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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup recalls, complaints and safety ratings

There are 7 US recalls for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup, including 2 urgent (do not drive or park outside), and 12 in Canada. Owners filed 579 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags.

7US recalls
2urgent recalls
579owner complaints
–overall crash rating

Is your car affected?

Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.

Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

US recalls (7)

Do not drive

Air bags: frontal, passenger side

2016-05-24 · campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

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 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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 resulting in serious injury or death.

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 for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Do not drive

Air bags: frontal, driver side

2015-05-26 · campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

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 a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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.

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 owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

2013-11-06 · campaign 13V528000 · 706,664 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

2013-11-06 · campaign 13V529000 · 271,733 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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 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 for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

2011-07-06 · campaign 11V350000 · 242,780 vehicles

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 FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Risk and remedy

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

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.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

2010-12-24 · campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

2009-03-13 · campaign 09V084000 · 65,896 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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.

Canadian recalls (12)

Show 12 Canadian recalls

Airbag

2016-05-27 · campaign 2016-265

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Airbag

2015-05-27 · campaign 2015-228

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2015-003. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of the previous special service campaign will have a replacement inflator installed.

Steering

2013-11-07 · campaign 2013-395

A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks. If the drag link assemblies in question were installed improperly, the left tie rod ball stud may fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Chrysler will notify owners of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks (other than those covered by recall 2013-397 (N49)) since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2009-019 (H46). Parts replaced under the previous campaign will also need to be replaced under this campaign.

Steering

2013-11-07 · campaign 2013-396

Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: As an interim repair, dealers will align the left tie rod end. Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly once parts are available. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2010-465 (K28). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.

Steering

2013-11-07 · campaign 2013-397

On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2011-253 (L16). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.

Steering

2011-07-14 · campaign 2011-253

On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. Additionally, other 2003-2008 Ram vehicles may have received the affected tie rod as a replacement part during service, and are therefore also involved in this campaign. Although this condition tends to occur when making a tight turn during low speed parking lot type maneuvers, tie rod failure could result in a loss of directional stability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left outer tie rod end and tighten the track bar bolt. Note: The tie rod replacement portion of this recall was superseded by recall 2013-396.

Steering

2010-12-24 · campaign 2010-465

Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the left outer tie rod assembly.

Electrical

2009-03-11 · campaign 2009-080

On certain 2008 Dodge Ram light duty and 2008-2009 heavy duty pickup trucks, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly.

Electrical

2009-03-11 · campaign 2009-081 · 363 vehicles

Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Owners who had windshield wiper motor assemblies serviced during the '08 and '09 calendar year will be requested to take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Steering

2009-01-21 · campaign 2009-019

Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The drag link assemblies in question may fracture, which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Also, in some cases, the steering damper attaching bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This may restrict the ability to turn the vehicle in one direction. Chrysler will notify owners (other than those covered by recall 09-010 (H36)) of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Steering

2009-01-12 · campaign 2009-010

On certain 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, the drag link inner tie rod attachment to the pitman arm ball stud may fracture. A loss of steering control could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Also, in some cases, the steering damper attaching bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This may restrict the ability to turn the vehicle in one direction. Correction: Dealers will replace the drag link inner tie rod assembly. The steering damper will also be inspected and, if required, the damper bracket and bolts will be replaced.

Other

2008-12-16 · campaign 2008-446

On certain Ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine, a silencer pad may sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation cooler, which could result in an engine compartment fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket to support the silencer pad.

Owner complaints (579)

Owners filed 579 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (44 crashes, 7 fires, 39 injuries reported).

Most-reported problemComplaints
Air bags166
Steering109
Power train77
Electrical system55
Fuel/propulsion system50
Suspension49
Engine38
Unknown or other27

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab–––4★
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab–––4★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for each 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup version.

VersionCity MPGHighway MPGCombinedYearly fuel cost
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 3.7 L Automatic 4-spd141916$4,200
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 3.7 L Manual 6-spd161917$3,950
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 4.7 L Manual 6-spd131714$4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 4.7 L Automatic 5-spd131815$4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 4.7 L Automatic 5-spd131815$4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 4.7 L Manual 6-spd131714$4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 5.7 L Automatic 5-spd131915$4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 4.7 L Manual 6-spd121614$4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 4.7 L Automatic 5-spd131715$4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 4.7 L Automatic 5-spd131715$4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 4.7 L Manual 6-spd121614$4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 5.7 L Automatic 5-spd131714$4,800
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.