2008 Dodge RAM 5500
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2012 | 40 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
CHRYSLER ISSUED A RECALL ON THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ASSEMBLY SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140512
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140227
2008 DODGE 5500 VIN [XXX] DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FAILED / SHEARED APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED BY CHRYSLER, YET CHRYSLER SAYS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ONE OF THE TRUCKS THAT THE DEFECTIVE TIE RODS WAS INSTALLED IN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100720
4 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150211
1 of 19 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY LIGHTS STARTED TO FAIL THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCKS ELECTRICAL ALL WENT OUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP WITH NO POWER I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO GET THE TRUCK STOPPED THE FUSE BOX CAUGHT FIRE NOTHING ELSE WAS DAMAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090428
SAFETY TIMELINE
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three
Campaign 13V527000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Dodge RAM 5500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V527000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V313000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V352000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Dodge RAM 5500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge RAM 5500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge RAM 5500 have?
3 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.