2008 Dodge Ram problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (3) · Tires:valve (2) · Steering:linkages (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 2010-12-24 · campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (3)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump 2010-02-02 · SB-14-001-10 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dodge: electronic fuel control actuator (fca) available for service/new diagnostics available for dtc p0251. engine surges at idle or mil illumination. further investigation may identify dtc p0251-cp3 pump regulator control-diesel. if p0251 is present, follow the diagnostics in this sb. if other
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/Supercharger 2009-06-13 · SB-09-002-09 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dodge: revised diagnostic and repair procedures for dtc p2262-turbocharger boost pressure not detected-mechanical. recent pcm calibration updates have improved the robustness to this dtc through updated diagnostic strategies. *pe
Steering:gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion) 2008-12-17 · RRT-08-097 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
chrysler:dodge: approximately 2969 vehicles, equipped with an automatic transmission, may have been shipped with a gearshift cable that may slip out of adjustment and not allow low gear selection. *pe
What owners report
2023-02-15 · Suspension:front:wheel Bearing · 186,000 mi · 💥 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 …”
2022-08-19 · Steering“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 dealer was made aware of the issue. the manufacturer wa…”
2022-08-15 · Engine · 70,000 mi“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 …”
2022-05-31 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit · 86,000 mi“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 …”
2021-07-13 · Structure:body · 116,000 mi“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.…”
2012-06-12 · Engine · 76,000 mi“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 h…”
2012-04-12 · Tires:valve“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 wa…”
2011-11-01 · Steering · 35,500 mi“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? *tr…”
2011-10-06 · Visibility:glass, Side/Rear“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. …”
2011-09-15 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor“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. *kb…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.