DecodedCars2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints360 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 2% worse than the 2009 standard pickup truck average of 16.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 360 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Ram 1500 Pickup — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Ram 1500 Pickup →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -8% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford F-150 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Tundra | 16 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2009 Nissan Titan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Feb 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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 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 N08.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Oct 2, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V474000 · 44,300 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Dec 24, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 11, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V009000 · 20,045 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
- Risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
- 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.
Not every 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 94 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 72 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 41 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Ram 1500 Pickup years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 6 | 618 |
| 2011 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 8 | 500 |
| 2010 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 9 | 271 |
| 2008 Ram 1500 Pickup | 17 | – | Not rated | 6 | 364 |
| 2007 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 306 |
| 2006 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 349 |
| 2005 Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →