71 reportsmedian 67,000middle half 50,000–110,000
- Body structure71 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 25,000–96,000
- Problems owners could not categorise87 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 48,000–109,000
- Engine116 reportsmedian 84,000middle half 60,000–114,000
- Electrical system174 reportsmedian 85,000middle half 53,000–105,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 469 | 39.3% | 64,000 | 40,000–96,000 |
| Electrical system | 174 | 14.6% | 85,000 | 53,000–105,000 |
| Engine | 116 | 9.7% | 84,000 | 60,000–114,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 87 | 7.3% | 75,000 | 48,000–109,000 |
| Steering | 71 | 5.9% | 67,000 | 50,000–110,000 |
| Body structure | 71 | 5.9% | 70,000 | 25,000–96,000 |
| Suspension | 66 | 5.5% | 65,000 | 39,000–90,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 63 | 5.3% | 83,000 | 52,000–120,000 |
| Wheels | 62 | 5.2% | 55,000 | 40,000–81,000 |
| Airbag system | 48 | 4.0% | 68,000 | 32,000–88,000 |
Known problems with the 2009–2010 Ram 1500
Engine (5.7L Hemi) 2009–2010
Broken exhaust manifold bolts continue into the DS body; MDS-related lifter and camshaft lobe wear on the deactivating cylinders.
Electrical (TIPM) 2009–2010
Totally Integrated Power Module internal relay failures causing stalling, no-start, and fuel pump or wiper operation with the key off — the same TIPM family that affected other Chrysler products of the era.
Suspension 2009–2010
Optional rear coil-spring / air suspension setup: air compressor and height-sensor failures on air-equipped trucks.
Before you buy a 2009–2010 Ram 1500: the 3-minute check
Generated from 911 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine (5.7L hemi) on 2009–2010 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check electrical (TIPM) on 2009–2010 cars.
- Check suspension on 2009–2010 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Ram 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi43% below | At 90k mi70% below | At 120k mi86% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 40,000–96,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 53,000–105,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 60,000–114,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 48,000–109,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 50,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 25,000–96,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 39,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Dodge Ram 1500 2009–2010 · 911 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 70% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2009–2010 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the transmission and driveline (4), the steering (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2) (why one area can repeat).
Mar 2018 · 2009–2010 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result.
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York…
What can happen. 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.…
The free fix. 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.…
Dec 2017 · 2009–2010 · Power TrainBeing able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can…
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 pickup…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Feb 2013 · 2009–2010 · Power TrainIf the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007…
What can happen. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
The free fix. On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners…
Oct 2012 · 2009–2010 · Power TrainIf the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
What can happen. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Dec 2010 · 2009–2010 · Steering filed under the shared nameLoss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
What can happen. Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Dec 2010 · 2010 · Steering filed under the shared nameBrake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Dodge RAM trucks manufactured from march 2009 through october 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive…
What can happen. Brake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at…
Jul 2010 · 2010 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameThis could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive Jeep liberty, Dodge nitro and Ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive Jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control…
What can happen. This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
May 2010 · 2010 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameThe result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler 300, Dodge challenger, charger, Jeep commander, Grand Cherokee and Dodge RAM vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the…
What can happen. The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 23, 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jan 2010 · 2009–2010 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameThis could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring; Dodge avenger and nitro; Jeep liberty, commander and Grand Cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 Dodge RAM truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake…
What can happen. This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
May 2009 · 2009 · Equipment filed under the shared nameThis can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 Dodge RAM light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging…
What can happen. This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the hvac module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 3, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.
Mar 2009 · 2009 · Visibility filed under the shared nameWhen the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty Dodge RAM pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
What can happen. When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Mar 2009 · 2009 · Power Train filed under the shared nameIncreased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate from the master cylinder. This…
What can happen. Increased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,194 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 55 (4.6%)
- Fires
- 5
- Injury reports
- 30
- Fatality reports
- 0
Ram 1500 problems by model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 707 | 557 | 68,000 | Transmission and driveline (240) | 9 |
| 2010 | 487 | 354 | 65,000 | Transmission and driveline (229) | 9 |
What Ram 1500 owners reported
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The…
2010 · 262,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there were two open recalls on the VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact scheduled an appointment with a dealer, and the vehicle was repaired under the…
2009 · 120,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the MTC unit failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. In addition, the defrost system was…
2009 · 158,000 miles · Visibility equipment
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank…
2009 · 149,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 911 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Ram 1500 generations
- Ram 1500 1994–2001 1,911 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Ram 1500 2002–2008 3,932 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system