YearToAvoid

2008 Dodge Ram Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#3 most-complained of 7 Ram years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Dodge Ram has 25 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 67 out of 100 — #3 highest of 7 Ram model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (6 complaints, 24% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.

Complaints
25
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2008 Dodge Ram problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine6 (24%)
  2. Steering6 (24%)
  3. Electrical System4 (16%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain4 (16%)
  5. Brakes3 (12%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (12%)
  7. Structure & Body2 (8%)
  8. Airbags1 (4%)
  9. Other1 (4%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)
2008 Dodge Ram complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2009Sep 2009Apr 2010May 2011Sep 2011Apr 2012May 2022
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2009 to Feb 2023; peak Dec 2009 (3).

2008 Dodge Ram recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V657000Dec 24, 2010Steering15,271 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 09V084000Mar 13, 2009Visibility & Wipers65,896 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.

    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.

2008 compared with other Ram years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002005200620072008200920102011
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Caution50250—
2007Good33171—
2008Caution67252—
2009Best1795—
2010Avoid100275—

All Dodge Ram years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Ram a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Dodge Ram ranks #3 of 7 among Ram model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 25 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Ram?
The most reported problem areas are engine (6 complaints), steering (6 complaints), and electrical system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 25,000 miles.
Does the 2008 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Dodge Ram, most recently reported 2010, covering steering and visibility & wipers.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.