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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-DODGE-RAM-2500
2008 · Dodge

Dodge Ram 2500 problems

1 safety recall. 317 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
175 reports · avg $700
moderate
engine
32 reports · avg $3,100
severe
airbags
28 reports · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
19 reports · avg $900
severe
powertrain
15 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
11 reports · avg $850
severe
visibility
10 reports · avg $350
moderate
cruise control
4 reports · avg $600
moderate
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Ram 2500?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Ram 2500 · engine
I PURCHASED A NEW DODGE RAM 2500 PICK-UP IN MARCH 2008. WITHIN 5 WEEKS, VEHICLE STARTED OPERATING POORLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, TRUCK WOULD LOSE POWER, HEAVY BLACK SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. TRUCK WAS BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP EIGHT TIMES IN FIRST SIX MONTHS. DODGE…
12/30/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373509.0
2008 Ram 2500 · engine Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR OF COOLANT EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED RAPIDLY AS THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE…
12/28/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816451.0
2008 Ram 2500 · steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING ASSEMBLY…
12/22/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811678.0
2008 Ram 2500 · steering
WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH AND DROVE OVER A PATCHED SPOT IN ROAD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE/SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL I BRAKE OR SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO APPROX 35 MPH. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON 3 OCCASSIONS SINCE THE INITIAL EVENT AND TWO TIMES HAS CREATED A VERY UNSAFE…
12/22/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10556960.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 08V641000 05/12/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Fix: 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 1-800-853-1403.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 317 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 175 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Dodge Ram 2500 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 317 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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