NHTSA attached 2 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
06000060,000 milesMedian miles at failure
226 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
162 of the 317 complaints (51%) are about the steering.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering
149
3
0
1
Air Bags · airbags
26
1
0
1
Suspension
15
0
0
0
Engine
14
0
4
0
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
12
2
0
0
Power Train · transmission
12
1
1
1
Electrical System
12
1
3
0
Suspension › Front
9
1
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine
7
0
0
2
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
6
1
0
0
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems
51% of all complaints
162 of the 317 complaints are about the steering. This is what owners describe:
vibrates or shakes15% · 24
loses steering assist or the wheel locks7% · 12
knocks, grinds or clunks3% · 5
Share of the 162 steering complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
“I was going 65 miles per hour on the freeway when my truck violently shake back and forth so hard I had to come to a complete stop to get it to stop. I've had the front suspension replaced 3 times in the past year and still have what they call a death wobble. I have spent so much money on rentals and on shop repairs trying to repair this problem and still cannot go over 40 miles an hour without it violently shaking.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 9, 2018 at 87,000 miles
“I bought my truck brand new in 2008 ..it has what they call a death wobble , it only does it at speeds 50 or higher .. Many dodge truck owners also experience the same trouble.. It occurs at higher speeds when you hit a small bump , or rough patch ..the front end of the truck will come unglued , and start shaking very violently ..it first did it in 2011 , and it still does it ..”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 25, 2017 at 60,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2008 Ram 2500 peaked in 2014, with 76 filed that year. Owners had filed 2 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 09V005000 in January 2009; 160 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.
9 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel08V641000
Filed Dec 5, 2008108,429 vehiclesChrysler LLC
Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EGR COOLER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2008 Ram 2500.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags
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. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529Audit query AQ14003Closed
Opened Oct 20, 2014Closed May 16, 2016steering
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 opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the …
Outer Tie Rod FailurePreliminary evaluation PE11009Closed
Opened Apr 4, 2011Closed Feb 6, 2012Led to recall 11V350000steering
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will …
Technical service bulletins
66 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Ram 2500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 23electrical system 11transmission 10equipment 8body and frame 3seat belts 2fuel system 2steering 2
DODGE: BULLETIN PROVIDING ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES FOR TIE ROD BALL STUD HOUSING FOR THE RIGHT AND LEFT. MODEL YRS FOR CAB CHASSIS (REG AND MEGA PICKUPS AND 4X4) 2003-2011. *PE
STEERING DAMPER BOLT THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. *NJ
What owners reported
Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 11, 2024TX
Driving down the highway at 70 mph and the drivers door came opened it was caused by a faulty door lock actuator
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 10, 2023MI
I want to apologize for the lengthy description but I feel this is quite possibly the most critical area to not be vague in. **This problem occurs every time, NOT an intermittent condition.** REAR SEAT/CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; will not extend out from the retractor. The belt is locked in the fully retracted (unoccupied) position. The vehicle can be on a flat surface, an incline, or a declined position when this occurs. There's nothing obstructing any part of the belt and retractor. In order to use that position/seat belt, I must repeatedly (sometimes in excess of 20 times) pull the belt in different rates of speed ie. pull the belt very slowly, pull it normally, pull it very fast by basically snatching the belt. I've even tried to help the belt further retract into the retractor by slowly feeding the belt rearward. There's no 1 action that seems to work better than the other. Furthermore, at times, the belt (once able to be used) will not hold its position to keep the occupant from moving forward in a panic stop or even by snatching the belt to check its operation. The buckle does function as designed so this problem is strictly related to the shoulder belt not keeping the occupant secure. Apon visual inspection, there are no noted frays, stains, foreign objects, or signs of attempted (prior) repairs. I also want to note that I am an ASE certified Master Mechanic so I am well versed on the operation, diagnosis and replacement of seat belts/retractors/sinchers buckets etc.
Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2023162,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving various speeds, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 7, 2022ME
During cold weather - when outside temp is below 30 degrees the wipers will not work. When outside temp is above 30 degrees wipers work. During a snow storm, driving home the wipers stop working and windshield freezes up. I replaced the multifunction switch and the wiper motor and dealer stated that the totally integrated power module could be bad. there is so many complaints about others having this issue. This is a major safety issue. Something needs to be done before someone is killed.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2022CO
While driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and turned off. When this happened the steering column locked. It did not just loose power steering. The column itself entirely locked up. At this point the vehicle had no steering and limited breaking and went off the road. Thankfully it just went into a ditch and no damage was done. The vehicle turned right back on. The next day I recreated the problem on some friends property. I gave the keys in the ignition a small tug and the engine would stop and the steering column would lock. The ignition never rotated out of the on position and the key remained in the ignition. I recreated this probably 5 times and it did the same thing every time. I then brought it to the dealer but they didn't have the parts to repair it so I didn't have them look at it. I had to use the vehicle sooner then they could repair it to pull a camper about 1200 miles. I diagnosed the problem to be the ignition switch. I replaced the switch myself and the vehicle has not had the same problem since. I have given the keys in the ignition the same kind of tug and it is no longer a problem. I do have the switch available for inspection. I personally can totally understand the engine turning off due to an ignition switch failure but I believe the actual steering column locking is unacceptable.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Air Handler/Chamber, Ducts, and Valves
Filed Nov 9, 2021109,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while exiting out of the garage, the windshield defroster was activated and there was a loud clicking sound coming from the HVAC system. The contact stated that the HVAC system failed to switch over to the air vents. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the defroster actuator was cracked inside in the vents causing the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2021289,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED COLORADO SPRINGS DODGE (7455 AUSTIN BLUFFS PKWY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719)475-8550) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 289,000.
EngineFire
Filed Sep 28, 2020180,000 milesWA
I WAS DRIVING ON I405 IN WASHINGTON STATE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT...I PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD AND TOOK A QUICK LOOK.. I NOTICED FLAMES ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE MOTOR ALMOST BEHIND THE FIREWALL...CALLED 911...
Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 202075,000 milesPA
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON THEMSELVES WHEN THE TRUCK IS COMPLETELY OFF. IT'S INTERMITTENT HOWEVER IT DOES IT FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO DRAIN THE BATTERY. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL HOWEVER IT DOES NOT PROVIDE A CODE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 2020188,000 milesIA
BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK EVEN AFTER REPLACING BULBS, BULB SOCKETS AND MULTIFUNCTION TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 31, 202067,000 milesHI
WIPER ASSEMBLY CAME APART AT 55 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN ALMOST WRECKED MY VEHICLE.
Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2019151,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, LOST POWER, FAILED TO ACCELERATE, AND STALLED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CODE: P1451 APPEARED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SMOLICH MOTORS (1865 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, (541) 389-1177). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER TRACKED SOOT FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE LOWER PARTICULATE EMISSION SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A MONTH LATER, THE TURBO SYSTEM FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED BY A DIESEL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 27, 2019163,000 milesID
DEATH WOBBLES: I HAVE REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH PROBLEM SOLVERS. REPLACED THE TIE RODS AND ENDS. REPLACED THE STABILIZER SHOCK, REPLACED THE TRACK BAR RUBBER BUSHINGS, REPLACED THE OTTER UNIVERSAL JOINTS ON THE AAM 9.50 14 BOLT ELECTRIC HUBS. NEW SHOCKS ALL AROUND. DROVE TO SALT LAKE CITY AND THE DEATH WOBBLES CAME BACK HAVE TO PULL OFF THE HWY AND COME TO A STOP WHILE IT IS SHAKING THE TRUCK APART. 15 TIMES FROM IDAHO.. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THE STEERING BOX HAS PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT LISTED UNDER ANY RECALLS. NEW ALIGNMENT ALSO. NEW TRANSMISSION, AT 163,000 BOILED OVER ONTO THE TURBO, THE DIPSTICK NEVER FIT IN THE TUBE AND FLUID CAUSED THE TRUCK TO CATCH FIRE. 3 YEARS AGO.
Power TrainFire
Filed Jun 27, 2019162,000 milesID
TRANSMISSION BURNED UP AND CAUSED THE TRUCK TO CATCH FIRE DUE TO IMPROPER DIPSTICK FIT. FLUID SPEWED ONTO THE TURBO AND STARTED FIRE. BURNT STUFF UP PRETTY BAD.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 6, 201976,890 milesWA
THE BRACKET THAT HOLD THE BREAK LINE TO THE REAR END (AXLE) HAD RUBBED THE METAL BREAK LINE UNTIL IT WORE THROUGH THE LINE AND THEN SPLIT CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT (FAST). I NOTICED MY BREAK PEDDLE START GOING TO THE FLOOR, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I PUSHED THE BREAK PEDDLE TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE THERE WAS A SPEED ZONE AHEAD, THE BREAK PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR. THAT'S WHEN THE E BREAK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON NOTIFYING ME THAT MY BREAK FLUID WAS LOW OR EMPTY. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION SO I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT DOWN TO SLOW DOWN, EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL TRYING TO USE MY BRAKES THE PEDDLE WOULD TO THE FLOOR, STOPPING WAS 90% GONE, I HAD TO USE MY E BRAKE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.. WHEN I STOP THE VEHICLE THAT'S WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AND NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF BREAK FLUID, I COULD ALSO SEE A STREAM OF FLUID WHERE I PULLED IN AT. SO IT WAS SPRAYING OUT WHEN I WAS USING THE BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED WHERE TRUCK IS ALWAYS PARKED THERE NO FLUID HAD BEEN LEAKED THERE. BETWEEN MY HOME AND THE 36 MILES TO TOWN IT HAD THE BRACKET HAD RUBBED THROUGH AND SPLIT THE BREAK LINE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKET HAD BEEN RUBBING THE BRAKE LINE FOR A WHILE TO SPLIT OPEN LIKE THAT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE METAL BRAKE LINE THAT WENT TO THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE. NOW I'M WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPENED TO MY OTHER BRAKE LINES. IT NEVER STATES THAT I'M TO CHECK FOR WEARING ON METAL LINES. NOTHING AFTER MARKET HAS BEEN DONE TO THIS VEHICLE IT
Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2019170,000 milesTX
STEERING DEATH WOBBLE CAN CONTROL STEERING MOTOR BROKE PISTON CONNECTION ROD BECAUSE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WORKS OR DOES SOMETHING BREAK BOLTS IN BEAD CAUSING TICK THEN VALVE SEAT DROP SO VALVE DROP TO PISTON PISTION HIT VALVE BROKE CONNECTION ROD NOW DODGE WANTS $ 5,000 TO FIX WHAT I HAD NO CONTROL OVER IT BREAKING ON MANY TRUCKS AND DIDNT FIX SO THERE WANTING ME TO FIX THERE MESSED UP FAULTY PARTS THEN EVERYTHING IT MESSED UP TO I AIN'T GOT 500 TO SPEND EXTRA LET ALONE $5,000 MINIMUM FOR DODGE MAINIFOLD BREAKING AND MESSING UP MY WHOLEOTOR I DEMAND HELP MY TRUCK AIN'T 10 YEARS OLD THIS IS NOT ON RECALL LIST BUT KEEPS HAPPENING TO A DODGE TRUCKS I HAVE 2008 RAM 2500 3X4 CREW CAB HAVE ALL MY MANITINECE RECIPETS I WANT I DEMAND HELP FOR THIS FAULTY PART LUCKLY VEHICLE AND KILLED SOMEONE WE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FOR TRUCK I WANT HELP FIXING IT NOW
Suspension
Filed Nov 19, 201879,000 milesCA
MY VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING OF THE FRONT END WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 65 TO 70 MPH AFTER HITTING A BUMP SUCH AS THE TRANSITION OF A BRIDGE APPROACH SLAB. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL CHECK OF THE TIE-ROD, AND HAVE EVEN TRIED A BEEFIER TIE ROD WITH BRACING. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS TO SLOW TO LESS THAN 40 MPH. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN A REPEATED EXPERIENCE OF DODGE RAM DRIVERS BASED ON FORUM DISCUSSIONS. I HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF BALL JOINTS REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SHAKING. THIS LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED, I WAS WITH MY WIFE TRAVELING TO THE COAST. THE SHAKING WAS SO SEVERE, WE NEARLY HIT A GUARD RAIL. I CAN'T HARDLY BELIEVE THAT DODGE HAS DESIGNED SUCH A FATAL FLAW INTO A VEHICLE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 13, 2018115,000 milesTX
COLD AIR BLOWING FROM DRIVER SIDE ONLY, WHILE PASSENGER SIDE BLOWING WARM WHEN SET ON HEATER MODE. :( PROBLEM STILL HAPPENING , MOST DISSAPOINTING AS I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED VEHICLE, AND WE'RE BEGINNING WINTER WEATHER.
Steering
Filed Oct 9, 201887,000 milesNV
I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH SO HARD I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET IT TO STOP. I'VE HAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND STILL HAVE WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON RENTALS AND ON SHOP REPAIRS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND STILL CANNOT GO OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT IT VIOLENTLY SHAKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY IT COULD KILL SOMEBODY AND I THINK DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ACTION ON REPAIRING THIS OR FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM . I HAVE CALLED DODGE AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME IT IS NOT A RECALL SO THEY CANNOT HELP ME OUT. I HAD BOUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES A BRAND NEW DRIVE LINE ALONG WITH REPLACING THE FRONT SUSPENSION 3 TIMES NOW AND I STILL CANNOT DRIVE MY TRUCK WITHOUT IT CAUSING VIOLENT SHAKING. IT HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS STARTED HAPPENING BUT I THINK THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OKAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK ON THE ROAD IT'S GOING TO HURT SOMEBODY.I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SPENT ALOT ON RENTALS .I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE BUY ANOTHER DODGE DUE TO LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFTEY.I OWN THIS VEHICLE OUTRIGHT AND WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT.THATS HOW SCARY IT IS TO DRIVE.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2018181,086 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTONATION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP SOUTHWEST (7980 W TUFTS AVE, LITTLETON, CO 80123) TO BE REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND BELIEVED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS RESEARCHED ON SAFERCAR.GOV, BUT NO OPEN RECALLS WERE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,086.
Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2018181,086 milesCO
I HAD THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL COMPLETED AT THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP (AUTO NATION, CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM SOUTHWEST, 7980 W. TUFTS AVE., LITTLETON, CO 80123), AND I CAN TELL THAT MY AIRBAGS WERE NOT REPLACED. THEY APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN WIPED DOWN, AS THERE IS DIRT IN PATTERNS OF THE TEXTURE AND CRACKS. A NEW AIRBAG WOULD NOT BE DIRTY. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED, AS THE PAPERWORK THAT I RECEIVED AFTER PICKING UP MY TRUCK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED. I WILL INCLUDE PHOTOS WITH THIS REPORT. THE AIRBAG RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON 05/25/2018, AND TODAYS DATE IS 05/31/2018. THE DIRT ACCUMULATED IN THE CREASES OF THE AIRBAGS, AND WITHIN THE TEXTURE OF THE AIRBAGS, IS NOT INDICATIVE OF SIX TO SEVEN DAYS WORTH OF DUST ACCUMULATION. UPON FIRST GLANCE WHEN PICKING UP THE TRUCK THE AIRBAGS LOOKED CLEAN; HOWEVER, AFTER CLOSE INSPECTION, TODAY, IT IS EVIDENT THAT THEY WERE NOT REPLACED. THE INVOICE FROM THE DODGE DEALERSHIP INDICATES 1 PART ISSUED FOR THE DRIVER AIRBAG AND 1 PART ISSUED FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, INDICATING THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PLEASE NOTE THAT A THIRD RECALL WAS ADDRESSED, WHICH WAS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING LINKAGE, WHICH IS CLEARLY A NEW PART ON MY TRUCK. THE ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE OCCURRED AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WHEN PARTS WERE TO BE REPLACED PER A SAFETY RECALL, BUT WERE NOT REPLACED.
Steering
Filed May 17, 2018152,000 milesOR
THE STEERING WHEEL IS SUDDENLY VERY LOOSE AND THERE IS A CLUNK UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THIS ISSUE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. I DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK OFTEN AND I DID NOT NOTICE ANY INCIDENCE OF NOTE; THERE WAS NO TIME WHEN I NOTICED A SUDDEN BUMP OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT CAME ON GRADUALLY, BUT RAPIDLY. THESE SYMPTOMS SEEM TO ALIGN WITH A PRIOR RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE CONCERNING THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD, WHICH CAN FRACTURE AT LOW SPEEDS WITHOUT NOTICE, RAPIDLY BECOMING DANGEROUS FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BECOME INOPERABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 23, 2018TX
TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE, CALLED DEALER . THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE PARTS AND WOULD CALL WHEN THEY GOT THEM. HAVEN'T CALLED YET!
Air Bags
Filed Feb 13, 2018AR
"TAKATA RECALL", MOUNTAIN HOME ARKANSAS ULTIMATE CHRYSLER TOLD ME THEY COULD DO THE RECALL BUT IF THEY BUSTED MY DASH THEY HAD NO ACCESS TO A REPLACEMENT.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 6, 2018236,000 milesIA
WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN A SNOW STORM.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 24, 20181,000,600 milesCA
I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND WAS FILLING MY VEH. WITH GAS AND IT BEGAN TO VIGOROUSLY SPRAY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK WHERE THE GAS CAP FITS AND THE STATION'S FILLER NOZZLE, ALL OVER MY SKIN, CLOTHS, THE SIDE OF THE VEH. AND THE GROUND. THIS WAS A GUSHER OF GAS SPRAYING OUT WITH FORCE AND WOULD NOT LET ME FILL THE VEH.! THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OF THE DODGE RAM TRUCKS AND IS COVERED ON ALL MODELS EXCEPT MINE. THE DEALER TELLS ME IT IS RECALL# X49 ON OTHER TRUCKS ALL AROUND MY VIN # AND AGE BUT NOT MINE. THIS A BIG FIRE ISSUE AND IF OTHER TRUCKS DO IT AND GET FIXED WHY IS MINE LESS LIKELY TO CATCH FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE HAD TO FILL IT FROM A CAN WITH A FUNNEL TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. THIS NEGATES ANY EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROLS I HAVE. PLEASE HELP ME!
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 10, 2018200,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A TANKER TRUCK MADE A LEFT TURN, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DRIVE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TANKER TRUCK. A CRASH OCCURRED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN LEFT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. *BF *TR
Steering
Filed Dec 5, 2017109,000 milesAZ
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. AS A LAST MINUTE THOUGHT I DECIDED TO STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE BEFORE HEADING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, DOWN A HILL WHICH HAD A SHARP U SHAPED TURN AT THE BOTTOM. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DISENGAGED AND BEGAN TO SPIN COMPLETELY AROUND WITHOUT ANY CONTROL. HAD I CONTINUED ON MY WAY I HATE TO THINK HOW I WOULD HAVE SURVIVED WHAT WAITED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I'M NOT A MECHANIC BUT IT SEEMS THE STEERING ROD BOLT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY AND WAS NOT COMPLETELY THROUGH THE HOLES TO THE CONNECTION. THANKFULLY, I HAD TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN IT LOST CONNECTION. I'M SURE THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH RECALLS: N62, N49, L16, H46, H36.
Steering
Filed Nov 17, 2017142,000 milesWA
THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD FELL APART. THE BALL SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE TIE ROD. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AS I WAS VEERING TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
Steering
Filed Sep 11, 201732,500 milesPA
DEATH WOBBLE, DRAG LINK FAILURE
Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 2017MT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LITHIA DODGE OF HELENA, MONTANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 11/13/17 *BF UPDATED 11/16/2017*JS
Steering
Filed Jun 25, 201760,000 milesID
I BOUGHT MY TRUCK BRAND NEW IN 2008 ..IT HAS WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE , IT ONLY DOES IT AT SPEEDS 50 OR HIGHER .. MANY DODGE TRUCK OWNERS ALSO EXPERIENCE THE SAME TROUBLE.. IT OCCURS AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN YOU HIT A SMALL BUMP , OR ROUGH PATCH ..THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WILL COME UNGLUED , AND START SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY ..IT FIRST DID IT IN 2011 , AND IT STILL DOES IT .. I CONTACTED THE DODGE CORPORATION ABOUT IT , BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT ..
Air Bags
Filed Jun 19, 2017CA
2008 DODGE RAM 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP- UNABLE TO REPAIR RECALL AT SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, CONSUMER TOLD BY DEALERSHIP TO RESCHEDULE. *LD UPDATED 06/19/2017*JS
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 19, 2017119,000 milesOK
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN DASH. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND SMELT SOMETHING BURNING. AS HE WENT TO PULL OVER FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING OUT THE VENTS. TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS PER INSURANCE.
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 201779,882 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE REOCCURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CARL BURGER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM WORLD LOCATED AT 8355 HERCULES ST, LA MESA, CA 91942; PHONE NUMBER: (619) 485-1485 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-992-1997. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CONTACT WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,882. *BF CONSUMER HAD THE TRUBO REPLACED. *JB
Air Bags
Filed May 30, 2017OR
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT ROBERSON MOTORS LOCATED ON 3100 RYAN DR SE, SALEM, OR 97301, PHONE NUMBER: (503) 363-4117 AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE.
SteeringCrash
Filed May 2, 201799,455 milesCO
THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE FAILURE WAS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND BOLT FROM THE CUP THAT IS PRESSED INTO THE CUP. TOTAL CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WAS LOST AND A MINOR ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK ENDED UP ON A MEDIAN WITH THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) TIRE ON THE MEDIAN AND THE OTHER TIRES ON THE ROAD. THE MEDIAN IS APPROXIMATELY 16 INCHES ABOVE THE ROAD BED. THE BALL JOINT IS PART OF THE STEERING MECHANISM. THE STEERING ARM ENDED UP PUSHING THE RIGHT TIRE OUT AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE OUTSIDE OR TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET NEARING AN INTERSECTION TO A 55 MILE AN HOUR HIGHWAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT ON. THE DRIVER REPORTED A SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL SIMILAR TO A FLAT AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST DUE TO THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. HAD THIS FAILURE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE DODGE RAM WOULD HAVE ROLLED. THE MILES ON THE TRUCK WERE 99,455. A BALL JOINT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 2 MAY, 2017 AND THE LEFT (RECALLED) BALL JOINT, ALL STEERING HARDWARE AND THE FAILED BALL JOINT WERE REPLACED BY A DODGE DEALER. THE RECALLED PART HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE TRUCK IN DECEMBER, 2016. THE CRASH ENDED UP IN MINIMAL TO NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DODGE DEALER AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD TO USE PLASTIC SLIDER
Steering
Filed Apr 24, 2017108,000 milesOR
MY FRONT LEFT TIE ROD IN MY TRUCK BROKE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. IT PUNCTURED A TIRE IN THE SIDEWALK WHICH IS NOT REPAIRABLE , CRACKED A WHEEL WHICH THEY DO NOT MAKE ANYMORE SO NEED TO REPLACE 4 TO MATCH AND BENT OR BROKE EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT IN THE STEERING LINKAGE SETUP. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR SOME HELP AND HAVE GOTTEN NONE. I HAVE SENT MULTIPLE EMAILS WITH NO REPLIES, TRIED THE CHAT SYSTEM ON THE MOPAR SITE AND THE PERSON (ALEX AV1129 EMPLOYEE NUMBER) WAS OF NO HELP EITHER. I HAVE PURCHASED A STEERING LINKAGE SETUP FROM LES SCHWAB FOR $649 BEFORE I KNEW THIS WAS A PAST RECALL ISSUE. I NEVER GOT ANY NOTIFICATION FOR THE RECALL OR DID I GET OFFERED THE BUY BACK OPTION. I ALSO CALLED MCCORD DODGE IN LONGVIEW WASHINGTON EXPLAINING MY ISSUE AND WAS TOLD BY A LAVONYA IN THE RECALL DEPT THERE'S NOTHING SHE CAN DO THIS IS AN ISSUE BETWEEN YOU AND CHRYSLER NOT YOU AND MCCORDS. I ALSO ASKED LAVONYA MY ADDRESS ON FILE AND SHE READ IT EXACTLY AND I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION FROM THEM EITHER. SHE WAS QUITE RUDE. SHE TOLD ME MOST PEOPLE DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT MCCORDS AND THEY FIND OUT THESE ISSUES. I LET HER KNOW I DO MY OWN MAINTENANCE AND AM NOT REQUIRED TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM SINCE MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. PLEASE HELP THANKS [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 19, 201777,000 milesTN
THREE WEEKS AGO TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO CROWN CHRYSLER DODGE IN CLEVELAND TN FOR BRAKE AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. AFTER REPAIRS MADE, DRUNK DRIVEN OFF LOT AND NOTED TO HAVE A LOUD SQUEAK EVERY TIME BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND TOLD US TO KEEP DRIVING FOR A WEEK AND PADS AND ROTOR SHOULD MESH TOGETHER AND SQUEAK WILL GO AWAY. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN, TRUCK TAKEN BACK TO DEALER, DEALER ERIN SPECTER AND STATED COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG EXCEPT GROOVE IN ROTOR CAUSED BY POSSIBLY A PEBBLE. DUE TO NOT FEELING TRUTH BEING TOLD BY THIS DEALER, TRUCK TAKEN TO DODGE DEALER IN ATHENS AND HAD BREAKS INSPECTED. TO OUR DISBELIEF, WE WERE TOLD BRAKE PADS WERE FLAKING AND CHIPPING. WE CONTACTED DODGE DEALER IN CLEVELAND TN FOR A REFUND FOR FAULTY PRODUCT BUT HAVE YET TO RECEIVE SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. DODGE COORPORATE CONTACTED AND COMPLAINT FILED. CLEVELAND DEALER STATES WE HAVE THEM PERMISSION TO USE THIRD PARTY BRAKE PADS, WHICH IS NOT TRUE AND THEY HAVE YET TO PRODUCE ANY PROOF THAT THIS IS TRUE. I TOOK MY DODGE TO DEALER FOR MOPAR PARTS AND GOT THIRD PARTY DEFECTIVE PARTS. PICTURES OF THREE WEEK OLD PADS INCLUDED.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 18, 2017200,000 milesSC
THE 08 DODGE RAM WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE CAUSING THE DODGE TO LOOSE ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT SAFELTY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THANK GOODNESS AND GET ALL ITS PASSENGERS OUT. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP NOR WOULD THE ENGINE START AFTERWARDS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED,. BOTH OTHER TWO TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND WE PAID $1000 TO REPLACE THE FUSE BOX. IT HAPPENS ONCE EVERY YEAR. HIGHWAY AND INTERSTATE. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE FUSE BOX APART AND YOU CAN SEE WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING LINK OF OTHERS REPORTING THE PROBLEM TO THE NEWS WHICH MAY BE OUR PROBLEM. HTTP://KDVR.COM/2017/02/05/FIRE-UNDER-THE-HOOD-DEFECTIVE-HEAVY-DUTY-RAM-TRUCK-ALTERNATORS/
Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 2017HI
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2017NV
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2017150,000 milesFL
DEATH WOBBLE WHEN MAKING A TURN OR HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. MUST SLOW DOWN CONSIDERABLY IN ORDER FOR THIS TO STOP. DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY OR GOING OVER 30 MPH. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM
Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 2017MS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 2, 2017100,000 milesOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE TRAVELLING 65 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO OPERATE AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V084000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 05/02/17*LJ *CN
Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 201775,000 milesVA
TAKATA INFLATORS. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS REPAIRED FOR OVER A YEAR AND I USE MY TRUCK A LOT BUT AM AFRAID TO CARRY MY WIFE AND CHILDREN IN THE TRUCK. WE USUALLY CAMP QUITE OFTEN DURING THE SUMMER BUT I CAN'T PULL OUR RV FOR WORRYING ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT IF WE'RE IN AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS MAY INJURE OR EVEN KILL MY FAMILY. AS LONG AS IT'S BEEN SEEMS LIKE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I WOULD RATHER HAVE MY AIRBAGS TURNED OFF BUT THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T. I WOULD RATHER DO WITHOUT THE AIRBAGS RATHER THAN TAKE A CHANCE THAT THEY COULD DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD. LOOKS LIKE I NEED TO GET RID OF THE TRUCK AND PURCHASE A TRUCK THAT I CAN CARRY MY FAMILY IN.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 2017AZ
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V52000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 14, 201679,000 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2016NC
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V313000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering
Filed Nov 18, 2016144,000 milesAZ
AT 75 MPH ON INTERSTATE TOWING A 25 FT. TRAVEL TRAILER LEFT LANE PASSING SEMI. MY TRUCK ENCOUNTERED BRIDGE SEAM. FRONT STEERING BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. MAINTAINED CONTROL OF TRUCK. EVENT LASTED MAYBE 30 SECONDS AND ONLY STOPPED AFTER SLOWING TO 30 MPH. THIS IS THE FOURTH OCCURENCE OF THE "DEATH WOBBLE". TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER AFTER THE FIRST, WAS TOLD CHRYSLER KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAD NO REMEDY.
Complaints 1-50 of 317, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Ram 2500 years to avoid. Owners filed 317 complaints, against about 283 for a typical Ram 2500 year. The most common complaint is about the steering (51%).
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
The steering: 162 of the 317 complaints (51%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (15%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (7%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (3%). The typical report comes at 60,608 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 have?
9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 24, 2016. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 16V352000, covered 4,648,270 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 60,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 60,608 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.
Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
The manufacturer filed 66 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (23), the electrical system (11) and the transmission (10). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
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.