CHRYSLER: RAM 1500 FUEL TANK NEEDS REPLACING, CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN REFUELING VEHICLES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
1injury
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 in our records for fuel system problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA fuel system complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Fuel Spit Back During Refueling (X49 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank fill tube. This new fill tube incorporates a check valve. Some customers may experience a fuel spit back condition during vehicle refueling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Injector, Fuel Issue Description: Attention: Be aware that although they may look the same there are different injectors for the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel depending on application and they are not interchangeable! Using the wrong injector may seriously affect engine operation. The proper usages are as follows:~ For DH/D1 (Ram 2500/3500 pickup - with a factory bed) the P/N is: 68027067AA~ For DC/DM (Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cabs) the P/N is: 68002012AB
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2008 Dodge Ram 1500s report two distinct fuel-system failures. The most common complaint involves fuel overflow during refueling: gas spills or sprays from the filler neck when the pump kicks off at full tank, affecting multiple owners regardless of fuel pump type or station. Several owners sustained minor burns (blisters) from fuel contact. One complaint links this to NHTSA Campaign 18V160000. The second failure involves a corroded or detached metal fuel-tank strap discovered hanging near the driver's rear wheel well, involving rust degradation on what should be a structural component.
A related issue involves the automatic shut-off valve failing to stop fuel flow during refueling, allowing overflow. One owner also reports fuel sloshing into the engine when the tank is completely full and the vehicle slows down or turns, causing stalling.
One complaint cites poor fuel economy (9–10 MPG city, 14–17 MPG highway) appearing very early, which the dealer dismissed. Owners note these failures occur at low mileage—some as early as 400 miles—and persist regardless of driving conditions or fuel-station variables. Dealers have confirmed the filler-neck defect; several owners were told the fuel tank or filler pipe needed replacement but were not repaired. The manufacturer was notified in some cases but provided limited assistance.
Same Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel overflow at filler neck during refueling
Gasoline spills or sprays from the filler neck when the pump's automatic shut-off engages at full tank. Occurs repeatedly and consistently regardless of fuel pump type or gas station. One owner sustained blisters from fuel contact.
When: Low mileage—as early as 400 miles; one reported at 5,000 miles; persists through 113,999 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel spills or sprays from filler neck when tank is filled to capacity; Overflow occurs when pump auto shut-off engages; Gas splashes on truck exterior and ground; Occurs regardless of fuel pump type or gas station; Fuel spray hazard near ignition sources
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers confirmed filler-neck defect and advised replacement of filler pipe and/or fuel tank. Repairs not performed by complainants.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); manufacturer opened case but provided limited assistance. Dealers acknowledged the defect was known.
Fuel-tank support strap corrosion and detachment
Metal support strap securing fuel tank becomes severely corroded and detaches, hanging from the driver's side rear wheel well. Represents structural integrity and safety concern.
When: Discovered at 113,999 miles; may occur earlier given corrosion severity.
Symptoms owners cite: Metal strap hanging from driver's side rear wheel well; Extreme corrosion visible on strap; Detachment from fuel tank
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired by owner; detached strap observed but no repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 18V160000; manufacturer was informed but strap not included in recall records examined.
Automatic fuel shut-off valve failure
Automatic shut-off valve on fuel pump fails to stop fuel flow when tank reaches capacity, allowing overflow from the filler neck.
When: Observed at very low mileage—as early as 10 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel overflows from filler neck during refueling; Automatic shut-off does not engage; Gasoline spills before pump can be manually stopped
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented by complainants.
Engine stalling when tank is full and vehicle decelerates
Engine stalls when vehicle slows down or turns immediately after filling tank to capacity. Suggests fuel sloshing into engine intake or fuel-system routing issue.
When: Occurs immediately after full refueling.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when vehicle slowed down or turned after full refuel; Fuel slosh behavior with full tank
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
When fueling the vehicle approximately 10 seconds gas starts shooting out of the gas tank, all over the ground, all over myself, and all over the vehicle. I have been told that it could be a vent issue in the neck of the fueling path. This is a definite safety issue. There have been multiple complaints about this same situation happening in other Dodge vehicles. Could you please contact me to…
Had fuel system trouble with your 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, fuel system issues most often appear around 55,728 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Dodge/Ram 1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.