2008 Dodge Ram Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Dodge Ram has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Owners logged 25 complaints, mostly Engine and Steering, plus 2 recalls covering steering tie rods and wiper motors.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Ram years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 25
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2008 Dodge Ram problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (24%)
- Steering6 (24%)
- Electrical System4 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (16%)
- Brakes3 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (12%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wanders or fails to respond at highway speed, in one case leading to a head-on crash into a barrier.
- Front-end rattling traced to worn stabilizer end links, shock brackets, and tie rods.
- Instrument panel gauges flicker and the engine stalls at various speeds, sometimes making the truck hard to restart even after the control module was replaced multiple times.
- Sudden loss of power with the check engine light illuminated at highway speed.
- Front wheel bearing failure causing abnormal noise, with the problem recurring after repair.
- Electrical smoke from under the hood while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied.
2008 Dodge Ram recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Dodge Ram reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 Ram a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd worst among the 7 model years tracked. It has fewer complaints than the 2005 and 2010 Ram (rated Avoid) but more than 2007 and 2009.
- What are the most common problems on the 2008 Dodge Ram?
- Engine and Steering issues each account for 24% of complaints (6 each), followed by Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain at 16% each, and Brakes at 12%.
- Does the 2008 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a tie rod that can fracture and cause loss of steering, and one for a windshield wiper motor susceptible to water intrusion and failure.
- How does the 2008 Ram compare to other years?
- The 2008 Ram's Complaint Index of 67 is worse than 2007 (33, Good) and 2009 (17, Good), but better than 2005 (83, Avoid) and 2010 (100, Avoid).