2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

400 owners

On the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins diesel, the 47RE (1994-2003) and 48RE (2003-2007) 4-speed automatic transmissions are the weak link in Cummins-powered Ram 2500 trucks. The factory transmissions were not designed to handle the massive torque output of the Cummins diesel, especially when tuned or used for heavy towing. Overdrive clutch pack failure, torque converter lockup issues, and governor pressure solenoid failures are the most common problems. Overheating is the primary killer, particularly during towing in hot weather or hilly terrain.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Transmission slipping under heavy load or towing
Harsh or flared shifts between gears
Transmission stuck in limp mode (2nd gear only)
Transmission overheating during towing
Delayed engagement from Park to Drive

How to Fix

Confirm the failure with a road test and scan data, then check line pressure, governor pressure operation, fluid condition/burnt odor, and transmission temperature; also inspect the cooler, cooler lines, and verify torque converter clutch lockup function. Minor issues may be repaired with a governor pressure solenoid/transducer, bands adjusted to spec, and a new heavy-duty torque converter, but most towing- or heat-damaged units need a full rebuild with upgraded overdrive clutches, billet or reinforced input components, shift kit/valve body upgrades, and a larger auxiliary transmission cooler. Use ATF+4 only and service the filter and bands after repair; typical costs run about $400-$900 for solenoid/valve body repairs, $900-$1,500 for converter and cooler upgrades, or $3,500-$6,500+ for a properly built heavy-duty rebuild/replace transmission.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 400+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeTransmission flush kit for complete fluid exchange to address shudder (Liqui Moly Transmission Flush Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeFull synthetic ATF designed to reduce shudder in automatic transmissions (Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$150 - $5,000

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400+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence400 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

350 owners

On the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins, ram 2500 4x4 trucks are notorious for premature front end ball joint failure due to the heavy weight of the Cummins diesel engine and the demands of off-road and towing use. Both upper and lower ball joints wear out significantly faster than expected, sometimes as early as 30,000-40,000 miles. Failure can cause loss of steering control and wheel separation, making this a critical safety issue. The Dana 60 front axle uses press-in ball joints that require proper tooling for replacement.

Common Symptoms

Clunking or popping noise from front end over bumps
Excessive play in steering wheel
Uneven front tire wear
Vehicle wanders or pulls to one side
Visible play when checking ball joints with vehicle jacked up

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 350+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradePremium ball joint with grease fitting for extended service life (Moog Ball Joint)
View on Amazon
UpgradeComplete control arm assembly with ball joint and bushings pre-installed (Mevotech Control Arm Assembly)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,200

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350+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence350 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls16 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (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 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #14V77000003/12/2014

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Chrysler 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. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Campaign #13V52900006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Campaign #13V52800006/11/2013

+ 11 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 750+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

The 2009-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 has 2 known issues documented across 750+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel and Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Ram 2500 issues range from $150 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, typically costs $150-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel?

The 47RE (1994-2003) and 48RE (2003-2007) 4-speed automatic transmissions are the weak link in Cummins-powered Ram 2500 trucks. The factory transmissions were not designed to handle the massive torque output of the Cummins diesel, especially when tuned or used for heavy towing. O… Repairs typically run $150-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure?

Ram 2500 4x4 trucks are notorious for premature front end ball joint failure due to the heavy weight of the Cummins diesel engine and the demands of off-road and towing use. Both upper and lower ball joints wear out significantly faster than expected, sometimes as early as 30,000… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500: Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel?

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure?