As I was driving on a highway in three lanes of traffic at approximately 70 m.p.h. The rear end made a loud noise and without warning seized up and started grinding extremely loud causing my rear end to lock up at 70 m.p.h. Almost causing a pile up. I avoided a collision by pushing the accelerator to the floor allowing me to change lanes and exit the highway to the first parking lot I could find right at the exit. When I drove into the parking lot the vehicle had a strong odor of hot oil and would not move because the rear end was destroyed. I find it hard to believe dodge is not responsible for the 2008 year trucks having a rear end failure since they have recalls on every year truck except 2008. Now since none of this will be covered by the manufacturer or dealer I am left replacing the rear end of my truck with one from a junkyard and I am out almost three thousand dollars.
2008 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 73, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The truck started hopping and skipping while driving. After having it looked at the rear differential was full of metal gear teeth and filings.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 15 MPH, a grinding sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was merged over to the emergency lane. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that unknown fluids were leaking from the rear of the vehicle and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that there was differential oil in the rear of the vehicle and the rear end and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the crank shaft was bent and the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
I had bad vibration start in the rear end a couple days before. Went to tire shop thinking it was a tire out of balance. One was, yet vibration still there. Left tire shop to take to mechanic, as I go to leave parking lot I accelerate and a big boom,then nothing. The yoke on rear end is still connected to driveshaft yet it's dangling out the front of axle at angle. Upon having tow truck bring the truck home, I pulled the cover off rear axle to find the nut had backed off the pinion shaft. This should be a recall, everything I've researched shows 2009 models mfg feb 27 2008 thru whenever are covered, yet my 2008 mfg march of 2008 isn't. I disabled and live on a fixed income. I cannot afford $800 or more to fix.
I was driving with my 4 kids in the truck . Problem started with my speedometer fluctuating while on the interstate going 65mph then suddenly fell to 0 and stayed there. I then started to smell a foul smell resembling natural gas. My ABS light, e brake light and engine light came on. Took nearest exit and pulled over to see what was wrong. Turned truck off then back on and all lights went away but speedo still not working. Continued driving to get it home then the truck started surging when I would let off the gas but would go away when I pressed the gas. Decided I needed to pull over again. I proceeded to the turning lane going 35pmh when all of sudden the rear end locked up and started fishtailing and spinning till it came to a stop. Luckily cars around me swerved around me to prevent from getting hit. Rear axle is leaking fluid and really bad smell. Had to get a flat bed to pull it on and off and unloaded at my house. Thankfully myself and my kids are safe. Unfortunately my 2008 ram 1500 quad cab does not fall under the 2009-2012 recall with the same pinion retaining nut backing out due to no loctite "adhesive" causing it to lock up. All I was told by chrysler was to save any repair receipts in the event the recall gets expanded. My local dodge dealer wants me to tow my truck and charge me $101.89 just to diagnose it just to tell me it's the rear pinion locking nut :/ but they were sure to let me know of the windshield wiper motor that was under recall that I should get fixed....I think this is a bit more important than a wiper motor. The federal safety agency campaign # 13v038000/expansion recall # 12v‑474/chrysler campaign n08 states dodge rams manufactured between february 2008 to june 2009 fell under the recall though my truck was manufactured july 2008 yet it doesn't apply????!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. While driving 65 MPH, the rear axle pinion nut fractured and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but there was no diagnostic testing performed. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. ........updated 01/12/15*bf updated 6/3/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the axle pinion nut became lose. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pinion nut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and current mileage was 144,000. ...updated 01/07/15 *bf updated 05/29/2015
At 1750 driving in the 4th lane to the left of a 5 lane highway at 65mph heading west I suddenly felt like I had been struck from behind, the rearend of the truck lifted up into the air. I was out the windshield looking down at the pavement and the rearend swung left turning the truck 180 degrees into the middle lane of 5 lanes, now facing east into oncoming traffic. When the police officer finally arrived he asked me what had happened. I described this exactly to him adding that I was struck from behind and the vehicle that struck me did not stop. The officer walked around the truck and stated that there was no damage to the rearend of the truck. Then the officer looked under the truck and stated the powertrain was lying on the pavement unattached at the rearend..updated 06/25/14 *bf updated 06/30/2014 *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. While the vehicle was parked in a residential driveway, the rear differential plug became detached from the vehicle. The failure caused lubricant to spill onto the driveway. The contact experienced difficulty on several occasions when shifting gears from park to drive. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact stated that the differential needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 95,000.
While driving at 75 MPH, the issue became apparent as entry into a curve began. The steering of the vehicle (2008 dodge ram quad cab 1500) became less responsive with a great amount of vibration. As the curve in the road straightened out a loud pop came from driver side front and rear axle areas. Witch also created a large uncontrollable body roll and sway. Howling noise is greatly apparent at higher speeds. With this issue the vehicle feels un-solid and constant body roll feels as if you were traveling on a boat. Many items recalled on other dodge vehicles during same year, but not on the vehicle in question, have the ability to case the same issues. This could create a tragic and catastrophic loss of life in the vehicle of failed parts or the family next to them on the road. "drive safe, because today could be the day you save your family's life".
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the gear shifter would not properly shift. The contact had to continuously pump the brakes before the shifter would respond. The vehicle was not taken for inspection or diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Pinion nut on rear diff came off causing loss of driveshaft damaging transfer case and gas tank.
Truck stalls out for no reason. Tends to happen when slowing down and at lower speeds. Loose power steering and control. I have since changed the throttle body. Truck still stalls.
Started to drive and the rearend locked up luckily no speed this truck was manufactured on march 24th 2008 same time as the 2009 model recall.
Major rusting issue with 2003-2008 dodge ram trucks. The design of the bed traps water between the truck bed body panels, causing them to rust from the inside out. This is a widely know problem with these trucks. A vehicle that is well maintained should not rust like this. I've been told by every body shop I've gone to visit that dodge knows about the problem and is doing nothing to fix. Dodge has had issues like this in the past with their 2nd generation trucks. The dodge ram cracked dash, and bad transmission are just two examples. Although this is not a safety issue, in some states a vehicle with rust is not allowed on public roads. This forces owners to fix the rust themselves which can range from $500- $3,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, a popping noise was emitted as the rear wheels seized. The contact noticed that the rear differential became detached from the vehicle and that the bolts were missing. The vehicle was not inspected by the dealer or repaired. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
Driving at a speed of 45 MPH the truck--2008 dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi-- died. I had no power steering. I was able to shift into neutral and stop. Very thankful I was on a country lane and not on a freeway because there was no warning and I could have been in a horrible accident. The check gauges light icon was flashing as I tried to re-start it. It would crank but not start. After waiting for 15 minutes it did start up again. The engine icon light was showing and it said that an oil change was needed. The oil change wasn't due yet for another 1000 miles, or, two weeks on my three month schedule. I get the oil changed every three months. It tried to stall from then on as I accelerated from a stop, on my way to to the dealer. The diagnostic showed a code for the egr valve, which was replaced. This was fixed four days ago and so far so good, but am very anxious when I drive now, worrying that it might happen again, especially after seeing so many posts online with others experiencing the same problem with their dodge ram trucks.this truck has 35,300 miles on it. This truck was serviced six weeks before this incident with: a 16 cylinder hemi tune-up; a throttle body service, fuel induction flush and fuel system treatment; transmission service with filter change; machined front and rear rotors; and tire rotation.
Complete loss of power to vehicle, including powertrain, steering. Power loss occurred previously when driving and hitting a bump (pot hole). Last event happened during normal steering into driveway. Speeds varied during occurrences. Top speed was approximately 55 MPH.
We were driving our dodge ram 1500 mega cab (51,000 miles) on interstate 25 just south of douglass wyoming. We were going approximately 77 miles per hour and in an instant I lost all control of the steering and we ended up off the side of the road after a very frightening experience. I bought this truck just over a year ago from a dealer outside denver, co. When the tow driver arrived, he immediately told me that my tie rod probably broke as my right front tire went completely sideways and was now rendered useless. He mentioned that we were very lucky as most times he sees these types of things, the truck rolls over. He also mentioned there was a recall on these tie rods. We had it towed to a dealer in douglass and are waiting to hear what they have to say on monday. I ran my VIN# on dodge's web site to see if its a recall, but its telling me that my truck doesn't have any on it. Candidly, after talking to mechanics locally, they said a tie rod should never bust like that and with so little miles on the truck. To say this is dangerous is clearly an understatement. This type of "defect" is going to kill people as it almost did us. I sure hope dodge does the right thing with our truck. I have had nothing but issues with this truck since the day we took it off the lot. Within a month, the transmission went out and once again, dodge said it wasn't their fault - 40,000 miles and a transmission goes out? After fighting with them for another month, they did repair and pay for the fix...
Driving home from work down the highway I heard a loud whine coming from the rear end of the truck. I pulled over to the shoulder and was slowing down when the rear end locked up causing the truck to buck and skid to a stop. The drive shaft was lying on the ground having disconnected from the rear end. Once the truck was home I discovered nothing had broken. It looked like the pinion nut had loosened allowing the yoke to back off the pinion until they finally disconnected. Luckily for me, I had pulled over to the shoulder, so I was not actually doing highway speed when the drive shaft fell off, but the whine started at highway speeds and if I had not pulled over, or was not able to pull over, it very easily could have happened on the crowded highway during the rush hour with everyone trying to get home. I contacted chrysler about this incident, but have heard nothing back from them regarding it. There is a the federal safety agency campaign (# pe12021) regarding this issue in 2009-2010 ram 1500s. I hope that is expanded to include other years as mine is a 2008 ram 1500 and had the exact issue as is described in that investigation. I have heard of others (granted from internet message boards, so no way of verifying it) with this problem as well, so this problem is not limited to the 2009-2010 model years.
The transmission didn't want to shift into gear but did, carried to the local dealership, said the transmission gears are coming apart. Only 52000 miles on this truck can't believe this has happened $3100 to repair.
Brake shift interlock does not work on my truck. It can be shifted from park to reverse or park to drive without having the brake pedal depressed. I am taking it the dealer tomorrow for repair.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that he heard a loud banging noise while shifting from one gear to another with a trailer attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the transmission module was defective. The dealer also stated that there were no remedies and it would be at least a month before one was available. The contact continued to contact the dealer regarding a remedy to no avail. The contact stated that he was concerned about the safety risk involved while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500. The current mileage was 6,350.
Consumer stated 2008 dodge ram accelerated after removing foot from pedal. The consumer stated as she accelerated to pass a truck, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The RPM's reached 5000. She tried to place the vehicle in neutral, press the brake, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. Eventually, the vehicle started to slow down enough with her foot still on the brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however they were unable to find a problem. The dealer stated they had never heard of an electronic control light, even though the light was on when the consumer arrived at the dealer. The shifting was erratic when first shifting out of park into reverse.
2008 dodge ram 1500, the tipm module has burned up once already and after being replaced twice now we are smelling a burning smell again, when this happens the vehicle will not shift into or out of 4x4 (depending on what it is in when it occurs) it also causes loss of engine power, the windshield wipers quit, the air bag warning light goes on, the headlights dim way down, all the lights on the dash start flickering and all warning lights light up. This is very dangerous if this happens while driving down the highway at night and it is snowing or raining (which happens alot here in washington in the winter) the "fixes" the dealerships have done (two different places) have never lasted a day, we just got the vehicle back from repairs and we are again smelling a burning smell nd it is doing it all over again.
2008 dodge ram 1500, the tipm module has burned up once already and after being replaced twice now we are smelling a burning smell again, when this happens the vehicle will not shift into or out of 4x4 (depending on what it is in when it occurs) it also causes loss of engine power, the windshield wipers quit, the air bag warning light goes on, the headlights dim way down, all the lights on the dash start flickering and all warning lights light up. This is very dangerous if this happens while driving down the highway at night and it is snowing or raining (which happens alot here in washington in the winter) the "fixes" the dealerships have done (two different places) have never lasted a day, we just got the vehicle back from repairs and we are again smelling a burning smell nd it is doing it all over again.
While driving with truck in 4 wheel auto I heard a pop and had some warning lights on dash flash on and off. Also had a burnt wire smell. Truck continued to run but after it was shut down it would not start nor would it come out of 4 wheel auto. This happened on 23 dec 2008. As the truck was repaired and troubleshooting was completed it was determined that the electronic portion of the 4 wheel drive had burnt out the "integrated power distribution module" under the hood. I was also told by the dodge repair facility that nissan and chevrolet were also experiencing the same problems. My truck was finally repaired and returned to me on the 29th jan 2009.
The electronic transfer case would not engage 4 wheel low. Then would not change to 2 wheel drive. Then when motor was turned off, it would not restart. It had to be towed to the nearest dodge dealer. Tipm replaced, next time all wheel drive engaged, tipm burned out again. Towed to nearest dealer. They replace tipm again. Said they could not fix the transfer case. They were going out of business and said that I had to take to another dealer. I did, and they stated that chrysler knew about the problem. I notified chrysler by certified mail,pursuant to iowa lemon law notification, email and phone. No response. It is now over 70 days, and numerous phone calls to customer service. I get promises of return phone calls within 48 hours which never are received after 70 days. Customer service will not relay regional service or sales managers phone numbers. They keep blaming the dealership, for not contacting them. Dealership states that their regional and service managers have left chrysler. They give me the only phone number they have, and it has a voice mail stating that they are no longer with chyrsler. So I have had no return communication from chrysler period. Total customer abandonment.
I was driving down the road and switched into 4wd after a few minutes the vehicles lights started to flicker- the car slipped out of 4wd and wouldn't re-engage. There was an apparent short in the electrical system- the windshield wiper/washers wouldn't function afterward either. The dealer fixed the issue but the very day I got it back the very same thing happened again. I am told it is a technical problem with the vehicle and chrysler is searching for a fix but that I am not supposed to turn the switch back to the 4wd position or I'll short out the system again.
4 wheel drive shifting/switching. Unable to shift between 4wd and 2wd. Visual indicator on electron switch changes status but vehicle is not in 4wd. Erratic behavior, four trips to dealer without resolution of problem. Dealer has reset electronic control but problem recurs. Chrysler contacted with no additional solutions. Vehicle operation is otherwise unaffected.
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