RoadVitals

2008 Dodge Ram Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Ram, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering619.4%
  • Engine516.1%
  • Brakes39.7%
  • Powertrain (other)39.7%
  • Electrical39.7%
  • Body & structure26.5%
  • Tires & wheels26.5%
  • Visibility13.2%
  • Heating & air conditioning13.2%
  • Driver assistance13.2%
  • Exterior lighting13.2%
  • Suspension13.2%
  • Transmission13.2%
  • Airbags13.2%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 19, 2022

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 · filed Nov 1, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 15, 2022

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 · filed Jul 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 39,000 MILES RIGHT ROTOR BECAME WARPED BEHIND TURNING HAD TO REPLACE. A FRIEND HAD SAME THEN HAPPEN ON SAME KIND OF VEHICLE. DEALER CLAIMS MAINTENANCE ITEM. NEVER HAD TO HAVE ROTOR REPLACED ON NEW VEHICLE BEFORE. BRAKE PADS WE FINE. VEHICLE ABOUT 4OMPH WOULD PULSATE WHILE BRAKING AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. *KB

NHTSA ID 10425601 · filed Sep 15, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BREAK PEDAL AT 55 MPH, HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. BREAK FAILURE CAN LEAD TO INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

NHTSA ID 10285006 · filed Sep 23, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 31, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ALMOST FILLIPING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.

NHTSA ID 10424053 · filed Sep 7, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER PANEL THE WARNING LIGHTS BLEED THROUGH WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO WARNED ABOUT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10367003 · filed Nov 21, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR POST. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE GARAGE POST, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE HOOD. THE BATTERY CABLES WERE REMOVED, AND THE SMOKE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE BODY DAMAGES SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10296600 · filed Dec 21, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 13, 2021

I HAVE A 2008 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK- THE DASHBOARD IS REFLECTED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD AND IMPAIRS VISION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS SUNNY AND MAKES IT HARD TO SEE CLEARLY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE HAD FOUR OTHER TRUCKS OF THE EXACT SAME SIZE ETC. BUT NEVER HAD A VISION PROBLEM FROM THE DASHBOARD BEING SUPERIMPOSED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10268181 · filed May 8, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 12, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S VALVE STEMS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE VALVE STEMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 16,242.

NHTSA ID 10399571 · filed May 9, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2008 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPAIRS FOR A DEFECTIVE WINDOW LEAKING IN THE BACK BUCKET SEAT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INSTALLED AND SEALED CORRECTLY.

NHTSA ID 10429731 · filed Oct 6, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE TO THE AIR CONDITION BURST CAUSING THE AIR CONDITIONER TO MALFUNCTION AND FREON TO LEAK ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ORDERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED SINCE THE AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTIONED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE DURING THE HOT WEATHER . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ID 10422410 · filed Aug 29, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ON A MISTY MORNING OUR TRUCK BEGAN TO SKID AS WE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER YIELDING TO EXITING TRAFFIC ON AN ACCESS ROAD ON IH 10. MY HUSBAND TRIED TO CONTROL THE SKID BY STEERING INTO IT, BUT WE JUST KEPT SKIDDING OUT OF CONTROL. HE PURPOSELY REMEMBERS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKE IN AN ATTEMPT TO LESSEN THE LOSS OF CONTROL. WE CONTINUED THE SKID ACROSS 2 LANES OF ACCESS ROAD TO THE RIGHT, THEN SPUN AROUND 180 DEGREES AND SKIDDED BACK ACROSS 3 LANES OF ACCESS ROAD TO THE LEFT. WE CAME TO STOP FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AFTER HITTING A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL FIRST WITH THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND THEN WITH THE RIGHT REAR OF THE TRUCK. I REMEMBER HEARING THE TIRES CONTINUING TO SPIN AND SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. THIS CAUSED OVER $6500 DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND HAS CAUSED OUR INSURANCE RATES TO INCREASE. AFTER MONTHS OF DISCUSSING THE WRECK AND REPLAYING IT IN OUR MINDS, WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT PROBABLY, AS MY HUSBAND CLINCHED THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRIED TO CONTROL THE SPIN, THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AND SET WHICH MADE US CONTINUE TO TRAVEL AT THE SET SPEED INSTEAD OF SLOWING AND ALLOWING HIM TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE CRUISE CONTROL ON/OFF BUTTON AND THE SET BUTTON ARE BOTH LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT WE HAVE EVER HAD OR SEEN THAT HAS THE ON/OFF CONTROL FOR THE CRUISE LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL. MOST VEHICLES HAVE THIS EITHER ON THE BLINKER LEVER OR EVEN ON THE DASH BOARD. WE FEEL CERTAIN THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INADVERTENTLY TURNED ON WHEN MY HUSBAND TIGHTENED HIS HOLD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN UNSAFE LOCATION FOR THIS CONTROL. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT IN OUR TRAVELS ACROSS ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC, NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD THAT MORNING OR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MULTI CAR PILE UP. NO CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE TO THE TRUCK'S CRUISE CONTROL. WE PLAN TO HAVE IT DISCONNECTED. IN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM HAVING A WRECK, WE ARE REPORTING IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10266397 · filed Apr 22, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TRYING TO SIGNAL A TURN LEFT AND THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL COMES. ALSO WHEN ITS RAINING OUTSIDE MY WIPERS ONLY RUN AT INTERMITTENT SPEED AND IF I SIGNAL RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE WIPERS ARE RUNNING THE WIPERS WILL STOP UNTIL SIGNAL HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN RAINING OUT ARE WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND TRYING TO CHANGE LANES AND I CAN NOT CHANGE CAUSE THE SIGNAL SAYS IM GOING RIGHT AND IM REALLY TRYING TO GO LEFT. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE I CAN NOT BELIE IT HASN'T BEEN ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10404150 · filed Jun 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 15, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR POST. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE GARAGE POST, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE HOOD. THE BATTERY CABLES WERE REMOVED, AND THE SMOKE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE BODY DAMAGES SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10296600 · filed Dec 21, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK. HE STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO AVOID HITTING AN APPROACHING VEHICLE BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER ALONG THE HIGHWAY HEAD-ON. LATER, HE RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E001000, STEERING LINKAGES; HOWEVER WHEN THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED THEY STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES WHICH INCLUDE HEAD CONTUSIONS, SEVERAL CUTS FROM THE GLASS, NECK INJURIES AND CRACKED RIBS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD. NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND COVERED UNDER HIS INSURANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 6,400.

NHTSA ID 10299645 · filed Jan 13, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .