Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
TIPM (total integrated power module) failed while driving vehicle. Vehicle lost engine power, power steering, and brakes. -ton trucks are very heavy and are near impossible to turn and control without power steering and do not stop without power brakes. I was able to maneuver vehicle to the side of the road with minimal damage to the body. I was lucky to not cause a bigger accident and lucky not to injure myself or anybody else. This TIPM failure is very common with Dodge vehicles and I am disgusted how Chrysler-Dodge has conducted themselves in regard to recalls and warranty. Had I been towing a trailer on the highway I would have certainly caused an accident. I fear this TIPM failure will result in loss of life if it hasn't so already.
Death wobbles: I have replaced upper and lower ball joints with problem solvers. Replaced the tie rods and ends. Replaced the stabilizer shock, replaced the track bar rubber bushings, replaced the otter universal joints on the aam 9.50 14 bolt electric hubs. New shocks all around. Drove to salt lake city and the death wobbles came back have to pull off the hwy and come to a stop while it is shaking the truck apart. 15 times from idaho.. This is a major safety problem the steering box has problems and it is not listed under any recalls. New alignment also. New transmission, at 163,000 boiled over onto the turbo, the dipstick never fit in the tube and fluid caused the truck to catch fire. 3 years ago.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 35 MPH, the driver's side u-joint axle failed, which jammed the steering wheel to the right. The contact crashed the vehicle into a telephone pole. He was not injured and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The dealer advised him to call the Dodge manufacturer and his insurance company. The manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The contact then received a letter stating that the failure occurred after he struck the telephone pole; however, he stated that the axle failed prior to the crash. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The failure mileage was 26,177. The consumer believed the u-joints failed due to lack of grease. When the u-joint broke, the axles binded with each other and the axle jammed the spindle making it difficult to steer the vehicle back to the center. . …
I entered the highway in my Dodge Ram 2500 2008 truck, while I was at 50 MPH my truck started making growling noises from the engine and I heard explosive noises from the bottom of the truck. My speed dropped to 25 MPH and I could see from my side mirror car parts exploding off the truck on the highway in front of other vehicles while I was in motion and driving. This a highway at speeds of 70 MPH so I had to move over to the service lane luckily I was in the right lane but I barely avoid a large petroleum truck from crushing my truck which would have been a homicide because he was blowing his horn and could not stop in time. The car dealer claims they are investigating its has now been 4 days and I have not heard anything yet called Chrysler manufacturer waiting to hear back about what caused this to happen to my truck. I only know some of the parts damaged on the truck
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 gonna have the same issue. The rear differential is leaking oil all of a sudden as of June 2015 after hauling my 24 foot trailer 1200 miles. When I put the truck in 4 low and drive it makes a huge clucking sound doesn't turn very well either. It feels like my steering is about to go out. I can't drive up my driveway without digging wholes in the gravel. I bought the truck used November 2013 and feel like I got a lemon.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 75 MPH, a loud abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle as it decelerated. The contact had to merge over to the side of the road. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the uv joint locked and the transfer case fractured without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V528000 (steering). The dealer was unable to confirm when the part would become available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
I was driving past my house, I put the drive train in 4 wheel drive and when I stepped on the gas pedal the throttle went wide open. I tried to steer clear of all obstructions but when I hit my driveway the truck went sideways and it rolled down a culvert and ended upside down. The truck has been declared a "total loss". I sustained minor cuts and bruises but came out OK. I downloaded the obd2 data from the computer after the accident and it showed code p0731 g pend gear 1 incorrect ratio???. I have not been able to find any history of this problem in the 2008 Ram data.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the rear end pinion nut failed and there was an unknown substance leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,990.
Heading to town to take 2008 Dodge Ram to the dealership to have looked at for stalling at idle and no foot pedal response. Shut truck off and restarted now I have throttle.. Anyways headed to dealership to have these thing looked at. Im on the interstate cruise control set at 70mph. I go over a slight dip on the interstate than experience what feels like two blown front tires. The entire truck is shaking violently. Its all I can do to hold onto the steering wheel. The truck feels like its going to fall apart. I get on the brakes start pulling to the side of the road at about 10miles an hour this violent vibration stops. This incident was the scariest incident I've been through. I inspected the truck nothing visible wrong so I continued on to dealership with no problems.. 15 minutes later I stopped shaking. …
Transmission complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, 6% of the model year's 317 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › universal joint (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.