2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Steering Problems
Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 57,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “tie rod” (35% of reports).
- 103steering complaints
- 57,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tie rod: mentioned in 36 of 103 complaints (35%)
- Steering linkages: mentioned in 8 of 103 complaints (8%)
- Quad cab: mentioned in 6 of 103 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 86 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 103 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 1 an injury.
Dodge RAM 1500 steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 RAM 1500 | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2012 RAM 1500 | 47 | 7% | 45,008 |
| 2011 RAM 1500 | 45 | 7% | 66,240 |
| 2010 RAM 1500 | 40 | 8% | 71,400 |
| 2009 RAM 1500 | 28 | 4% | 68,575 |
| 2008 RAM 1500 | 103 | 19% | 57,000 |
| 2007 RAM 1500 | 60 | 12% | 59,000 |
| 2006 RAM 1500 | 84 | 11% | 78,000 |
| 2005 RAM 1500 | 59 | 5% | 65,000 |
| 2004 RAM 1500 | 86 | 8% | 59,633 |
| 2003 RAM 1500 | 44 | 4% | 76,504 |
| 2002 RAM 1500 | 44 | 5% | 55,713 |
| 2001 RAM 1500 | 53 | 5% | 55,900 |
| 2000 RAM 1500 | 17 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 1999 RAM 1500 | 32 | 5% | 65,600 |
| 1998 RAM 1500 | 28 | 5% | 90,825 |
| 1997 RAM 1500 | 23 | 6% | 95,100 |
| 1996 RAM 1500 | 23 | 8% | 118,343 |
| 1995 RAM 1500 | 16 | 8% | 66,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. 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 N49.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was severely shaking and vibrating. The contact replaced the struts and tie rods; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the…
Front end suspension and steering problems, very loud rubbing sound and unstable feels like it might brake apart.
The cv axle on the passenger side has gone out 3 times in the last 6 months. That's not just coincidence. And there is no extreme driving conditions or unnecessary turning going on.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2008 Dodge RAM 1500s have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 103 owner complaints about steering for the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 (19% of the 554 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 steering?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 57,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “tie rod”, in 36 of 103 complaints, followed by “steering linkages” (8).
Other 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
See all 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 problems or steering problems across all RAM 1500 years.