Should I buy a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems

moderate 109 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

109

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 13V528000 06/11/2013

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

A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

critical NHTSA 10E013000 03/05/2010

FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS

STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

Fix: 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 FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

steering · filed 12/31/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V005000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…

steering · filed 12/24/2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) AND WAS WAITING FOR MONTHS TO RECEIVE THE PART FROM THE DEALER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO EXPERIENCING A FAILURE IN WHICH THE FRONT GLASS HAD POOR VISIBILITY. T…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 109 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.