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2008 Dodge RAMProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2008 Dodge RAM
71
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years59% below the RAM median · #19 of 22 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints256 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage19kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 15, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Dodge RAM has problems

25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering61
Power train41
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Electrical system31
Engine30
Structure20
Tires20
Engine and engine cooling20
Visibility10
5 other systems53

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2008 Dodge RAM recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 09V-084 · Mar 13, 2009 · 65,896 vehicles

Risk. WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other RAM year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2008 Dodge RAM, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Outer Tie Rod FailurePE11009 · closed Feb 6, 2012
    Led to recall 11V-350
In owners' words

What RAM owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11480264 · Aug 19, 2022
TOOK MY 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER TIE RODS WERE SEVERELY WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AT 35,500 MILES, TRUCK IS ONLY USED ON ROAD AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON EARLY WEAROUT ITEM ON THESE TRUCKS. WHY? *TR
Complaint 10433864 · Nov 1, 2011 · 35,500 miles
2008 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE U-JOINT, TIE ROD, STEERING LINKAGE AND AXLE ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED MOST RECENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB
Complaint 10347677 · Aug 4, 2010

Own a 2008 RAM?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.