2008 Dodge RAM 4500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 4500 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Dodge RAM 4500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2008 Dodge RAM 4500. Newest first.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is R16.
Owner complaints
10 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Took vehicle into dealer for recall repair on front steering linkage- waited over 9 months for repair part to be available (during which time I was afraid to drive vehicle). Dealer replaced the part but indicated adjacent ball joint worn at 20,xxx miles. claimed 2 previous recalls regarding front…
Took vehicle into dealer for recall repair on front steering linkage- waited over 9 months for repair part to be available (during which time I was afraid to drive vehicle). Dealer replaced the part but indicated adjacent ball joint worn at 20,xxx miles. claimed 2 previous recalls regarding front end had nothing to do with premature wear. ball joint failure has damage tire. Vehicle IS unsafe to drive. I have read many online forum reports of premature ball joint failure on same model vehicles.
- Steering
Driver was turning the truck around in our lumberyard with a partial load on the bed and the left steering tie rod ball stud sheared off causing a serious problem with control of the vehicle he was going less than 5 mph. the original tie rod was replaced by dodge in may 2011 we were under the impression the part replaced solved the shearing or fracturing problem with the steering. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact was driving a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph the drivers side tie rod failed causing the steering wheel to become unstable. The company vehicle was repaired by their mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph the drivers side tie rod failed causing the steering to become unstable. The company vehicle was repaired by the company's mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The contact received nhtsa recall campaign ID number:13v527000 (steering) but was advised by the dealer that the tool needed to complete the repair was not available. The contact received the notice years ago. the manufacturer was notified and could not…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The contact received nhtsa recall campaign ID number:13v527000 (steering) but was advised by the dealer that the tool needed to complete the repair was not available. The contact received the notice years ago. the manufacturer was notified and could not provide a reasonable timeframe for when the vehicle would receive the recall repairs. There are no failures at this time.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number 13v527000 (steering) and stated that the part was unavailable to perform the repair. The dealer stated that the remedy part would not become available for six months to twelve months. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
At 50 mph, the power steering pulley came off of my 2008 dodge RAM 4500 causing the steering and brakes to fail. Thankfully,my arm strength and trailer brakes saved me this time. According to the dealer,the power steering pump IS not covered by warranty or under any recall. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number: 10v657000 (steering:linkages:tie rod assembly) and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. the contact was informed by the dealer that the necessary parts needed to…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number: 10v657000 (steering:linkages:tie rod assembly) and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. the contact was informed by the dealer that the necessary parts needed to perform the repairs were not readily available and would need to be ordered. The contact was told that they would notify him when the parts became available but he had not been notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 39,000.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge 4500. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the steering wheel began to malfunction and became unresponsive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician advised that the tie rods would need replacing and that there was a recall for the…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 dodge 4500. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the steering wheel began to malfunction and became unresponsive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician advised that the tie rods would need replacing and that there was a recall for the driver side tie rod in which the contacts vehicle was included. The nhtsa campaign ID number was not available. The technician replaced the driver side tie rod and advised that the passenger side tie rod would not be repaired under the recall. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer in regards to the repairs but to no avail. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge RAM 4500. While driving at 3 mph in reverse, the front end of the vehicle suddenly fell. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 50,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 10248509Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
- 10244348Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
- 10229181Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10223602Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223599Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
- 10221097Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10218307Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: A complete loss of UConnect operation. A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10166537RADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF". If either field shows "FFFF", please contact Mike Wielgat at 248-576-6696 or Rohan Negandhi at 248-421-9608 If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
- 10140258Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: A complete loss of UConnect operation. A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
- 10139985Restraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 10139978Restraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 10136905Part Description: Injector, Fuel Issue Description: Attention: Be aware that although they may look the same there are different injectors for the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel depending on application and they are not interchangeable! Using the wrong injector may seriously affect engine operation. The proper usages are as follows:~ For DH/D1 (Ram 2500/3500 pickup - with a factory bed) the P/N is: 68027067AA~ For DC/DM (Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cabs) the P/N is: 68002012AB
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10121927NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
- 10041904Dodge: bulletin providing alignment procedures for tie rod ball stud housing for the right and left. Model yrs for cab chassis (reg and mega pickups and 4X4) 2003-2011.
- 10033671Dodge: steering wander. Involves selecting the proper repair procedure based upon vehicle build dates and then aligning the vehicle with revised specs.
- 10033185Dodge: improved fuel tank venting. Vehicles were shipped with a fuel tank vent that under severe conditions, may allow moisture and debris to enter the fuel tank through the vent. Dealers are requested to replace the fuel tank vent with a revised part.
- 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.
- 10026168Chrysler/dodge/jeep: flash:diagnostic trouble code, dtc p0740 or p1798 and automatic transmission shift improvements 1-2 or 2-3 cold shift improvements.
- 10025266Jerr-dan: revised carrier mud flap installation on 2008 ford F550 and dodge RAM 4500/5000 chassis cabs.
- 10024966No engine crank or no engine start due to electronic lockup of the wcm/skreem.
- 100248922008 (dh/d1/dc/dm) - injection pump fuel control actuator.
- 10023639Steering damper bolt that may not have been tightened to specification.
- 10023422Mil illumination due to diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0524 - engine oil pressure too low.
- 10023351Exterior lamp - lens fogging.
- 100231972007 - 2008 (DH/D1) RAM truck - cummins 6.7L - excessive exhaust soot accumulation.
Every Dodge RAM 4500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.