Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2008 Dodge Ram sits mid-pack among Ram years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (7), engine (5), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
33
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 7 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK. HE STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO AVOID HITTING AN APPROACHING VEHICLE BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT…”
“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated the sensor needed to be replaced as well as the harness. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on back order. The…”
“ON A MISTY MORNING OUR TRUCK BEGAN TO SKID AS WE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER YIELDING TO EXITING TRAFFIC ON AN ACCESS ROAD ON IH 10. MY HUSBAND TRIED TO CONTROL THE SKID BY STEERING INTO IT, BUT WE JUST KEPT SKIDDING OUT OF CONTROL. HE PURPOSELY REMEMBERS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKE IN AN ATTEMPT TO…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR POST. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE GARAGE POST, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE HOOD. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR POST. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE GARAGE POST, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE HOOD. THE…”
It is close to typical for the Ram: 33 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.