2008 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 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”Owner report · Engine · Jul 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.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2021
“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”Owner report · Tires · Apr 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”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2012
“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”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2011
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2011
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2011
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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 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.
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 IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2008 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.