2009 Dodge Ram 3500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

105 federal complaints (130 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 38 service bulletins · 15 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 3500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
105
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
70
Suspension
12
Air bags
12
Electrical system
6
Power train
5
Brakes
5
Glass & wipers
4
Other
3
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

70 complaint records3 crash reports
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RECEIVING NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 13V529000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY WOULD NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR ONE MONTH...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Suspension

12 complaint records1 crash report

Owners filed 12 complaint records naming this system.

Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Air bags

12 complaint records3 crash reports
"PILSON AUTO CENTER IN CHARLESTON, IL HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. WHEN THE RECALL WAS FIRST ISSUED WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD PUT OUR VEHICLE ON A LIST AND WE HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
AQ14003
opened Oct 2014
closed May 2016SteeringChrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to...
PE11009
opened Apr 2011
closed Feb 2012SteeringOuter Tie Rod Failure - led to recall 11V350000
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V352000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant.Normally free
15V313000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (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...Normally free
13V529000SteeringChrysler 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.Normally free
11V350000SteeringCHRYSLER 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...Normally free
09V005000SteeringCHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2018122
2018-03-09
Fuel System105,028On certain vehicles, the front fuel tank strap may become loose or detached due to corrosion of the frame bracket.
2016265
2016-05-27
Airbag459,492On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2015228
2015-05-27
Airbag374,508On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2013396
2013-11-07
Steering6,674Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage.
2013397
2013-11-07
Steering48,517On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury...
2013044
2013-02-06
Powertrain63,201On certain vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut could loosen and allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle, or fully detach from the vehicle.
2012327
2012-09-27
Powertrain15,432On certain vehicles built between July 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, the rear axle pinion nut may have been incorrectly manufactured and could loosen.
2011253
2011-07-14
Steering49,800On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture.
2010009
2010-01-19
Brakes3,514On certain vehicles, the brake booster input rod may have been installed without the retaining clip, or in some cases, with an improperly formed retaining clip.
2009135
2009-05-08
Heater And Defroster4,776On certain vehicles equipped with manual temperature control, the software programmed into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.
2009078
2009-03-11
Powertrain47On certain Dodge Ram heavy duty pickup trucks equipped with a manual transmission and the optional power adjustable pedal package, the clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate.
2009080
2009-03-11
Electrical18,824On certain 2008 Dodge Ram light duty and 2008-2009 heavy duty pickup trucks, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
2009081
2009-03-11
Electrical363Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in...
2009010
2009-01-12
Steering8,042On certain 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, the drag link inner tie rod attachment to the pitman arm ball stud may fracture. A loss of steering control could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
S1203000003 REV.A
Jun 2026
Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100419
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
68332810A
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
18-093-15
Nov 2015
EngineFlash: MIL Illumination With Transmission And Driveability Improvements This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience a MIL illumination.
SB-08-028-15REVA
Jul 2015
EquipmentCHRYSLER: SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE SCREEN LOCK UP ON RADIO DISPLAY OR THE SCREEN GOES BLANK, INTERMITTENTLY, TEXT MESSAGE IS GRAYED OUT SOFT KEYS, BACK UP DISPLAY TURNS OFF. MODEL 2015 CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CHEROKEE, CHEROKEE, RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 CAB, 4500 CAB, TRUCK.
SB25-001-15
May 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingRAM: DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) GAUGE LEVEL IS ERRATIC AND STICKS FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME ALONG WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATING AND INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR APPROVING PROPER DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID INSIDE TANK AND REPLACING DEF PUMP IF NECESSARY *CN
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
ER-P-35
Jan 2015
Electrical SystemFIAT CHRYSLER: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER'S NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. ON SOME TRUCKS, BODY WIRING HARNESS ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) TEMPERATURE SENSOR WAS CONNECTED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NOX), FROM...
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002688
Feb 2013
Equipment68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is...
09-001-13
Feb 2013
EquipmentGasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
18-011-12
Mar 2012
Power TrainCHRYSLER: FLASH: MIL ILLUMINATING WITH TRANSMISSION AND DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES FLASH REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL RAM1500 MODEL YEAR 2010 AND MODEL DAKOTA MODEL YEARS 2009-2010. *JS

Showing 30 of 38 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 3500 →