VehicleVerdict

2008 Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2008 Ram 3500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 3500 years?

3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted1,121 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 8 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 182 complaints2014: 304 complaints2015: 205 complaints2016: 180 complaints2017: 421 complaints2018: 1,121 complaints2019: 178 complaints2020: 155 complaints2021: 89 complaints2022: 239 complaints2023: 21 complaints2024: 56 complaints2025: 75 complaints2026: 41 complaints
3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering338%
Electrical System225%
Suspension225%
Lighting113%

Does the 2008 Ram 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V739000Electrical SystemOctober 13, 2016 · 74,811 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 1, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 1, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 15, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 15, 2014

2008 Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2008 Ram 3500 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 3500 years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2014, 2022, 2015, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2009. The cleanest record among 3500 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.