KnownCarProblems2008 Dodge Ram Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Ram, most often about the steering (24% of complaints). It is 9th of 11 Ram model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2008 Dodge Ram problems
Steering
6 complaints · 24%Parts named most often: linkages.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. While driving 65 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly wandered to the left. This was a sudden change in direction. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the tires exhibited excessive wear. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. While driving approximately 35 MPH she heard rattling in the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions. The front stabilizer end links and the shock brackets were replaced. Also the tie rods were replaced at an authorized…
Engine
5 complaints · 20%Parts named most often: engine.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge sprinter 3500. The contact was driving at approximately 55 MPH, when the vehicle suddenly lost power and the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership; the dealer did not find any problems after inspecting the vehicle. The…
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…
Transmission
4 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The vehicle was parked at the residence driveway. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle rolled away without warning into the garage door post. After reversing from the garage post, there was smoke coming from underneath of the hood. The battery cables were removed…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. The contact was traveling 35 MPH when the driveshaft detached and caused the rear wheels to seize. The vehicle then spun out of control, almost filliping. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was being inspected. The failure mileage and current mileages were…
Brakes
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: foundation components.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge caravan. The contact stated that when he applied pressure on the break pedal at 55 MPH, he heard a grinding noise and the vehicle shimmied. Break failure can lead to increased stopping distances, which can cause a vehicle crash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and a technician replaced…
Electrical
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. While driving various speeds, the instrument panel gauges and lighting will flicker and the vehicle shuts off. Occasionally, the vehicle becomes very difficult to start. The most recent failure was noticed at 25 MPH. The dealer replaced the control module at least five times, but the…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The vehicle was parked at the residence driveway. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle rolled away without warning into the garage door post. After reversing from the garage post, there was smoke coming from underneath of the hood. The battery cables were removed…
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 recalls
Steering: tie rod assembly
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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
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
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Ram?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (6 complaints); engine (5 complaints); transmission (4 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Ram have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 24, 2010 (steering). 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?
- It is 9th of 11 Ram model years by number of complaints, with 25 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.