2008 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2008 Ram 3500 has a complaint index of 0 with 4 complaints and 1 recall on file, ranking 16th (best) out of 16 model years for this data set. Steering issues, including the so-called death wobble, make up most of the reported problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #16 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2008 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering3 (75%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe a violent front-end shaking known as the death wobble that occurs at highway speeds after hitting a bump.
- Some owners replaced the steering gear box stabilizer or front-end steering components trying to fix the wobble, without success.
- One owner reported a tie rod falling off on the passenger side while driving, at 120,000 miles.
- One owner described a 4x4 actuator clicking in and out, which damaged the transfer case, along with fluctuating headlights, dash lights, and heater temperature.
2008 Ram 3500 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V739000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System74,811 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
2008 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ram 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 4 complaints and 1 recall for the 2008 Ram 3500, giving it a complaint index of 0, the lowest (best) among the 16 model years tracked.
- What problems does the 2008 Ram 3500 have?
- The main reported issue is steering, including death wobble at highway speeds, accounting for 3 of the 4 complaints. Suspension, brakes, and electrical system issues were each reported once.
- Does the 2008 Ram 3500 have a death wobble recall?
- NHTSA's data shows one recall for the 2008 Ram 3500, covering an alternator replacement (campaign 16V739000), not the steering death wobble owners describe in complaints.
- At what mileage do 2008 Ram 3500 problems occur?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 155,000 miles, with steering complaints centered around 150,000 miles and brake and electrical complaints at 200,000 miles.