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

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #33

Oct 152014

Ram 1500

  • 61,000 miles

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

Since I bought the truck there has been several electrical issues I.e. bulbs keep blowing out, it will lose power when you start to go up a hill. The lighted mirrors only last about 45 days before going out at 500 ea. The truck seems to wonder and most of all the wheel bearings went out on both sides at the same time and the dealer charged me $1,800 saying that its not covered under the power train warranty.......... this truck is the definition of a lemon.......

- Geneseo, IL, USA

problem #32

Jul 272015

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
V-8 hemi quad cab. Problem was also reported to dealership at earlier (unknown) date while under warranty but problem went away at dealership. With car parked, driver side door-mounted lock will not operate door lock to lock when trying to leave car. These incidents occur intermittently maybe once every 1 to 2 months. When approaching parked car and using the remote to unlock electric door locks, it required 5-10 tries on keyfob. So bad one time, actual key had to be used to unlock driver's door. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the brake transmission shift interlock recall repair.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #31

Oct 092014

Ram 1500

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the air conditioner emitted warm air. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was noticed that the number two control fan speed was not functioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #30

May 042015

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 98,501 miles

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

While going down interstate my ABS, service 4WD, esp traction control and brake light all came on at same time. When it happened it happened it knocked my cruise off and slowing down. I got back on the gas and started to speed up then all of a sudden my gas became my brake it locked all 4 tires up at high speed. I was very lucky no one was real close to me. I made it to safe place to pull over and check it out and no matter what I did I couldn't get it back going correctly. At first it would do right and get up to 30mph and ease on gas little bit and it would start breaking when touching gas. Has to have it towed. It was very dangerous and I was real lucky not to wreck. I home this problem can get resolved.

- Brandon, MS, USA

problem #29

Mar 052013

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
Defroster does not work, blower emits air (cold) but only to floor. Loud popping noise from air box, found actuators were malfunctioning. Nearly caused collision with oncoming traffic. Contacted Chrysler for recall status and they claimed truck was under this recall, however truck had been inspected and found to have no problems with regards to air box actuators. I subsequently found out from a nameless Dodge technician that they were instructed to engage air systems for the inspection and if no apparent malfunction is found they were to pass the recall and write it off. I am outraged that yet another corporate entity is preying on american consumers and getting by with it, while claiming to stand behind their product and it's engineering. I asked Chrysler what repair was needed. They replied" air box circulation doors bad. Would need box removed and replace 5 actuators and doors. Cost would be $800 to $1000 dollars. This is a safety issue 3/4 of the year. I now have been notified by Dodge of another recall for my truck regarding the axle pinion nut. I believe this recall will receive the same attention they gave to my air box issue and therefore am attempting to take action with this complaint. Will someone please make these corporate penny pinching sobs stand up and take responsibility for their poor engineering!!!!

- Reelsville, IN, USA

problem #28

Mar 302015

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
On 3/30/15 my Ram truck exhibited the condition described in the K17 (reprogram HVAC control head and inspect/replace actuators) recall. This recall was created to eliminate the possible malfunction of the HVAC system to properly defrost/defog the windshield. It involves updating software and replacing mode door actuators. The plastic actuator gears can easily be broken when the control head sends the wrong signals to open and close the mode doors. At the moment, my defroster/heater is not working and when I first start the vehicle, there is a series of knocking sounds for several minutes as the malfunctioning system goes through its progressions. I took it in to my local Dodge dealer (gurnee) hoping that the recall would eliminate the condition. The mechanic replaced the actuators but could not get the system working properly. He said the control head is not working properly but the recall only covers the software update and not the replacement. From my research I have noticed that other Ram owners have encountered this potentially dangerous condition. If it was just a matter of the control head wearing out and not working, I would be okay with replacing it at my own expense. In my opinion though, it is not a case of 'wear and tear' but instead I believe it is a defective component. The faulty control head causes the breakage of the actuators and mode doors. People who encounter this problem in the winter are at risk of an accident due to the inability to clear their windshield. Drivers may even need to get their vehicles towed. I believe that Dodge should be responsible for repairing the system to its normal capabilities. That is what a recall is designed to do. This is simply a case of a previously recalled vehicle remedy not working as designed. I called Dodge customer support on 4/10 and talked to a rep that said the repairs would be my responsibility.

- Antioch, IL, USA

problem #27

Mar 032015

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 75,000 miles

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

There is a banging noise that seems to be coming from behind the glove box. I researched it online and think it's a heat blend door actuator that went out. I was quoted over $500 for the repair due to the complexity of getting to the issue through the dashbaord. A while back there was a recall on some part of the ac/heating but I cannot remember what is was for. I called their hotline and was advised that recalls are active for 10 years from the manufacture date, so in my case, through 2019. I searched www.safercar.gov and there wasn't any recalls listed unver this VIN. I read that others are having this same issue and I feel this is a defective part that should be recalled as at one point it disabled the blower. The blower operated intermittently which was extremely hazardous during winter.

- Abilene, TX, USA

problem #26

Mar 142015

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
Started driving truck and all gauges went blank including speedometer. Warning lights for air bag, check engine, low tire pressure, brakes, etc. All came on as well as wipers started working with switch in off position!

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #25

Jan 232014

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 11,973 miles
On 23 Jan 14 I took my vehicle (2009 Dodge Ram 1500) to the dealership (san antonio dodge_chrysler_jeep_ram), because it was making a loud knocking and popping noise under the dash whenever the key was turned off. The dealership diagnosed the problem as "mode door actuators defrost blend and recirculation broken" and made the repair by removing and replacing the actuators. On 6 Feb 15 I took my vehicle to the dealership because the HVAC control head module was unresponsive; air would blow only from the lower floor vents, nothing from the mid-level or defrost vents. The dealership states that it would be 3 to 4 days and cost $100 for them to look at it.. I took the vehicle to Firestone; they diagnosed the problem, printed out the recalls and service bulletins pertaining to the problem and charged me $44.05 for their trouble. This was the first I had heard of the "customer satisfaction notification K17 and the safety recall J12". I called Chrysler and told them that the issue I was having is the same as those addressed in the notification and recall. They replied that I?D have to take the vehicle to the dealership for that determination to be made.on 9 Feb 15 I took my vehicle back to the dealership they made the repair which was to ?replace A/C control panel and program panel and actuators to work properly?. this is the exact repair called for in the J12 safety recall; they just changed the name from HVAC control head module to A/C control panel.after the repairs were completed and paid for, I submitted a claim to Chrysler for reimbursement referencing both the? K17 notification? and the ?J12 recall". they denied the claim stating that the recalls had already been performed sometime in 2010 at a cost of $22 and $47 during some other routine service. The service repair cost on the two occasions I took my vehicle to the dealer was $585 and $444.10.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #24

Dec 172014

Ram 1500

  • 69,984 miles
My 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 makes a loud popping sound when the heat comes on or off and the windows do not defrost making for little to no visibility.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #23

Dec 152014

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 91,520 miles

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

The heater fan motor and wipers would not work due to an issue with the tipm computer. This lead to the windows fogging up with no means to clear other than pulling off the road. This is an issue currently under investigation and consideration for recall. The tipm computer was already replaced once at a cost of over $900 to the owner.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #22

Oct 112014

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 66,000 miles
The tipm (totally integrated power module) in the vehicle failed recently despite the vehicle being relatively "young" in age. The failure was random and occurred during the vehicle's normal use (casual driving). My understanding is that this device controls air bags and other safety devices. From what I read, this is not an isolated incident among vehicle owners.

- Lake Hiawatha, NJ, USA

problem #21

Sep 072014

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 46,250 miles
The HVAC actuator gear has malfunctioned, it will only make a ticking noise whenever I turn the truck on or off. I am not able to feel any air from the defrost of upper air vents.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #20

Sep 072014

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 48,250 miles
Turned vehicle off and behind the radio and instrument panel it began clicking air from the A/C unit only come from the floor no matter which setting is select. I can hear the valve is trying to close/move.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #19

Jul 182014

Ram 1500

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that he believed that the air actuator failed because the air and heating temperature was not adjusting upon using the selective knob. The contact also heard a knocking sound in the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for further inspection, diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

- Brandywine, MD, USA

problem #18

Apr 112014

Ram 1500

  • 58,551 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that key fob became trapped in the ignition and caused the automatic lock system to fail. The contact had to lock the doors manually and disconnect the battery to shut the electrical system down. The dealer performed a diagnostic which located the failure at the ignition module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number 10V200000 (electrical system). The failure and current mileage was 58,551.

- Suffner , FL, USA

problem #17

Nov 202013

Ram 1500

  • 86,000 miles
The tipm is going out. Causing all sorts of electrical issues. Heater fan stopped working, windshield wipers come and go, esp comes and goes, tow/haul comes and goes, rear window power comes and goes, 4X4 cant be turned on from time to time, airbag lights come on at will, esp/bas comes and goes, ABS comes and goes, rear sliding window comes and goes, all of this happens mainly below 32 degrees but van happen anytime. But below freezing is extemely dangerous because the windshield ices up on the inside with no heater fan! thermometer stopped working to. Im sure other thing but its to much to just remember off the top of my head. Fuel economy is terrible also 12-13.5 mpg while the problems occur. Normally is 17.1 mpg average still that is terrible. At test drive it was getting 20 mpg average.

- Bellevue, OH, USA

problem #16

Nov 012013

Ram 1500

  • 69,000 miles
I noticed about a month ago that my vehicle would make a popping noise just after starting it, regardless of defrost/heat being on or off. It would make this noise about 20-30 times and then stop. Approximately two weeks after, I noticed that it would also do the same thing 10-15 minutes after starting the vehicle. I observed that while the popping noise is occurring, the HVAC fan goes to a minimum setting and sometimes stays there after the popping has subsided. This includes the defrost. Now that cold weather has arrived, I have had instances of the windshield freezing up while the vehicle is in motion and reducing visibility to nothing. It was difficult to even get to the side of the road. After some research, I determined it to be one the HVAC door actuators. According to posts on the internet, this appears to be a common problem. 3 of the 5 of these actuators that exist on the vehicle are relatively easy to access, so I obtained one of these parts and replaced one of the three accessible parts (found to have stripped gears). After reassembling, the noise was still present. After, investigation, it appears that the one of the actuators on the back side of the HVAC housing has gone bad, also. The dealership has informed me that the only way to replace these is to remove the dashboard. They told me this would cost nearly $600. The dealer also informed me that all of the actuators have been superseded by "high torque" actuators, which means the manufacturer is aware of this problem. Thank you.

- Worden, IL, USA

problem #15

May 072010

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 16,753 miles
Annoying sound behind the dash. This is cause by defective system on the electronics of the car. It concerns the recall with K17 reprogram HVAC control head and inspec/replace actuators. This problem has been going on with this vehicle since new, here is 4 years later 2 repairs by dealer one replacement by owner and the problem still going on. The famous motor actuators for the vent opening and closing. Also the change of temperature while the ac is on it has its own mind to go to heat not allowing the full cool effects of the system. I have had this problem since I purchased the truck if this time get fix it will be at their own expense if not I down to my last nerve. Would have to seek legal advise. I have posted in carcomplains.com a lengthy explanation for those who wish to read the whole story. Here it is Dec 5, 13 an it started in May 7, 10. An still not fix.

- Gulf Breeze, FL, USA

problem #14

Oct 082013

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 14,000 miles
On a daily basis the engine on my 09 Dodge Ram crew cab will die at least 3-4 times a day while driving around 20-30 mph. I have taken my truck to my local dealership 5 times to get the issue fixed. They have replaced the computer 3 times. The issue still happens on a daily occurrence. I have duplicated the issue multiple times to the service agent, but magically when they have my truck for two weeks at a time the vehicle stalling does not occur and they cannot "recreate" the issue. I have had several close accidents due to this issue and something needs to be done. This issue does not pull any codes when hooked up and has been diagnosed by the dealership as a "phantom" problem. This is a serious issue that needs to be fixed before my family gets seriously injured!!

- Honolulu, HI, USA

Read the next 13 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?