2008 Dodge RAM 3500

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:31:08.695Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 3500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2008 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 223 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
2008: 173 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007208
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011223
2012365

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 50%

50% of complaints: steering — 86 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

OWNER OF 2008 DODGE 3500 DUALLY WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN FUSE BOX CAUGHT FIRE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED CONTINUOUSLY SQUIRTING AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120507

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACK BAR FAILED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080515

.The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse in the driveway, the steering wheel made an abnormal cracking sound and became significantly loosened.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240625

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACK BAR FAILED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080515

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING DOWN MY STREET. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WINDSHIELD WASHER FUNCTION TURNED ON. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED CYCLING MY KEY TO RESTART THE TRUCK. THEN WITH THE KEY IN OFF POSITION SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120525

OWNER OF 2008 DODGE 3500 DUALLY WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN FUSE BOX CAUGHT FIRE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED CONTINUOUSLY SQUIRTING AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120507

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT STATED EMPLOYED BY A COMPANY THAT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AN ABNORMAL ODOR WAS DETECTED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200213

SAFETY TIMELINE

2008 — complaint volume: 173
R 20080115 — visibility

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

Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIM

Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20080815 — trailer hitches

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO

Remedy: KNAPHEIDE WILL OFFER TWO REMEDIES TO ITS CUSTOMERS: (1) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT USE THE HITCH, THE HITCH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK BED AND REPLACED WITH AN ICC BUMPER; OR (2) FOR THOSE CUS

Campaign 08V344000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090126 — engine and engine cooling

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EGR COOLER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1

Campaign 08V641000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090216 — steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMA

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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 1

Campaign 09V005000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20091231 — equipment

E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHEVROLET W5500, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 DODGE 3500, MODEL YEAR 2009 MIGHTY MOVER, MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FORD E-250, E-350 AND E-450, MODEL YEAR

Remedy: E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER

Campaign 09V434000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100524 — steering

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.

Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTEC

Campaign 10E013000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20110404 — PE (closed 20120206)

Outer Tie Rod Failure

R 20111003 — steering

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, MANUFACTUR

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 C

Campaign 11V350000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140116 — steering

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. Th

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 rem

Campaign 13V529000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140117 — steering

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 Meg

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.

Campaign 13V528000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20141020 — AQ (closed 20160516)

Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529

R 20150608 — air bags

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...

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.

Campaign 15V313000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170327 — air bags

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.

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.

Campaign 16V352000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (86 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08V344000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08V641000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09V005000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09V434000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10E013000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V350000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V529000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V528000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V313000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V352000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 2000 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2003 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 have?

11 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.