DODGE RAM 1500 · model year

2008 DODGE RAM 1500

718 NHTSA complaints, 48 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008DODGERAM 1500 carries 718 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 48 crashes, 9 fires, 44 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 RAM 1500 is air bags with 162 filings, followed by steering (96) and power train (62). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2008 RAM 1500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

718
Complaints
48
Crashes
9
Fires
44
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

718 filings

Crashes Reported

48 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS162
STEERING96
POWER TRAIN62
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM50
SUSPENSION38
ENGINE35
UNKNOWN OR OTHER27
WHEELS19
SERVICE BRAKES18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING15
VISIBILITY/WIPER14
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
SUSPENSION:FRONT10

Recalls (8)

15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2005-2

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2

10E04000023/08/2010

WHEELS:HUB

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING

07E10400011/12/2007

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDER

13V52800006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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 assemb

13V52900006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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.

11V35000006/07/2011

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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,

10E01300003/05/2010

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CON

Recent Complaints

20251228POWER TRAIN

Was driving home going 35 the rear end spider gears decided to lock up completely cause loss of control of my vehicle

20251126POWER TRAIN

My rear driveline separated from the rear differential causing the rear differential to seize up. It is available for inspection. This occurred while driving down a highway at 45 MPH, there was some humming noise then it shook for a second and then load pop sound and send me fish tailing down the highway and then sliding sideways being stuck blocking the lane of traffic. I just contacted the dealership, and they cannot look at it under a recall situation because my vin is not listed on the preexisting recall. I was told to contact the manufacturer directly. As of today 11/26/25, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages. Symptoms were only morning of the incident 11/24/25 after leaving my house halfway down the road approximately half a mile I started to hear a slight humming came to a stop sign didn't hear anything drove forward a block and a half to a stop light did not hear any humming in that t

20251126SUSPENSION

My rear driveline separated from the rear differential causing the rear differential to seize up. It is available for inspection. This occurred while driving down a highway at 45 MPH, there was some humming noise then it shook for a second and then load pop sound and send me fish tailing down the highway and then sliding sideways being stuck blocking the lane of traffic. I just contacted the dealership, and they cannot look at it under a recall situation because my vin is not listed on the preexisting recall. I was told to contact the manufacturer directly. As of today 11/26/25, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages. Symptoms were only morning of the incident 11/24/25 after leaving my house halfway down the road approximately half a mile I started to hear a slight humming came to a stop sign didn't hear anything drove forward a block and a half to a stop light did not hear any humming in that t

20251126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My rear driveline separated from the rear differential causing the rear differential to seize up. It is available for inspection. This occurred while driving down a highway at 45 MPH, there was some humming noise then it shook for a second and then load pop sound and send me fish tailing down the highway and then sliding sideways being stuck blocking the lane of traffic. I just contacted the dealership, and they cannot look at it under a recall situation because my vin is not listed on the preexisting recall. I was told to contact the manufacturer directly. As of today 11/26/25, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages. Symptoms were only morning of the incident 11/24/25 after leaving my house halfway down the road approximately half a mile I started to hear a slight humming came to a stop sign didn't hear anything drove forward a block and a half to a stop light did not hear any humming in that t

20250605SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was severely shaking and vibrating. The contact replaced the struts and tie rods; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel felt extremely loose, and the vehicle was pulling to one side. The contact also experienced the "Death Wobble" on several occasions while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 222,700.

Mileage: 222,700

20250605STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was severely shaking and vibrating. The contact replaced the struts and tie rods; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel felt extremely loose, and the vehicle was pulling to one side. The contact also experienced the "Death Wobble" on several occasions while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 222,700.

Mileage: 222,700

20250314FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while going to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was an object hanging down by the driver's side rear wheel well. The contact observed that the metal strap had detached from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the metal strap was extremely corroded. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 113,999.

Mileage: 113,999

20241217CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

On Saturday, [XXX] my husband was in his 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 slowly pulling into our gate to access our carport. I was holding the gate open for him. Suddenly, the truck took off like a rocket. It crashed through the back wall of the carport, across our backyard, into our large shed, through the shed, exited the shed and went over our chain link fence, the neighbor’s chain link fence and came to a stop in the corner of her front porch. The first neighbor that got to the truck after hearing the wreck said the engine was still revved up so he turned the key off. My husband was alert but in a state of shock. Neither he nor our dog, who was in the back seat, were hurt thank [XXX] . I called 911. We had Highway Patrol, Sheriff, Fire and EMTs all come to the scene. The EMTs and Highway Patrolman said he was alert and responding to them. He was not injured, so he did not go to the hospital to be checked out. He was not given a citation by the Highway Patrolman. Our insurance agent said, aft

20241020POWER TRAIN

missing 2 bolts on drive shaft almost had a accident

20240411FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When filling gas at the pump, it shuts off constently. During this process, I am spilling gas on the ground while trying to deal with getting my tank filled. I had the gas fill line replacement done a few years ago and solved this very same problem, but the problem has returned. I have read in dodge forums of this happening to other owners and sounds like there may be an OEM solution to replace the gas fill line vent tube. I have checked with my dealer and OEM website, but there has not been anything done about this from the OEM.

20240112SERVICE BRAKES

The ESP/BAS warning lights came on. I had the truck diagnosed and the Automatic Braking System has failed. Chrysler/Fiat has discontinued the parts necessary to repair the vehicle and they don't appear to be available in the US anymore. If it cannot be repaired, this poses a dire crash/accident risk to me and my family. I can't imagine a manufacturer not providing parts for such a significant safety risk. Thanks for your time.

20231030ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2008 RAM 1500 4 door p/up truck. Factory radio/ . Noise coming from CD player when radio was playing . Saturday morning , radio off . Radio screen lights up like the inside of a bread toaster . Orange Lines appear on the screen. and get hot to the touch . looks like melting wires . I Pulled over and disconnected the battery negative . looked for a Radio fuse in the fuse panel . but was unsuccessful . There was a Burning smell coming from the radio or dashboard still hot to the touch after unsuccessfully locating a Radio Fuse Anywhere . I reconnect the battery negative and noticed the same problem is occurring and then disconnected the negative and Call for assistance . Please help.

20231030UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2008 RAM 1500 4 door p/up truck. Factory radio/ . Noise coming from CD player when radio was playing . Saturday morning , radio off . Radio screen lights up like the inside of a bread toaster . Orange Lines appear on the screen. and get hot to the touch . looks like melting wires . I Pulled over and disconnected the battery negative . looked for a Radio fuse in the fuse panel . but was unsuccessful . There was a Burning smell coming from the radio or dashboard still hot to the touch after unsuccessfully locating a Radio Fuse Anywhere . I reconnect the battery negative and noticed the same problem is occurring and then disconnected the negative and Call for assistance . Please help.

20230423STEERING

Front end suspension and steering problems, very loud rubbing sound and unstable feels like it might brake apart.

20230423SUSPENSION

Front end suspension and steering problems, very loud rubbing sound and unstable feels like it might brake apart.

20230327STEERING

The cv axle on the passenger side has gone out 3 times in the last 6 months. That's not just coincidence. And there is no extreme driving conditions or unnecessary turning going on.

20230327POWER TRAIN

The cv axle on the passenger side has gone out 3 times in the last 6 months. That's not just coincidence. And there is no extreme driving conditions or unnecessary turning going on.

20230307AIR BAGS

We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.

20230307SEATS

We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.

20230307STEERING

We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.

Compare 2008DODGERAM 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 have?
The 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 has 718 NHTSA complaints, 48 crashes, 9 fires, 44 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 is AIR BAGS with 162 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.