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2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 317 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, most often about the steering (55% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is 7th of 13 Ram 2500 model years by number of complaints and has 7 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory2 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Steering
175 complaints · 55%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, gear box (other than rack and pinion).
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle slipped into anti theft mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians replaced the anti theft module, the power steering pump and fluid. The failure recurred after the repairs and the…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff and the contact had to use extreme bodily force to turn the wheel. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and stopped. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the steering box was…
Suspension
48 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while traveling 25 MPH, a loud noise was emitted from the front end of the vehicle and no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would veer to the right and to the left. The failure recurred several…
While driving this truck at approximately 60 miles an hour I hit a expansion joint as I was on a slight left turn cause the vehicle to shake violently almost losing control until I slowed down to below 30 miles an hour then the suspension stabilized. This has occurred on many occasions since the first incident and I…
Engine
38 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
I purchased a new Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up in march 2008. Within 5 weeks, vehicle started operating poorly. Check engine light would come on, truck would lose power, heavy black smoke from exhaust. Truck was brought back to dealership eight times in first six months. Dodge stated they could find no problems with…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact was driving approximately 65-70 MPH when the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the converter deisel exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer…
Air bags
30 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 121,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
On my Ram 2500 I was notified by chrysler that my truck has recall 15v-313 for the air bags. States there is no fix as of now. But says in extreme heat the airbag can rupture and send metal shrapnel flying injuring the driver. I was wondering if this would make my truck eligible for the chrysler buyback program? As I…
In early july 2015, I contacted my local Dodge dealer (patterson Dodge) via phone to make the recall repairs to my 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. At the time of the phone call, the dealer indicated that my request for recall service would be put on a list to be scheduled at a later date. Since this initial phone call, I have…
Transmission
20 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, manual transmission.
The heater works on occasion from nov 13 till I replaced it in may 2015, now its august 2015 and the heater has completely stopped working. I live in alaska and a heater is a huge deal. Also during an oil change noticed the tie rod is all gooped with oil. Have an 09 1500 that the tie rod broke on. Curious if my 08 is…
Vehicle has a vibration starting at 50 MPH that appears to be due to a drive component. Diagnosed and replaced the drive shaft rear u-joint. Some play also found in the left front u-joint (4WD) that was replaced 8 months ago. This is the third time in 4 years that u-joints had to be replaced on this vehicle.
Electrical
16 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 119,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
Electrical fire in dash. My husband was driving and smelt something burning. As he went to pull over flames started shooting out the vents. Truck is a total loss per insurance.
The air conditioner/heater blower in my truck has been working intermittently, but getting worse to the point that it rarely works now. I took it to a shop a few weeks ago, but the system happened to work that day and they could not find any issues. However, I did some research on the internet and there are many other…
Visibility and wipers
15 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, windshield wiper/washer.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers failed to function intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the wiper motor was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
I was driving down the highway and about 10pm it was raining had wipers on in medium speed wipers kept stopping. Had a lot of cars passing by me on coming lane and they would flash their lights to me to indicate my light was off but the switch is turn on in low beam position. Had some friends following me that day as…
Other or unspecified
10 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 115,000 miles.
Cold air blowing from driver side only, while passenger side blowing warm when set on heater mode. :( problem still happening , most dissapointing as I just bought this used vehicle, and we're beginning winter weather.
Interior plastic grab handles, described as "trim" per manufacturer. Located inside door on vehicle upper frame of vehicle. Used to assist with entering and exiting vehicle. Housing covering bolts to secure handles cracks and rips apart, causing the handle(s) to spontaneously remove from vehicle. Resulting in possible…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the chrysler, dodge, jeep and ram owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s43. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v-7700.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 ram 2500 trucks produced at the st. Louis north assembly plant. With this change, chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 ram 1500, 2005-2009 ram 2500, 2006-2009 ram 3500, 2007-2010 ram 3500 cab chassis, 2008-2010 ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis, 2004-2009 dodge durango, 2007-2009 chrysler aspen, 2007-2012 jeep wrangler, 2008-2012 dodge challenger, 2005-2008 dodge magnum, 2005-2012 chrysler 300, 2006-2012 dodge charger, 2005-2011 dodge dakota, and 2006-2009 mitsubishi raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in al, ca, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, sc, tx, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 ram 1500, 2005-2009 ram 2500, 2006-2009 r
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected chrysler and dodge owners and mitsubishi will notify the affected raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for chrylser on june 8, 2015. The recall for mitsubishi started on june 24, 2015. Chrysler and dodge owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is r25. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v817 in its entirety.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 dodge ram 2500, 2004-2008 dodge ram 1500 and durango, 2006-2009 dodge ram 3500, 2008-2010 dodge ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 chrysler aspen, 2005-2010 chrysler 300, 300c, 300s, and srt8, 2006-2010 dodge charger, 2005-2008 magnum, 2005-2011 dodge dakota, and 2006-2009 mitsubishi raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners on january 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about february 27, 2014, chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about april 14, 2014. In july 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new dodge, je
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 ram 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4 trucks, 2008-2012 dodge ram 3500 4x2 cab chassis, and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in january 2014. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is n62.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 dodge ram 3500 4x2 cab chassis and model year 2006-2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4 trucks manufactured february 12, 2002, through february 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before february 16, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling 32,782 my 2008-2009 dodge ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with powers and sons steering linkage. The steering linkage drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud may fracture. Also the steering linkage damper attaching the bracket may yield and shift on the linkage.
Engine: diesel
Risk: This could result in an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Dealers will add a bracket to support the engine compartment silencer pad adjacent to the EGR cooler. The recall is expected to begin during december 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling 108,429 my 2007-2008 dodge ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7l diesel engines. A silencer pad can sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Chrysler's execution of 13v-528 & 529
Summary
Rmd opened this audit query (aq) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division mopar.prior to opening this investigation, rmd had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13v-528 and 13v-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, fca?s heavier dodge ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.specifically, rmd inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on january 15, 2014 and february 19, 2014, d
Outer tie rod failure
Summary
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 saf
Questions about the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (175 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); suspension (48 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); engine (38 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 24, 2016 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Dodge Ram 2500?
- It is 7th of 13 Ram 2500 model years by number of complaints, with 317 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.