The Used Car Index

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

NHTSA lists 554 complaints for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500, 40 of them mention a crash and 6 mention a fire. 29 complaints mention an injury, with 37 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as DODGE RAM 1500.

At a glance

Complaints
554
With crash
40
With fire
6
With injury (complaints)
29
Injuries
37
Deaths
0
Recalls
5
Do not drive recalls
2
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
4,648,270
Investigations
2
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
55

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
AIR BAGS16529.8%
STEERING10318.6%
POWER TRAIN7313.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM529.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM509.0%
SUSPENSION498.8%
ENGINE356.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER274.9%
WHEELS193.4%
SERVICE BRAKES183.2%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
SUSPENSIONFRONT12
STEERINGLINKAGES10
STRUCTUREBODY8
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
POWER TRAINDRIVELINE4
VISIBILITYWINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER4
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGTURN SIGNAL3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE2
POWER TRAINAXLE ASSEMBLY2
STRUCTUREFRAME AND MEMBERS2

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

5 recalls.

16V352000

Date: 2016-05-24. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: 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 (excerpt)

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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

15V313000

Date: 2015-05-26. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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 owner (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

13V529000

Date: 2013-11-06. Systems: STEERING.

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. (excerpt)

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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 fo (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V528000

Date: 2013-11-06. Systems: STEERING.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V350000

Date: 2011-07-06. Systems: STEERING.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

2 investigations; 1 open.

EA21002

Opened: 2021-09-17. Closed: Not listed.

Desiccated 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. 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 rupt

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

AQ14003

Opened: 2014-10-20. Closed: 2016-05-16.

Chrysler'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 opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both o

Systems: STEERING.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

55 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING18
EQUIPMENT14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
STRUCTURE7
POWER TRAIN5
STEERING4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
SEAT BELTS2

11017451

Date: 2025-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

LAMP - DOME

11010205

Date: 2024-10-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Plate - Planetary

10244348

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

10248509

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

10221097

Date: 2021-04-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Transmission 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. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit P

10190584

Date: 2021-03-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

GEAR 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. Do not have the transfer case in in ano

10220837

Date: 2021-03-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN.

GEAR 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. Do not have the transfer case in in ano

10191441

Date: 2021-02-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Noise coming from the rear HVAC blower due to interference.

10191442

Date: 2021-02-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.

10220471

Date: 2021-02-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
RAM 1500554

Same model, other years

All model years | All Dodge models

Other Dodge models, 2008

Sources

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