2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,898 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #53

Oct 012015

Ram 1500

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Key fobs, remote door lock/unlock failing. Key fobs keep failing, buy new fobs and after about a year they fail. Owners resort to unhooking the horns as the horns sound when manually unlocking the doors with the key. This is a stationary failure of the fob. However if owners are disconnecting the horns, that would be a safety problem while driving when the need to alert other vehicles arises. Vehicle owners are not purchasing new fobs due to cost but rather disconnecting their horns so that the alarm does not sound when unlocking the drivers door to gain entry. Many owners are not reporting this defect due to the fact that they don't see it as a safety issue with the vehicle. A quick internet search reveals a vast # of complaints on website forums. Source-I am an ase master tech. I have an 09 1500 that this is happening to. I do not disconnect the horns but rather just don't lock the truck. (taking a chance against theft)

- Forney, TX, USA

problem #52

Apr 072016

Ram 1500

  • 78,900 miles
I was stopped at a red traffic light, when it turned green and I accelerated, the truck power felt as if the truck was pulling a heavy load. I notice the shifter indicator on the (-/+ ) instead on (D). I try to shift to (D) but instead it went to reverse.the tires squealed and the truck died. It started back up by the radio was not operable. I shut the vehicle off and turn it on and the radio work. This particular issue with the radio has occurred a total of 2 times. Since the first occurrence I have an engine light on. Now when the truck is in (-/+) mode on the instrument panel. It indicate my truck is 4th gear. There is another (-/+) as well on the shifter were you can increase or decrease the gear you are in. I have tried to change that gear. By pressing the + and holding it, it will show that it changes from 4 to D but as soon as you stop pressing the button on the shifter it goes right back to 4th gear. The way I can get it back to D, I have to shut the vehicle off after putting it park of course, and started up, then it shifts to D, eventually it goes back to the manual mode. I just purchase this vehicle from carmax in woodbridge. I was told that their vehicle safety inspection was by far the better. I have seen multiples complain about this same problem by the hundreds. To bad I didn't see it before buying. Nice truck and all, but in the meantime owners of these vehicles with similar problems or worse are still driving these vehicles with their families on board, and what it is going to take for a family to end up dead on the road because Dodge instead of taking responsibility for manufacturing a defective product, possibly with the knowledge of the problem and now they will continue charging people that purchased their defective vehicles until it becomes eventually a recall. A vehicle operating in that condition would fail any state dmv inspection.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #51

Feb 062016

Ram 1500

  • 72,000 miles
Was communicating with fca for buyback under N08 recall. Was refered to dealer, and dealer requested personal loan information before they would take action. This alerted me that they were trying to find out the debt so they could low ball their offer. They were pressuring me to trade at blackbook value. Am dealing with spouse with cancer and was not informed of a expiration for buyback. Truck is now sitting in drive with axle lock condition. I feel I have the worst case scenario with this and request expedient assistance from your office. Have now lost $15K value in this. Will consult legal representation. A personal response from your office would be appreciated. Fca claims buyback ended 1/4/2016 even though I had a ball park offer from them and apparently they will not honor the offer.

- Reelsville, IN, USA

problem #50

Dec 152015

Ram 1500

  • 93,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 60 mph in inclement weather, both high and low beam headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact independently replaced the bulbs; however, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (tipm) needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tipm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

- Lyons, GA, USA

problem #49

Nov 142015

Ram 1500

  • 72,000 miles
This vehicle is listed in the buyback program due to rear axle pinion nut defect. Was offered blackbook value to trade and low blue book trade value for buyback. Vehicle exceeds all condition requirements. Chrysler has demanded to know my debt value before appraisal. Fca is stalling and trying to capitalize a profit margin on my truck. Dealer used pressure tactics for process, stated process would take extended period of time and I should trade it in or let them repair. Have received 2 trade offers for wholesale value, from 2 different fca dealers. The rear axle has now locked up once while backing out of a parking space at my workplace, 1800 North fruitridge ave, terre haute, ind. I was able to get unseized and home. Unable to drive due to safety issue. Fca stated they required 3rd party appraisal but will not proceed until I release my debt value and account number to them. This is an outrage! I expect they will de-value my truck as to be less than I owe, thereby making a buyback impossible and forcing me to let them repair half of the issues with this truck! I will be losing about $8K from retail value. $ which they are trying to profit from selling a defective product. Is this what you are allowing" I don't think so. In addition to rear axle, there was a blend door actuator recall which they claim is resolved. It is not! the truck's heating system does not work. The buyback offer given was for $19025 plus $1903 for 10% repurchase, for a total of $20928, but pending appraisal with debt value release. This corporation is manipulating the process to increase their profits while releasing them of liability. What are you, as the overseeing governmental Agency going to do about this" I want my $ returned fairly. I will lose $10K even with a retail buyback. I cannot lose $18K for a manipulated, scam of a deal!! this a follow up to a previous complaint.

- Reelsville, IN, USA

problem #48

Dec 142015

Ram 1500

  • 136,600 miles
Our truck began stalling the engine at low speeds in Dec. 2015, I changed all 16 spark plugs thinking this would fix the issue, it didn't. about 2 weeks after this started, I was trying to unlock the truck with the key fob for a short trip into town. The headlights would flash, but the doors would neither lock or unlock with the fob. I opened the door with the key and started the engine. The idiot lights for the air bags and the traction control were both illuminated. We had never had any issues with any of this previously. Next, I tried to lock the doors for the trip, using the pdl switch and found it to be inoperable. Also not working were the pw, HVAC system, horn, and windshield wiper system. This was so very strange that I googled these symptoms and discovered the tipm, totally integrated power module, for these vehicles are failing at an alarming rate. Thank god that my wife didn't stall this truck in a highway driving situation and become the victim of this known and documented safety flaw in these vehicles. Fiat/Chrysler needs to step up to the plate and repair these vehicles before lives are destroyed due to this defect.

- Grand Saline, TX, USA

problem #47

May 012015

Ram 1500

  • 68,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Passenger side headlight intermittantly fails, but bulb is ok. Windows intermittantly roll themselves down. Key(fob) gets stuck in recepticale. Passenger side windshield sprayer does not spray water.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #46

Oct 012015

Ram 1500

  • miles
Totally integrated power module (tipm) has been dangerous. All four windows went down while truck was unattended and locked several times. We replaced the expensive tipm and car stopped doing that. A few months later, we found out that just one electrical item can cause the entire tipm burn out that affects almost everything in the car. For us it was the backup camera that had a short. It caused air bags, seat belt safety, windshield wipers, defrost/fan, backup camera, locks not to work. Dealership had to replace tipm again. We also believe the tipm may have had something to do with our transmission locking into gear.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #45

May 052014

Ram 1500

  • 60,000 miles
My vechiles A/C will not blow the dashboard lights come off and on the windows will operate when they want my door locks and unlocks when it wants windshield wipers come on at any given time took the truck to star Dodge in abilene rd where I was told tipm was out and it wld cost me 1300.to fix the part is 300.online takes bout 15mins to change but I see there are plenty complaints on the tipm I think a recall shld be put out there and Dodge shld pay for it!!

- Snyder, TX, USA

problem #44

Oct 092015

Ram 1500

  • 35,200 miles
At 12K -13K miles I experienced an engine stall in the early morning. The instrument cluster remained lit and I was able to engage the emergency flasher. I was on a back road and luckily I was able to coast into a driveway. After numerous turns of the key fob, the engine started. This incident was reported to the dealership, but they seemed to shrug it off. Fast forward to 10/9/15. I had trouble again starting the truck. I proceeded to the store and was on a main thoroughfare when I started to turn across traffic into a parking lot.the engine died and luckily my momentum carried me off the street out of traffic and into the lot. Cars had to go around me as I tried to get the vehicle started. The next Monday 10/12/15 I had trouble starting again and I was able to proceed to work. At the end of my shift, it took a couple dozen turns of the key fob to get the truck started and I made it home. The truck now sits in the driveway waiting for a service appointment on 10/30/15. If it does not start, it will have to be towed. When I inquired online about this problem I was aghast at how many others were having the same issue as me and Chrysler was doing very little to make it right. The stall of an engine in traffic is a very dangerous safety problem. The truck has a battery less than 2 years old and has only 35200 miles on it. I am not getting any check engine lights. It is serviced routinely by the Chrysler dealer.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #43

Sep 192009

Ram 1500

  • 1,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Truck has left me stranded multiple times by completely losing power electrical and engine. Dealer claims to have "replaced" computer but Chrysler Corp confirms dealer just "reflashed" computer. Multiple recalls have occurred and truck was brought into dealer but I know the old parts remain in place! I cannot trust this dealer to do anything they claim to do, proven by comparing the written work order with the records at chysler corporate. We are afraid to drive this vehicle, my wife will not step foot on it and as I am an amputee every time I get stranded(3 times so far) I cannot walk to get help. So I am at the mercy of available cell phone signal or just pray. The dealer had continually stalled us on repairing these problems up until the warranty ran out and then all of a sudden they figured out the "actual" problem and could now fix it for a few thousand!! dollars. Please help us- we have been fighting for some kind of justice for 6 years! truck has only 24000 total, actual scary miles on it. Paid cash of approx $50,000 and are so hurt and disgusted with our purchase but most outraged by the treatment and lack of normal human concern for our safety or our lives for that matter. Last remark from dealer owner to us: "not my problem tough S..T" this vehicle should become chryslet corps problem and we want the timely return of our money asap please please please. This is a nightmare and has caused us both serious health issues

- Staugustine, FL, USA

problem #42

Sep 282015

Ram 1500

  • 99,200 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, he accidentally encountered the key with his knee and the key fell out. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system ).the approximate failure mileage was 99,200.

- Macomb Pwp Township, MI, USA

problem #41

Feb 142015

Ram 1500 4WD

  • 50,000 miles
Tla* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate properly and caused poor visibility. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to more than two dealers and they performed various unknown repairs, which did not remedy the failure. The contact stated that there was a failure with the low beam and high beam visibility which caused the contact to have to drive slower during inclement weather conditions. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. 03/21/18 updated 05/17/18

- Limestone , NY, USA

problem #40

Feb 022015

Ram 1500

  • 66,000 miles
My gear shift will come out of park with out using the brake and when the vehicle is not running it will come out of gear my local Dodge dealership said it was the gear shifter interlock which several people has been having issues with.

- Beverly, WV, USA

problem #39

Sep 162015

Ram 1500

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While attempting to activate the air conditioner, it failed to activate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Saucier, MS, USA

problem #38

Aug 182015

Ram 1500

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine would not start, the shifter would not move, and the key would not release from the ignition switch. After removing the key from the ignition switch, the key was still in the ignition message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the win module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Temperance, MI, USA

problem #37

Apr 012014

Ram 1500

  • 70,000 miles
The rear axle pinion nut on my truck is recalled causing major safety issue. Chrysler is refusing to do anything other than telling people to wait and they are ok to continue to drive the vehicle until it breaks. This is my only vehicle, and I need a safe vehicle for my family and me to be in. Youre putting our lives, and everyone elses at risk is 100%irresponsible of me and Chrysler. Please help us consumers. My light came on service 4 wheel drive, esp traction control, I purchased an extended warranty which is what saved me, I am having electrical problems with the headlights, first the drivers side and now the passager side. I have called Dodge dealer several times to schedule the service for the replacement. They do not have the part or don't know when the part will be there.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #36

Aug 072015

Ram 1500

  • 88,000 miles
There is an issue with my 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ABS sensor, specifically the front passages side sensor. When reaching certain speeds, the ABS break attempts to engage, it also engages when pressing the break slightly. This cause one to correct the amount of pressure applied to the break, and also I have to correct the steering to counter the increase in breaking. When it is time to actually break for an emergency, the truck will not break properly and cause and accident or my life.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #35

Jul 292015

Ram 1500

  • 100,400 miles
When I was driving on the express way doing approximately 70 mph, I went to put the cruise control back on and the vehicle lost power. It dropped approximately 20 mph and then the vehicle allowed some power to return such as lights, dash board, and throttle. I was able to get the vehicle home (approximately 10 miles) losing power a few more times. Some of my warning lights started flashing like there was an electrical issue and most of them stayed on until I made it home and parked in my drive way. The electronic throttle control light was what I noticed first when the power returned each time. As I would lose the ability to keep a consistent speed on the roads the electronic throttle control light would continue to flash and I would have no power to increase speed and found myself coasting for short periods of time. After getting the Ram 1500 home, I tried to start it and it would not start but the warning lights and dash board would light up, my key would not release, and then eventually it would not even turn on. I've had it towed to a Dodge dealership and they said it was the tipm unit. I'm just glad I was driving it and not one of my children who are recent drivers and do not have my experience.

- Sanford, MI, USA

problem #34

May 152015

Ram 1500

  • 58,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 (na) Dodge Ram 1500. When the contact started the vehicle, the computer dialed 911, the fuel tank light illuminated, and the front headlights flashed off and on. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The instrument panel lighting flashed off and on. The computer system turned on automatically. Also, the radio dial switched from fm to am signal. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the harness was burnt out and replaced. The dealer also changed the software. The failure recurred a week later but had not been diagnosed again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Terrytown, LA, USA

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