2008 Dodge Ram 1500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

554 federal complaints (721 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 45 service bulletins · 11 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
554
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
165
Steering
106
Power train
75
Fuel system
64
Electrical system
52
Suspension
50
Engine & cooling
43
Other
27
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 30 complaints01 years old: 38 complaints2 years old: 22 complaints3 years old: 39 complaints4 years old: 27 complaints5 years old: 33 complaints56 years old: 52 complaints7 years old: 126 complaints8 years old: 87 complaints9 years old: 26 complaints10 years old: 23 complaints1011 years old: 15 complaints12 years old: 13 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 551 of 554 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 53 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 51 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 57 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 57 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 41 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 37 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 29 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 14 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 9 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 10 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 364 of 554 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

165 complaint records23 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY OF 2016. AFTER ALMOST 1 YEAR STILL NO REMEDY. VERY UNHAPPY AND WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Steering

106 complaint records1 crash report
"On interstate whole hub assembly with tier flew off and it’s been very hard I just payed for car I worked for and lost it please help..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Power train

75 complaint records2 crash reports
"FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT(AXEL) ON TRUCK FAILED AT 68,768 MILES REPLACED WITH OEM PART, FRONT SHAFT FAILED AGAIN AT 92,440 MILES REPLACED AGAIN. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
AQ14003
opened Oct 2014
closed May 2016SteeringChrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V352000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant.Normally free
15V313000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010...Normally free
13V529000SteeringChrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4.Normally free
13V528000SteeringChrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks...Normally free
11V350000SteeringCHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2016265
2016-05-27
Airbag459,492On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2015228
2015-05-27
Airbag374,508On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2013395
2013-11-07
Steering11,000A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks.
2013396
2013-11-07
Steering6,674Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage.
2013397
2013-11-07
Steering48,517On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury...
Show 6 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2011253
2011-07-14
Steering49,800On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture.
2009080
2009-03-11
Electrical18,824On certain 2008 Dodge Ram light duty and 2008-2009 heavy duty pickup trucks, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
2009081
2009-03-11
Electrical363Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in...
2009019
2009-01-21
Steering4,500Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks.
2009010
2009-01-12
Steering8,042On certain 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, the drag link inner tie rod attachment to the pitman arm ball stud may fracture. A loss of steering control could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death.
2008446
2008-12-16
Other14,895On certain Ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine, a silencer pad may sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation cooler, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004350
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingGEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details.
Show 40 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9001764
Feb 2021
VisibilityNoise coming from the rear HVAC blower due to interference.
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
9004207
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingAIR DAM, Front, With Actuator (Active Air Dam) Prior to replacing this part, please call FCA Redacted Content. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
S2021000002
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemValve Body Pressure Testing Plug Inspection
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
68332810A
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
08-052-16
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemSUBJECT: Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative SYMPTOM/CONDITION: The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
9001762
Nov 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Thermostat, Engine Issue Description: Important! There has been an application change to the Cummins turbo diesel thermostat.
WB-D-14-23
Sep 2014
EquipmentMOPAR: ON SOME PICK UP TRUCKS, AN EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS BEEN ISSUED ON FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE. MODEL 2007-2008 RAM 1500. *PE
14-003-14
Sep 2014
Fuel SystemCHRYSLER: RAM 1500 FUEL TANK NEEDS REPLACING, CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN REFUELING VEHICLES. *LJ
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9001901
Jan 2014
Fuel SystemPart Description: Injector, Fuel Issue Description: Attention: Be aware that although they may look the same there are different injectors for the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel depending on application and they are not interchangeable!
9002054
Jun 2013
SuspensionIf replacing the steering linkage or drag link inner tie rod assembly at the pitman arm on a vehicle built before Febuary 14 th, 2008, verify that the pitman arm part number is 68039930AA.
18-022-13
May 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel Common Diagnostic Process New 6.7L Cummins®Turbo Diesel Common Diagnostic Process is now available as part of the standard diagnostic process located in TechCONNECT>Service Info.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002688
Feb 2013
Electrical System68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is...
09-001-13
Feb 2013
EngineGasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
RRT-08-097
Dec 2008
Power TrainCHRYSLER:DODGE: APPROXIMATELY 2969 VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH A GEARSHIFT CABLE THAT MAY SLIP OUT OF ADJUSTMENT AND NOT ALLOW LOW GEAR SELECTION. *PE
21-018-08
Jul 2008
Power TrainCHRYSLER/DODGE/JEEP: FLASH:DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE, DTC P0740 OR P1798 AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT IMPROVEMENTS 1-2 OR 2-3 COLD SHIFT IMPROVEMENTS. *PE
08-004
Jun 2008
Steering2003-2008 (DR) RAM TRUCK 1500-STEERING SHUDDER DURING PARKING LOT OR LOW VEHICLE SPEED MANEUVERS. *PE
08-007-08
Mar 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingNO ENGINE CRANK OR NO ENGINE START DUE TO ELECTRONIC LOCKUP OF THE WCM/SKREEM. *NJ
07048
Nov 2007
SteeringSTEERING DAMPER BOLT THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. *NJ
1804407
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ILLUMINATION DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0524 - ENGINE OIL PRESSURE TOO LOW. *KB
07037
Sep 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling2007 - 2008 (DH/D1) RAM TRUCK - CUMMINS 6.7L - EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SOOT ACCUMULATION. *NJ
2304106
Aug 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP - LENS FOGGING. *NJ

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 1500 →