2008 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2008 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2008 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
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 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
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.
Owner complaints
25 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
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…
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.
- Steering
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…
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.
- Engine
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
- Power train › Driveline › Differential 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…
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.
- Engine · Structure › 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.
- Engine
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…
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
- Tires › Valve
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…
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
- Steering
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
- Visibility › Glass, 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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
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
- Power 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.
- Equipment › Appliance › Air 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…
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.
- Exterior 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…
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
- Tires › Valve
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.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Speedometer cluster panel the warning lights bleed through when there IS nothing to warned about. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel · Power train · Steering › Linkages · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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
- Engine 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…
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
- Air bags · Steering › Linkages
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…
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.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables · Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
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.…
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.
- Steering › Linkages
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…
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
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.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM. while driving various speeds, the instrument panel gauges and lighting will flicker and the vehicle shuts off. occasionally, the vehicle becomes very difficult to start. the most recent failure was noticed at 25 mph. the dealer replaced the control module…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM. while driving various speeds, the instrument panel gauges and lighting will flicker and the vehicle shuts off. occasionally, the vehicle becomes very difficult to start. the most recent failure was noticed at 25 mph. the dealer replaced the control module at least five times, but the failure still persists. the contact feels that the vehicle IS unsafe to drive and a crash could occur. the current mileage was 14,300 and failure mileage was 8,000.
- Structure
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM. while driving 65 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly wandered to the left. this was a sudden change in direction. the driver pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the tires exhibited excessive wear. the vehicle was taken…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM. while driving 65 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly wandered to the left. this was a sudden change in direction. the driver pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the tires exhibited excessive wear. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the grease seal was leaking. the grease seal, steering linkages, and both tie rod ends were replaced. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 09e001000 (steering;linkages), although the failures were identical. the failure mileage was 12,798 and current mileage was 13,534.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Outer Tie Rod Failure
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10033546Dodge: 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.
- 10031004Dodge: 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.
- 10028388Chrysler: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.
Every Dodge RAM model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.