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2009 Dodge RAM 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

105 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

49,529 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 50 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 65 of 105 complaints (61.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior5451.4%
Braking behavior76.7%
Electrical and battery issues43.8%
Transmission and shifting32.9%
Engine operation21.9%
Fuel system concerns11.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
65
Air Bags
12
Suspension
11
Electrical System
6
Service Brakes
5
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
5
Power Train
4
Exterior Lighting
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering65
Air Bags12
Suspension11
Electrical System6
Service Brakes5
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly5
Power Train4
Exterior Lighting3

Steering: 65; Air Bags: 12; Suspension: 11; Electrical System: 6; Service Brakes: 5; Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly: 5; Power Train: 4; Exterior Lighting: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
20
50,000 to 74,999
9
75,000 to 99,999
6
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,99920
50,000 to 74,9999
75,000 to 99,9996
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 20; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 55 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2009
1
2010
3
2011
10
2012
1
2013
1
2014
52
2015
17
2016
9
2017
4
2019
2
2020
3
2024
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20091
20103
201110
20121
20131
201452
201517
20169
20174
20192
20203
20241
20251

2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2011: 10; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 52; 2015: 17; 2016: 9; 2017: 4; 2019: 2; 2020: 3; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 54 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10260808 · 2009-03-05 (March 5, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V005000 (STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY). THE AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ON A MASSIVE BACK ORDER, CONSISTING OF 47,000 CONSUMERS. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 500.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10260808 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10341008 · 2010-07-01 (July 1, 2010)

DODGE 3500 RECALL #09V00500 STEERING LINKAGES/TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. SWIFT DODGE, 4318 CHILE ROAD, DAVIS CA INFORMED ME IN AUGUST 09 THAT MY TRUCK WAS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. IN DECEMBER 09 THEY PURPORTED TO HAVE COMPLETED THE RECALL WORK AS SPECIFIED IN INVOICE #25289. THIS WAS VERBALLY DESCRIBED AS NECESSITATING COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY OF THE FRONT END/STEERING. IN JUNE 2010 THE STEERING TRACK BAR BOLT FAILED AND LODGED BETWEEN THE DRAG LINK AND TIE ROD END CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING. THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND SPRING BL…

Owner-reported narrative. 15,916 miles reported. Look up ODI 10341008 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10343969 · 2010-07-19 (July 19, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN 5 MPH THE TIE ROD BROKE CAUSING A LOSS OF THE STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TIE ROD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,000. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT AN IMPROPERLY GEOMETRY AT THE TIME OF INITIAL FACTORY INSTALLATION MAY LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE. UPDATED 10/07/10. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 29,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10343969 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10373240 · 2010-12-29 (December 29, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TIE ROD BROKE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10373240 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10377166 · 2011-01-19 (January 19, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND WHEN FURTHER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED FROM THE WHEEL AND RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND A REPLACEMENT OF THE TIE ROD WAS RECOMMENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,430.

Owner-reported narrative. 41,430 miles reported. Look up ODI 10377166 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10395348 · 2011-04-09 (April 9, 2011)

I HAVE A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL THE GAUGES STARTED GOING CRAZY THEN SUDDENLY I SMELL SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING BY THIS POINT NOTHING IS WORKING IM JUST COASTING TO A STOP. THERE WAS NO SMOKE FROM THE DASH THAT WAS MY FIRST INSTINCT I THEN OPEN THE HOOD AND SMOKE IS ROLLING OUT OF THE FUSE BOX. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS THE SAME TRUCK BUT A YEAR OLDER AND THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON HIS VEHICLE TWO DIFFERENT TIMES I THEN DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT ON COPART WHICH IS A SALVAGE AUCTION AND THERE ARE…

Owner-reported narrative. 88,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10395348 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10399689 · 2011-05-09 (May 9, 2011)

WHILE REVERSE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY MY DODGE RAM 3500, 2009 MODEL, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND I LOST STEERING CONTROL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE TIE ROD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAD BROKEN WITH THE WHEEL AT RIGHT ANGLE TO THE TRUCK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10399689 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10419670 · 2011-08-16 (August 16, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TIE ROD FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TIE ROD WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE AGAIN WAS DRIVEN INTO A DITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10419670 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

09V005000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 2009-01-09 (January 9, 2009)

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V350000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 2011-07-06 (July 6, 2011)

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V529000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. 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: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. 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 N49.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V313000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-26 (May 26, 2015)

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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V352000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-05-24 (May 24, 2016)

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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗