2008 Dodge Ram 1500

Do not drive

Owners filed 554 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 8 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

380 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags160
19023
Steering71
101
Power Train49
100
Fuel/Propulsion System40
000
Electrical System38
141
Engine24
000
Suspension21
100
Unknown or Other14
101
Service Brakes14
400
Fuel System, Gasoline13
001

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V352000Do not drive
Filed May 24, 20164,648,270 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V313000Do not drive
Filed May 26, 20154,077,169 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (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 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly13V529000
Filed Nov 6, 2013271,733 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler 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. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly13V528000
Filed Nov 6, 2013706,664 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler 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 manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly11V350000
Filed Jul 6, 2011242,780 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER 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 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Wheels › Hub10E040000
Filed Aug 23, 201034,604 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.

Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman10E013000
Filed May 3, 20101,500 vehiclesFabtech Motorsports

Defect. FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Risk. STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 2026NY

The recall cannot be completed because the parts are unavailable. We have contacted the service department in the dealership a number of times. They told us the parts are not available and cannot give us a date to repair it. They referred us to Chrysler's main headquarters and no body there has an answer to when these parts will be available either. This mandate was never made public, the only way we found out was when we went to have the vehicle inspected. Meanwhile it cannot be driven or inspected.

Power Train
Filed Mar 2, 2026OH

Vehicle diagnosed September 5, 2025 with failed front driver-side CV axle. Covered under factory lifetime powertrain warranty. Manufacturer (Stellantis) has been unable to supply replacement part for over seven months due to “tooling issue” and no ETA. Vehicle continues to operate with worsening vibration and noise from front axle. Concerned about potential driveline failure while driving. Warranty repair delay exceeds reasonable timeframe for safety-related component.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2026FL

I have been trying for over two years to have my local dodge dealership process the recall for my takata airbags (sandy sansing dodge in milton fl). Every attempt is either met with being disconnected from the call or being told I will be called back, and it never happens. I havr also attempted to call fcas takata recall department with similar results

Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2025TX

Was driving home going 35 the rear end spider gears decided to lock up completely cause loss of control of my vehicle

Power Train
Filed Nov 26, 2025WA

My rear driveline separated from the rear differential causing the rear differential to seize up. It is available for inspection. This occurred while driving down a highway at 45 MPH, there was some humming noise then it shook for a second and then load pop sound and send me fish tailing down the highway and then sliding sideways being stuck blocking the lane of traffic. I just contacted the dealership, and they cannot look at it under a recall situation because my vin is not listed on the preexisting recall. I was told to contact the manufacturer directly. As of today 11/26/25, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages. Symptoms were only morning of the incident 11/24/25 after leaving my house halfway down the road approximately half a mile I started to hear a slight humming came to a stop sign didn't hear anything drove forward a block and a half to a stop light did not hear any humming in that time, as I took a right to head north on highway 9 I noticed the humming again and right as I was trying to pull off on the shoulder I hear a loud pop sound and temporarily lose control of the truck fish tailing I was able to get it back under control enough to steer a little and come sliding sideways to a stop stuck halfway on the shoulder and halfway into the oncoming traffic lane.

Suspension
Filed Jun 5, 2025222,700 milesNC

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was severely shaking and vibrating. The contact replaced the struts and tie rods; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel felt extremely loose, and the vehicle was pulling to one side. The contact also experienced the "Death Wobble" on several occasions while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 222,700.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 14, 2025113,999 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while going to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was an object hanging down by the driver's side rear wheel well. The contact observed that the metal strap had detached from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the metal strap was extremely corroded. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 113,999.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Dec 17, 2024OK

On Saturday, [XXX] my husband was in his 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 slowly pulling into our gate to access our carport. I was holding the gate open for him. Suddenly, the truck took off like a rocket. It crashed through the back wall of the carport, across our backyard, into our large shed, through the shed, exited the shed and went over our chain link fence, the neighbor’s chain link fence and came to a stop in the corner of her front porch. The first neighbor that got to the truck after hearing the wreck said the engine was still revved up so he turned the key off. My husband was alert but in a state of shock. Neither he nor our dog, who was in the back seat, were hurt thank [XXX] . I called 911. We had Highway Patrol, Sheriff, Fire and EMTs all come to the scene. The EMTs and Highway Patrolman said he was alert and responding to them. He was not injured, so he did not go to the hospital to be checked out. He was not given a citation by the Highway Patrolman. Our insurance agent said, after looking at the photos I sent him, that the truck will probably be totaled, but as yet, we’ve not heard for sure. The only thing that makes sense to us is that the accelerator must have stuck wide open as he started pulling in to the carport. There’s no way he could have kept his foot on the accelerator in error throughout the multiple crashes he went through. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 2024ID

Missing 2 bolts on drive shaft almost had a accident

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 11, 2024OH

When filling gas at the pump, it shuts off constently. During this process, I am spilling gas on the ground while trying to deal with getting my tank filled. I had the gas fill line replacement done a few years ago and solved this very same problem, but the problem has returned. I have read in dodge forums of this happening to other owners and sounds like there may be an OEM solution to replace the gas fill line vent tube. I have checked with my dealer and OEM website, but there has not been anything done about this from the OEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2024CA

The ESP/BAS warning lights came on. I had the truck diagnosed and the Automatic Braking System has failed. Chrysler/Fiat has discontinued the parts necessary to repair the vehicle and they don't appear to be available in the US anymore. If it cannot be repaired, this poses a dire crash/accident risk to me and my family. I can't imagine a manufacturer not providing parts for such a significant safety risk. Thanks for your time.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 30, 2023CA

2008 RAM 1500 4 door p/up truck. Factory radio/ . Noise coming from CD player when radio was playing . Saturday morning , radio off . Radio screen lights up like the inside of a bread toaster . Orange Lines appear on the screen. and get hot to the touch . looks like melting wires . I Pulled over and disconnected the battery negative . looked for a Radio fuse in the fuse panel . but was unsuccessful . There was a Burning smell coming from the radio or dashboard still hot to the touch after unsuccessfully locating a Radio Fuse Anywhere . I reconnect the battery negative and noticed the same problem is occurring and then disconnected the negative and Call for assistance . Please help.

Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2023CA

Front end suspension and steering problems, very loud rubbing sound and unstable feels like it might brake apart.

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 2023TX

The cv axle on the passenger side has gone out 3 times in the last 6 months. That's not just coincidence. And there is no extreme driving conditions or unnecessary turning going on.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2023CA

We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 13, 2023SC

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

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Feb 9, 2023142,753 milesFL

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning left at a traffic signal, while straightening the steering wheel and lightly depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated abruptly. The contact stated that the rear tires made an abnormal squealing noise and he observed smoke in the rear-view mirror. The contact stated that the vehicle then spun 180 degrees to the right. The contact turned the steering wheel to the left to compensate and the vehicle spun 180 degrees to the left. The contact used the steering wheel to regain control of the vehicle and took his foot off the accelerator pedal and did not use the brake pedal to correct the vehicle. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact then drove to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,753.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 13, 2022TX

The brake pedal goes to floor spongy break pedal

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 15, 2022FL

Vehicle caught fire in drive way while raining seems as though the ac blower resistor caught fire

Air BagsCrash5 injured
Filed Feb 9, 2022CO

On 22 Jan 2022, airbags failed to deploy during a head on collision. Collision occurred after losing control on black ice. While driving 55 mph along a straight and level section of a single lane highway, truck spun into on-coming traffic. The driver and passenger experienced whiplash, multiple bruises from the seat belt, and the driver broke both ankles and sternum, and needed stitches from a gash above the eye. Truck received airbag recall work at a local dealership in 2016. Insurance has declared the damages to the vehicle a total loss. Owner has signed a release of the vehicle to auto insurance. Not sure if claims adjuster or insurance company is investigating airbag failure. Looks like others have experienced this same problem.

20 of 554 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
20126977100Above average
2011688470Above average
2010486430Above average
2009670220Above average
2008 — this page554860Do not drive
2007517780Do not drive
20067921281Do not drive
20051,1687165Do not drive
20041,0978291Do not drive
20031,1705126Do not drive
20028156141Fatalities reported
20011,1123351Fatalities reported
2000513380Above average
19996101191Fatalities reported
19985201168Fatalities reported
19973611141Fatalities reported
19962981174Fatalities reported
19952131140Above average
1994116170Routine
19936010Routine
19920100Routine
19917000Routine

Compare every Ram 1500 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 24, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.