2008 Dodge Ram problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 2008 Dodge Ram problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is prone to cracking, especially when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. This issue is more prevalent in models from 2002 to 2005. To prevent cracking, owners can use fabric dash covers or opt for plastic shells that fit over the existing dashboard, providing protection and a seamless appearance.
- Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors Malfunction: Some trucks experience issues with the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, leading to engine stalling while driving. Replacing these faulty sensors with improved versions resolves the problem and ensures smooth engine operation.
- Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage: V8 engines in the Dodge Ram 1500 may suffer from broken exhaust manifold bolts over time, resulting in exhaust leaks that can be mistaken for lifter ticking noises. Premium grade bolts and studs can be installed to address this issue effectively.
- Water Pump Coolant Leaks: The water pump in certain 5.7-liter Hemi engines is prone to developing coolant leaks before reaching 100,000 miles. Detecting and replacing a faulty water pump promptly is crucial to prevent overheating and engine damage.
- Steering Rack and Pinion Leaks: Some Dodge Ram trucks experience fluid leaks in the steering rack and pinion at low mileage, leading to premature failure. Repairing or replacing the damaged steering gear with a new unit from the manufacturer resolves this issue and ensures safe steering performance.
- Rust Issues: The body of the truck, particularly around the rear fenders, is susceptible to rust, especially in regions with snowy climates. Frames, suspension components, and rear differential parts can also be prone to rust, necessitating regular inspections and rust prevention measures.
- Pinion Bearing Problems: Pinion bearings in the rear differential may get pitted, causing rolling noises at speeds over 30 miles per hour. Replacing damaged bearings, installing new components, and ensuring proper sealing resolves this issue and maintains smooth operation of the rear differential.
- Recirculating Blend Door Breakage: The recirculating blend door can break over time, leading to issues with temperature control in the cabin. Upgrading to a heavy-duty blend door can provide a permanent solution to ensure consistent heating and cooling performance.
- Suspension Wear: Ball joints and outer tie rod ends are prone to rapid wear, causing alignment issues, suspension noises, and uneven tire wear. Replacing these worn components and realigning the truck is essential to maintain safe and stable driving conditions.
- Front Wheel Bearing Noise: Front wheel bearings in some trucks may become noisy and develop play, especially in lifted trucks with larger wheels and tires. Replacing these bearings with heavier-duty replacements resolves the issue and ensures smooth and quiet operation of the front wheels.
Was 2008 a good year for Ram 1500?
Though overshadowed by fresher competition, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is still the king of big-truck attitude and can handle the diverse duties of comfortable daily driver and capable workhorse with equal ease.
How long will a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
How many miles can you put on a 2008 Dodge Ram?
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
Is the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 good or bad?
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 a Good Truck? Yes, the 2008 Dodge Ram is a good truck based on information including 138 verified owner reviews, and 18 government and automotive websites. The positives for the Ram include powerful V8 engine choices, and more interior room than other full size trucks.
How long will a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
How many miles can you put on a 2008 Dodge Ram?
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice.
2008 Dodge Ram complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Dodge Ram.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2008 Dodge Ram recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2008 Dodge Ram.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
- Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 65,896 MY 2008-2009 LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
- Consequence: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
- Consequence: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.
- Consequence: 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 BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Dodge Ram problems:
Common problems with 08 1500 SLT 5.7L?? : r/DodgeRam
Jan 18, 2021 ... Recalls/CarFax... etc · Hemi Tick or engine knocking ( Very Audible ) · Transmission problems ( Drive slow, feel the shifts ) · LSD/Rear ...
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
Top 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems · Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break · Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal · Multiple Coolant Leaks · Cam Sensor Failure ...
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7 Engine: Common Issues & Problems ...
Jun 15, 2018 ... They all need to have battery voltage on them. This could be a faulty connection before or even after the the fuses. Another possible cause ...
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 21, 2022 ... This truck is very reliable, it starts up everyday nothing had broke and it has over 100k miles on it. The back seat has more room than most ...
Q&A: 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 Magnum - Common Problems ...
Mar 1, 2011 ... What causes intermittent failure in dodge ram 1500 with 5.9 L V8 - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic.
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