RoadVitals

2008 Dodge Ram

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Feb 15, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Dec 24, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Dodge Ram, most frequently naming the steering, engine and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering619.4%
  • Engine516.1%
  • Brakes39.7%
  • Powertrain (other)39.7%
  • Electrical39.7%
  • Body & structure26.5%
  • Tires & wheels26.5%
  • Visibility13.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V657000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Dec 24, 2010
15,271 units potentially affected
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
The risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER GROUP LLCManufacturer number K28View on NHTSA.gov
09V084000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Mar 13, 2009
65,896 units potentially affected
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 65,896 MY 2008-2009 LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
The risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER LLCManufacturer number J10View on NHTSA.gov
09E009000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Mar 13, 2009
1,364 units potentially affected
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
The risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER LLCManufacturer number J11View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE11009ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Outer Tie Rod Failure

Opened Apr 4, 2011
Closed Feb 6, 2012

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 Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLYLed to recall 11V350000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 25
Suspension
Filed Feb 15, 2023
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise in the front driver’s side wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-35 MPH making a left turn, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the wheel bearing. As a result, the vehicle started to spark and dragged into the concrete of the street. No injuries were sustained. No medical assistance was required. The contact was unsure if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side brake line and wheel bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

NHTSA ID
11507369
Incident
Oct 22, 2022
Mileage
186,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V529000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11480264
Incident
Aug 19, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated the sensor needed to be replaced as well as the harness. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000

NHTSA ID
11479325
Incident
Jul 15, 2022
Mileage
70,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, a loud booming noise suddenly occurred from the rear of the vehicle and the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ID
11466695
Incident
May 21, 2022
Mileage
86,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Jul 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the rocker panels, subframe, truck bed, and oil pan were severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11424590
Incident
Jul 1, 2021
Mileage
116,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2012

2 THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. AT A NORMAL IDLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE HAS SURGES (A QUICK HIGH REV) THEN ONCE THE REV STOPS THE TRUCK ENGINE LIGHT FLICKERS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL. IN ANOTHER CASE, WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE TRUCK HAS A ROUGH IDLE THAT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO SHAKE. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER FOR FEAR THAT IT WOULD COST ALOT OF MONEY TO HAVE THIS CHECKED OUT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10461307
Incident
Apr 2, 2012
Mileage
76,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 12, 2012

2008 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIRE ISSUES ON VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CONTINUOUSLY HAD TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRES OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS. A FEW DAYS AGO, HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND ONE OF THE TIRES WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT TIRE, BUT WITH THE VALVE STEM. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THE CONSUMER TWO OTHER VALVE STEMS ON THE VEHICLE WERE BAD AS WELL AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10455156
Incident
Apr 2, 2012
Steering
Filed Nov 1, 2011

TOOK MY 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER TIE RODS WERE SEVERELY WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AT 35,500 MILES, TRUCK IS ONLY USED ON ROAD AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON EARLY WEAROUT ITEM ON THESE TRUCKS. WHY? *TR

NHTSA ID
10433864
Incident
Oct 31, 2011
Mileage
35,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SB-14-001-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

DODGE: ELECTRONIC FUEL CONTROL ACTUATOR (FCA) AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE/NEW DIAGNOSTICS AVAILABLE FOR DTC P0251. ENGINE SURGES AT IDLE OR MIL ILLUMINATION. FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY IDENTIFY DTC P0251-CP3 PUMP REGULATOR CONTROL-DIESEL. IF P0251 IS PRESENT, FOLLOW THE DIAGNOSTICS IN THIS SB. IF OTHER DTC'S ARE PRESENT, REPAIR AS NECESSARY BEFORE PROCEEDING FURTHER. MODEL RAM TRUCK. *PE

SB-09-002-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

DODGE: REVISED DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR DTC P2262-TURBOCHARGER BOOST PRESSURE NOT DETECTED-MECHANICAL. RECENT PCM CALIBRATION UPDATES HAVE IMPROVED THE ROBUSTNESS TO THIS DTC THROUGH UPDATED DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGIES. *PE

RRT-08-097

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

CHRYSLER:DODGE: APPROXIMATELY 2969 VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH A GEARSHIFT CABLE THAT MAY SLIP OUT OF ADJUSTMENT AND NOT ALLOW LOW GEAR SELECTION. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Ram by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011041—
2010275159.7
2009961—
2008Viewing254156.1
2007174049.2
2006254046.7
2005405053.1
2004587261.0
2003537159.0
20021166158.4
200131814162.0
200014711163.4
199936613056.1
199848317057.4
199739811565.2
199662514966.6
1995611161066.9
1994469221366.6
1993541247.9
1992582153.5
1991513258.5
1990230044.4
1989280042.6
1988220042.6
1987180029.9
1986180049.3
1985100041.8
1984200—
1983100—
1982000—
1981200—
1980000—
1979300—
1977200—
1976100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.