2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Introduction

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its powerful engines and rugged capabilities. It is offered with various engine and transmission options, including:

• 3.7L V6 (215 hp, 235 lb-ft torque)
• 4.7L V8 (310 hp, 330 lb-ft torque)
• 5.7L HEMI V8 (390 hp, 407 lb-ft torque)
• 6-speed manual transmission (4.7L V8 only)
• 5-speed automatic transmission (3.7L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8)
• 6-speed automatic transmission (4.7L V8)

People like the Ram 1500 for its strong towing and hauling capabilities, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, it has also been criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of some advanced features found in competitors.

Engine

3.7L V6

• Spark Plug Fouling:
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, decreased power, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and inspect ignition coils
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve cover area
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Runner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, rough idle, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold runner assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L HEMI V8

• Cylinder Deactivation System Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, reduced power, increased fuel consumption
  • Solution: Replace cylinder deactivation system components (e.g., lifters, solenoid)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: NHTSA 10V105 (for 2009-2010 models)
• Lifter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, ticking, reduced power
  • Solution: Replace lifters and camshaft
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Clunking or Grinding Noises:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from transmission when shifting or accelerating
  • Solution: Repair or replace internal transmission components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shifting Problems:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifts, slipping gears
  • Solution: Repair or replace transmission control module or transmission solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace lower ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Axle Seal Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the rear axle area
  • Solution: Replace rear axle seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges rapidly when parked
  • Solution: Inspect electrical system for parasitic drain, check for faulty alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Depends on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on, flickering headlights
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: NHTSA 10V432 (for 2009-2010 models)

Exterior

• Tailgate Handle Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate handle breaks or becomes loose
  • Solution: Replace tailgate handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bed Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the bed of the truck
  • Solution: Treat rust with rust remover or replace bed
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Depends on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Weak or no heat from heater, coolant smell in cabin
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: NHTSA 10V417 (for 2009-2010 models)
• Airbag Warning Light Fault:
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light stays on or blinks
  • Solution: Inspect airbag system for faults, replace sensors or control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 has a range of potential issues, with varying severity and cost to fix. Some of the more common and expensive problems include cylinder deactivation system failure, lifter failure, and transmission problems. Other issues, such as battery drain and interior issues, can be less severe and less costly to address. Overall, the Ram 1500’s reliability is considered average compared to competitors.