2008 Dodge RAM 3500: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 245,000 miles · KY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 3500. While driving, the instrument panel and exterior lighting illuminated brightly and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and discovered that the tipm was smoking and caused six unknown fuses to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, it caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.

Filed Sep 27, 2015 · Electrical · 172,000 miles · MS · fire

Arrived at lowes, left the truck running out front of the store while undloading riding mower to return. When we came back out vehicle had shut off and smoke coming from under the hood. Lifted the hood and noted fuse box smoking. Jumped back in truck and made sure engine turned off and key out of ingnition. While waiting for friends to towe the truck, wipers started horn and alarm started then car started up and took off across the parking lot. Luckily there were no vehicle or persons in front of the vehicle when this happened and was good thing we waited outside for friends instead of returning inside the store. My husband was able to jump in the truck, but without the key in the ignition he was unable to brake the truck or steer the truck, so because it was a manual he was able to get it out of gear and apply emergency brake. Sadly after this occurred I have discovered even more horrific incidences where this has happened to people while driving leaving them without steering or brakes. Dodge is aware of the problem and still no recall. I've even seen this described as a "common occurance".......really ! No crash or fatalities this time, but by the sound too many near misses and who knows how many have been caused by this problem.

Filed May 16, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while traveling 40 MPH, the windshield reservoir emitted washer fluid onto the windshield. The contact stated that the vehicle lost all electrical power and emitted a burning odor. In addition, the vehicle electrical system caught on fire. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the total intergraded power module failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 64,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2012 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · KY · fire

Tipm (totally integrated power module) caught fire. Lost all control of the truck (steering, brakes, etc.) and the windshield washer fluid pump emptied the canister onto the windshield so I could not see the roadway.

Filed May 25, 2012 · Electrical · 112,000 miles · NM · fire

Driving down my street. The engine shut off and windshield washer function turned on. I pulled over and tried cycling my key to restart the truck. Then with the key in off position smelled something burning. Opened the hood to see the tipm (totally integrated power module) smoking. The truck then started by itself and nearly ran me over (manual transmission truck was in 2nd gear). Truck moved about 10ft before shutting off again. Got truck in neutral before starter reengaged and could do nothing to stop starter from turning the engine over until both battery terminal were disconnected. The truck was towed back to my house and the tipm was found badly burned. About 1/4 of the main circuit card burnt up and disintegrated.

Filed May 7, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 140,000 miles · OR · fire

Owner of 2008 dodge 3500 dually was driving down road when fuse box caught fire. Windshield wipers started continuously squirting and smoke came out from underneath hood. Going 75mph with horsetrailer in tow, vehicle without warning, shut off leaving owner without power, lights, steering or brakes while windshield wipers still squirting continuously and wiper blades not working. If this happened 1 hour later owner would be dead as next part of road has extreme downgrade with curves. Vehicle was towed to nearest dodge dealer where fuse box was replaced at owners expense. Took vehicle home 6 hours later new fuse box fuse blown and wires starting to melt again. Took vehicle into local dodge dealer and traded in for different truck. When dodge/chrysler engineer flew in to examine old fuse box the box was burnt to a crisp. Both local dodge dealer and dodge/chrysler engineer were told vehicle in question is unsafe and will kill someone. Owner was told truck will be sold at auction "as is" and sent out of the local area. Owner still has old fuse box for evidence.

Filed May 17, 2010 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 3500. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH. Suddenly, there was smoke coming from the hood area. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department was called to the scene. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed. There was no personal injuries. The contact stated the failure was related to the emission control system. The insurance company informed the cause of failure was contributed to the transmission. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 11/03/10.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Fuel system · 19,000 miles · MO · fire · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 3500. While driving 60 MPH, the contact was informed by other motorists that his vehicle was on fire. He then noticed flames in the cabin and the bed, in addition to the fuel tank. He pulled over and called the fire department. The highway patrol also arrived at the scene. The vehicle left a trail of fire on the highway due to the fuel leak. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The insurance company was notified and stated that there was a shortage between the fuel pump and the fuel tank. The dealer wanted to investigate; however, they will not inform the contact or the insurance company what caused the fire. The passenger sustained minor burns to his hands, arms, and hair. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 19,000.