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2008 Dodge Ram problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Dodge Ram is steering. It has fewer complaints than a typical Ram model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
83/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2008 Dodge Ram problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Steering
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 2

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported December 24, 2010 · 15,271 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 10V657000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported March 13, 2009 · 65,896 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 09V084000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Ram

Defect investigations

Outer Tie Rod FailureOpened April 4, 2011, closed February 6, 2012

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.

PE11009

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Ram 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2008 Dodge Ram owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Suspension · 186,000 miles · TX · crash

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise in the front driver’s 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 vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-35 MPH making a left turn, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the wheel bearing. As a result, the vehicle started to spark and dragged into the concrete of the street. No injuries were sustained. No medical assistance was required. The contact was unsure if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side brake line and wheel bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Steering · WA

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Engine · 70,000 miles · WA

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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000

Filed May 31, 2022 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · MO

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 differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2021 · Body, Engine · 116,000 miles · NH

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.

Filed Jun 12, 2012 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

2 things have happened. At a normal idle in park, the vehicle after about a minute has surges (a quick high rev) then once the rev stops the truck engine light flickers and sounds like it wants to stall. In another case, while sitting at a red light the truck has a rough idle that causes the truck to shake. This has happened numerous times. I have not taken the truck to the dealer for fear that it would cost alot of money to have this checked out.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Tires · IA

2008 dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to tire issues on vehicle *tgw the consumer stated she continuously had to put air in the tires over the last three months. A few days ago, her husband was driving the truck and one of the tires went completely flat. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop, where the consumer was informed the problem was not tire, but with the valve stem. The mechanic also advised the consumer two other valve stems on the vehicle were bad as well and would need to be replaced.

Filed Nov 1, 2011 · Steering · 35,500 miles · NH

Took my 2008 dodge ram 1500 4wd in for oil change and was told that the left and right outer tie rods were severely worn out and needed to be replaced. This is at 35,500 miles, truck is only used on road and has never been off road. Seems this is a common early wearout item on these trucks. Why?

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Visibility · NY

2008 dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to repairs for a defective window leaking in the back bucket seat *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was returned to the dealer three times, because it was not installed and sealed correctly.

Filed Sep 15, 2011 · Brakes · MO

At 39,000 miles right rotor became warped behind turning had to replace. A friend had same then happen on same kind of vehicle. Dealer claims maintenance item. Never had to have rotor replaced on new vehicle before. Brake pads we fine. Vehicle about 4omph would pulsate while braking and steering wheel would shake.

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Compare the 2008 Dodge Ram

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Questions about the 2008 Dodge Ram

Is the 2008 Dodge Ram reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Ram, fewer than a typical Ram model year.

What is the 2008 Dodge Ram year score?

The 2008 Dodge Ram scores 83 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Ram: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Ram?

Steering, with 6 complaints. Next is engine (5).

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Ram have?

2 recalls, covering steering and visibility.

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