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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-DODGE-RAM-3500
2008 · Dodge

Dodge Ram 3500 problems

0 safety recalls. 173 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

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

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 7 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
94 reports · avg $700
severe
engine
17 reports · avg $3,100
severe
airbags
15 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
15 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
7 reports · avg $2,500
severe
suspension
7 reports · avg $900
moderate
tires
6 reports · avg $150
moderate
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Ram 3500?
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 3500 · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS FRACTURED AND LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557928.0
2008 Ram 3500 · electrical Fire
ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE TIPM HAS FAILED ON THIS TRUCK. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND ONE HAPPENED IN 2013. THE THIRD TIME IN DEC OF 2015. ALL THREE TIMES THE MOTOR QUIT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE DASHBOARD WENT OFF. THE TIPM BOX THEN STARTED…
12/29/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816702.0
2008 Ram 3500 · powertrain Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. NO OCCUPANTS WERE IN THE VEHICLE NOR THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THE BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE WAS BADLY DAMAGED. HE TURNED THE BATTERY CABLES OFF IN ORDER TO STOP THE ENGINE…
12/28/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297107.0
2008 Ram 3500 · airbags Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, CONCUSSIONS, AND LACERATIONS TO…
12/22/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811642.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 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 3500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 94 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 3500 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 3500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 173 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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