Most common 2008 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
2008 Dodge Ram recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Dodge Ram:
Outer Tie Rod Failure
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…
What 2008 Dodge Ram owners say
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 was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup truck. He stated he was involved in a crash while driving 55 MPH. The front air bags did not deploy at the time of the impact. While exiting the highway, he attempted to steer to avoid hitting an approaching vehicle but the steering wheel would not respond. The vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier along the highway head-on. Later, he received NHTSA campaign id number 09e001000, steering linkages; however when the dealer was contacted they stated that his VIN was not included. The passenger sustained moderate injuries which include head contusions, several cuts from the glass, neck injuries and cracked ribs. The driver sustained minor injuries to the head. Neither the driver or passenger's side air bag deployed. Repairs were made to the vehicle and covered under his insurance. The failure and current mileages were under 6,400.
Engine & cooling
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 approximate failure mileage was 70,000
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
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 vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* 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, and the smoke stopped immediately. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The vehicle will be repaired under the service warranty. However, the dealer refused to pay for the body damages sustained as a result of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Ram rates better than average: 86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Ram?
The steering — 6 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Ram have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Ram, the most recent from December 24, 2010 (tie rod assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.