2008 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other RAM years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 13th of 17 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge RAM. That ranks 13th out of 17 RAM model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (6 complaints, 24%), typically at around 18,899 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 25owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 4complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 Dodge RAM problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 6 | 24% | 18,899 | — | — |
| Power Train | 4 | 16% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 12% | 14,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 3 | 12% | 76,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 12% | 14,100 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 8% | 5,300 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 8% | 58,050 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 8% | 16,242 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 4% | 6,400 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 4% | 82,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 4% | 33,459 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 4% | 186,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 4% | 3,200 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 4% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 Dodge RAM recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Problem: 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: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Problem: 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: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Outer Tie Rod Failure (PE11009) — opened Apr 4, 2011, closed Feb 6, 2012, led to recall 11V350000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise in the front driverâs 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 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 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…
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 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.
Other Dodge RAM years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 RAM | 0 | 4 |
| 2010 RAM | 27 | 5 |
| 2009 RAM | 9 | 5 |
| 2008 | 25 | 2 |
| 2007 RAM | 17 | 1 |
| 2006 RAM | 25 | 0 |
| 2005 RAM | 40 | 0 |
| 2004 RAM | 58 | 1 |
| 2003 RAM | 53 | 2 |
| 2002 RAM | 116 | 2 |
| 2001 RAM | 318 | 9 |
| 2000 RAM | 147 | 6 |
| 1999 RAM | 366 | 9 |
| 1998 RAM | 483 | 13 |
| 1997 RAM | 398 | 7 |
| 1996 RAM | 625 | 10 |
| 1995 RAM | 611 | 12 |
See all Dodge RAM problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge RAM?
Owners most often report steering, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 6 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Dodge RAM?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 Dodge RAM a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RAM model years, the 2008 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.