Model year

2008 Dodge RAM

Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Jan 28, 2009 to Feb 15, 2023.

Recall campaigns covering this model year4101k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints25Below the median 2008 pickup
Severity index16.02008 pickups average 8.3
First 24 months4Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM peaked in 2009, with 7 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024682009720112013201520172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

24% of complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM name steering

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Steering
6
Engine and cooling
5
Powertrain
4
Electrical system
3
Brakes
3
Structure
2
Tires
2
Airbags
1
Equipment
1
Lighting
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

4 recall campaigns cover the 2008 Dodge RAM

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2008 Dodge RAM
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
10V-657Dec 24, 2010These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steeringSteering15,271Part replacement
09V-084Mar 13, 2009Windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping…Visibility and wipers65,896Part replacement
09E-009Mar 13, 2009These wiper module assemblies may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capabilityVisibility and wipers1,364Part replacement
09E-001Jan 13, 2009Subject linkages may experience drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud fracture, also, the steering linkage damper attaching bracket may…Steering18,000Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2008 Dodge RAM

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

25 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Feb 15, 2023Failure Oct 22, 2022186,000 milesPasadena, TXWheel bearingCrash

    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 complaint 11507369
  2. Filed Aug 19, 2022Failure Aug 19, 2022Vancouver, WASteering

    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 complaint 11480264
  3. Filed Aug 15, 2022Failure Jul 15, 202270,000 milesRandle, WAEngine

    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 complaint 11479325
  4. Filed May 31, 2022Failure May 21, 202286,000 milesDexter, MODifferential unit

    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 complaint 11466695
  5. Filed Jul 13, 2021Failure Jul 1, 2021116,000 milesGroveton, NHEngine, Body

    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 complaint 11424590
  6. Filed Jun 12, 2012Failure Apr 2, 201276,000 milesWest Covina, CAEngine

    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 complaint 10461307
  7. Filed Apr 12, 2012Failure Apr 2, 2012Council Bluffs, IAValve

    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 complaint 10455156
  8. Filed Nov 1, 2011Failure Oct 31, 201135,500 milesColebrook, NHSteering

    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 complaint 10433864
  9. Filed Oct 6, 2011Failure Sep 21, 2011Levittown, NYGlass, Side/rear

    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 complaint 10429731
  10. Filed Sep 15, 2011Failure Sep 15, 2011ST Charles, MOService brakes, Rotor, Hydraulic

    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 complaint 10425601
  11. Filed Sep 7, 2011Failure Sep 6, 201140,000 milesBonaire, GAPower train

    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 complaint 10424053
  12. Filed Aug 29, 2011Failure Jun 11, 201182,000 milesJonesville, LAAir conditioner

    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 complaint 10422410
  13. Filed Jun 2, 2011Failure May 29, 201133,459 milesYork, SCExterior lighting

    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 complaint 10404150
  14. Filed May 9, 2011Failure May 8, 201116,242 milesRussell, PAValve

    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 complaint 10399571
  15. Filed Nov 21, 2010Failure Mar 14, 2009Camden, DEInstrument cluster/panel

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

    NHTSA complaint 10367003
  16. Filed Aug 4, 2010Failure Aug 4, 2010Ellsworth, MEDiesel, Power train, Tie rod assembly, Linkages

    2008 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE U-JOINT, TIE ROD, STEERING LINKAGE AND AXLE ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED MOST RECENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10347677
  17. Filed Apr 22, 2010Failure Apr 15, 20105,300 milesFleetwood, PAEngine and engine cooling

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP; THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,300. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ

    NHTSA complaint 10326984
  18. Filed Jan 13, 2010Failure Dec 11, 20096,400 milesGlenwood, IAAir bags, LinkagesCrash2 injured

    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 complaint 10299645
  19. Filed Dec 21, 2009Failure Dec 4, 200920,000 milesMT. Olivet, KYCables, Gear position indication (prndl)CrashFire

    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 complaint 10296600
  20. Filed Dec 11, 2009Failure May 8, 200925,000 milesClinton, OHLinkages

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH SHE HEARD RATTLING IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FRONT STABILIZER END LINKS AND THE SHOCK BRACKETS WERE REPLACED. ALSO THE TIE RODS WERE REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E001000 (STEERING;LINKAGES). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10295357
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • PE11009 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
    Outer Tie Rod Failure
    Opened Apr 4, 2011, closed Feb 6, 2012 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

3 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • SB-14-001-10 Feb 2, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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, F…
  • SB-09-002-09 Jun 13, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 Dec 17, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.