Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving, the instrument panel and exterior lighting illuminated brightly and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and discovered that the TIPM was smoking and caused six unknown fuses to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, it caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Tl* the contact stated employed by a company that owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while an employee was driving at approximately 35 MPH an abnormal odor was detected the cabin of the vehicle. The driver was able to stop the vehicle and upon opening the hood fire was seen in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A fire investigation report was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 116,216.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH when suddenly, there was smoke near the hood. The contact drove the vehicle onto the emergency lane and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department arrived and was unable to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed. There were no personal injuries. The contact stated that the failure was related to the emission control system. The vehicle had prior recall repairs under NHTSA campaign id number 08V641000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel). The failure significantly progressed after the recall remedy was performed on the vehicle. The insurance company stated that the cause of failure was contributed to the transmission. The manufacturer was notified and there were no resolutions. The VIN was unavailable. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH. Suddenly, there was smoke coming from the hood area. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department was called to the scene. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed. There was no personal injuries. The contact stated the failure was related to the emission control system. The insurance company informed the cause of failure was contributed to the transmission. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 11/03/10.
I was turning onto another street I smelled electrical smoke. Truck started to run rough then stalled. Electrical smoke filled the cab. Everything that was electrical turned on and was either flashing blinking or running. I put truck in neutral and pulled the ignition key. The starter engaged on its own. I had to pull battery cables off to kill power to the truck by hand no tools. The TIPM module burned internally. If my wife had been driving the truck would have burned. If the truck was in gear it would have taken off by itself.
Diving at 60 miles towing a fifth wheel camper truck lost all power overhead console read see dealer now. Problem was diesel particulate filter was totally clogged. After being towed to dealer was told the cost would be $5000.00 EGR valve and DPF needed replaced. Emissions system was cleaned at 68,000 miles. Overhead console never said anything about regeneration mode or worked at all reporting any emissions problem. Had truck to numerous dealers wanted computer updated told everything was fine.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle's computer activates to clean the exhaust system, which results in a loss of engine power. After traveling only 8 miles, the exhaust vapors burned a hole in the tow guard on the passenger side of the vehicle. General motors stated that the epa would fine them $1,500 if they removed the failed part, as it meets the epa standard. The failure mileage was 3,400 and current mileage was 4,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle shook violently and the exhaust system failure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the center console monitor combustion able and need to be serviced warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power loss occurs at anytime. All the time. Truck slows down to idle speed. Really bad when doing 70 on the interstate. Must shut engine off, press accelerator slowly for 5 times then restart engine. Electronic throttle controller has been replaced 6 times now. They all failed again between 7 and 40 miles. Have not been able to get it repaired.
Etc (electronic throttle control) when this light comes on flashing it goes into limp mode (idle) this is a real safety concern especially in traffic when towing a trailer. I bought the truck new from city auto plaza, canon city, co. I brought the truck into city auto plaza June 4th 2014 when the etc light was flashing. They replaced the gas pedal the following day the etc light came on. June 11th 2014 they re-crimped the plug on the pedal sensor and the c130 connector under the hood. That lasted about a month and a half. On July 29th 2014 they hardwired around the c130 connector. That lasted about 8 months brought truck in on March 9th 2015, the etc light had gone off by the time I got to city auto plaza but it was the same code in storage p2121. …
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 14% of the model year's 173 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-641 (diesel, Dec 5, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.