The 2009 Dodge Ram has 8 recalls, the most serious involving total brake failure, loss of steering control, and an uncontrollable clutch, any of which can result in a crash.
On the brake side, the brake booster input rod may be missing its retaining clip and can separate from the assembly, leaving the driver with no braking ability. A steering recall affects Ram 4500 and 5500 models specifically: a ball stud on the tie rod can weaken and fracture, causing complete loss of steering. The clutch concern is limited to 2500 and 3500 models with manual transmissions and the optional power adjustable pedal package, where the clutch pedal connecting rod can separate from the master cylinder, preventing the clutch from disengaging and leading to unintended movement or stalling.
Two visibility recalls affect certain trucks: on models with manual temperature control, a software fault in the HVAC module can disable windshield defrosting and defogging, and separately, water can get into the wiper motor and cause partial or complete wiper failure. Both reduce the driver's ability to see clearly in poor conditions. There is also a compliance recall for sun visor airbag warning labels that appear in English only on some vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The left ball stud on the tie rod may weaken and crack, potentially causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
The left outer tie rod will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster input rod may lack a retaining clip or have a deformed one. If the rod separates, brakes could fail, risking a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install or replace the retaining clips on the brake booster input rod.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles with manual temperature controls, a software issue in the HVAC module can disable the windshield defrost and defog functions, reducing driver visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the HVAC module software to restore windshield defrost and defog operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The HVAC module software may prevent the windshield defrost and defog functions from working.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the windshield wiper motor assembly, causing the wipers to stop working partially or completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor assembly with a vented housing design that prevents water intrusion.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain Dodge Ram heavy-duty manual transmission trucks with optional power adjustable pedals, the clutch pedal rod may disconnect from the clutch master cylinder. This prevents clutch disengagement when you press the pedal, risking unintended movement, longer stopping distance, and stalling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rod connecting the clutch pedal to the master cylinder may separate, preventing the clutch from disengaging when you press the pedal and potentially causing unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag warning label on the sun visor is printed only in English and lacks translation to other languages.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the sun visor label with a bilingual version that includes multiple languages.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
