The 2009 Dodge Raider is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Raider, a mid-size truck sharing platforms with the Dodge Dakota. The 4.7L V8 is generally durable, but this platform is notorious for automatic transmission issues that plague owners well before 100,000 miles.
Automatic Transmission Failure (45RFE/545RFE)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear, Slipping under acceleration, especially when warm, Check engine light with P0841 (transmission fluid pressure sensor) or P0868 codes, Transmission overheating, burnt fluid smell
Fix: Usually requires full rebuild or replacement. Torque converter clutch solenoid and pressure sensor failures often cascade into broader internal damage if caught late. Rebuild takes 12-16 hours labor, replacement with reman unit 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Transmission Output Shaft Bearing Noise
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed, not engine RPM, Noise persists in neutral while coasting, Can feel vibration through shifter at highway speeds
Fix: Output shaft bearing wears due to inadequate lubrication or seal leaks. Requires transmission removal and partial teardown. 10-12 hours labor if bearing only; often discovers additional internal wear requiring full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under front of vehicle, driver side, Low transmission fluid warnings or erratic shifting, Transmission running hot, especially when towing
Fix: Steel lines rust through where they pass over the crossmember, rubber hoses crack at fittings. Replace both hard lines and hoses as a set to avoid repeat failures. 2-3 hours labor plus fluid flush.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode (2nd gear only), No shift out of park or erratic shift points, Multiple transmission codes stored with no mechanical faults found, Intermittent no-start due to TCM communication loss
Fix: TCM mounted on transmission case; heat and vibration kill internal circuits. Replacement requires programming to VIN. 1.5-2 hours labor including programming at dealer or shop with factory scan tool access.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Neutral Safety Switch Intermittent Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: No-crank condition in Park, starts in Neutral, Reverse lights not working or staying on, Shifter position indicator incorrect on dash, Transmission may start in wrong gear
Fix: Switch mounts on side of transmission case, exposed to road spray and heat. Connector corrosion common. Replace switch and pigtail connector. 1-1.5 hours labor, requires raising vehicle and working around exhaust.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in gear, Visible sag or torn rubber on crossmember mount
Fix: Rubber isolator separates or crushes, letting transmission move excessively. Aggravates shift quality and can damage cooler lines. Replace mount and inspect crossmember for cracks. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Only buy if transmission has been recently rebuilt with documentation or you're prepared to budget $3k-4k for inevitable transmission work — otherwise, look at a Toyota Tacoma instead.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.