2008 Ram 3500 problems

General information about Ram-3500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 Ram 3500 problems

The 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 has several common problems reported by its owners, primarily in the categories of suspension, steering, and AC/heater issues.

Suspension problems are the most prevalent, with 9 issues reported and an average mileage of 87,215 miles at the time of the complaint. The symptoms of these suspension issues may begin with a creaking in the front axle area and can include steering wheel chop upon return to center, which poses a safety concern. The repair for these suspension problems can be costly and time-consuming, causing inconvenience for owners.

Steering problems are another significant issue for the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, with 4 issues reported and an average mileage of 87,215 miles at the time of the complaint. These steering issues can make the vehicle difficult to control, posing a safety risk for both the driver and other road users. The symptoms of these steering problems may include a creaking in the front axle area and steering wheel chop upon return to center.

AC/heater problems are also a common issue for the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, with 3 issues reported and an average mileage of 87,215 miles at the time of the complaint. These issues can make the vehicle uncomfortable to drive, especially in extreme weather conditions. The symptoms of these AC/heater problems may include a malfunctioning air conditioning system or heater.

In addition to these issues, the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 has also been subject to recalls related to Takata airbag inflators, which have been linked to 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries. These recalls have affected over 37 million vehicles, including the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500.

Overall, the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 has several common problems that can affect its safety, comfort, and reliability. Owners of this vehicle should be aware of these issues and take appropriate action to address them, such as seeking repairs or participating in recalls.

2008 Ram 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Suspension problems
Electrical system problems
Exterior lighting problems
Electronic stability control (esc) problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Ram 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2008 Ram 3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Ram 3500.

2020-05-09

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-04-02
VIN: 3D3MX38A58G
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE", REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR BOX STABILIZER/BRACE, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THIS HAPPENS WHEN GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND YOU ENCOUNTER BUMPS, THE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP THE SHAKING, THE OTHER FIXES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THESE VEHICLES.

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2019-03-18

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-03-06
VIN: 3D7MX48A68G
Components: STEERING
Summary: MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE FRONT END OF MY 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 QUAD CAB DUALLY DIESEL. I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE DEATH WOBBLE AFTER REPLACING EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT END EXCEPT THE DRAG LINK STEERING LINK. I HAVE THE FACTORY "Y" TYPE AND WAS TOLD DODGE WAS REPLACING THEM WITH THE "T"STYLE. PLEASE ADVISE BEFORE I GET KILLED IN THIS THING. HIGHWAY BETWEEN 40 AND 65 I HIT A BUMP ANDTHE FRONT END STARTS JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL I COME TO AN ALMOST STOP.

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2018-10-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-03-15
VIN: 3D7MX38A58G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Summary: THE 4X4 ACTUATOR KEPT CLICKING IN AND OUT AND DAMAGED MY TRANSFER CASE WHERE I HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW ONE, NOW IT'S STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. ALSO MY HEATER BLOWS COLD ON DIVER SIDE AND HOT ON PASSENGER SIDE. ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN DONE BUT THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF, SAYING I NEED TO HAVE IT SERVICED. HEAD LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS KEEP FLUCTUATING IN BRIGHT AND DEEMING.

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2018-01-10

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-11-01
VIN: 3D7MX48A28G
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING, THE TIE ROD FELL OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE TO FREMONT MOTOR CODY (3127 BIG HORN AVE, CODY, WY 82414), BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIE ROD HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

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2008 Ram 3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2008 Ram 3500.

2016-10-13

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.