Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 17 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Dodge Ram 3500 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Ram 3500 diesel demonstrates a pattern of emissions system failures centered on the DPF (diesel particulate filter) and regeneration process. Multiple owners describe the system warning them of high catalyst levels (70–100%), then losing engine power while towing or driving highway speeds. Dealers initially cleared fault codes temporarily ($80 per visit) before the filter needed replacement at significant cost. One owner drove 50 miles at 85 mph trying to trigger manual regeneration; another faced a $5,000 repair bill for DPF and EGR valve replacement.
Beyond clogging, owners report violent engine jerking during light-throttle acceleration—one dealer acknowledged 6–7 other 6.7L diesel owners with the same issue. In at least one case, a turbo failed after excessive carbon buildup (a consequence of the faulty catalytic system), requiring a $2,200 turbo/exhaust replacement.
Most alarming are three engine compartment fires, including one at just 1,500 miles following a NHTSA recall repair. Two vehicles burned completely; one was towed to a dealership with exhaust fumes entering the cab. Owners also report multiple stalling incidents where the truck lost all power and wouldn't restart without towing.
Dodge's official response has been inconsistent—some dealers claimed jerking was normal throttle behavior, one suggested the owner use an engine retarder, and the manufacturer offered no resolution in several documented cases. The NHTSA recall (08V641000) appears to have accelerated failures in at least one vehicle rather than resolving them.
Same Dodge Ram 3500 engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
DPF clogging and regeneration failure
The diesel particulate filter clogs excessively, triggering repeated regeneration attempts that fail to clear the filter adequately. Owners report system surge warnings, loss of power while driving, and multiple dealer visits for temporary code clears before eventual filter replacement.
When: Between 1,300 and 80,000 miles; complaints span 2008-2010
Symptoms owners cite: Catalyst level jumping from 70% to 100% within 5 minutes; Engine surging while driving; Loss of engine power while towing or on highway; Overhead console warning lights ('See Dealer Now', 'Combustion able and need to be serviced'); Vehicle stalls and may not restart without towing
Codes mentioned: DPF clogged (diagnostic not formalized in complaints)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cleared codes temporarily ($80 per visit) before replacing DPF filter ($2,000–$5,000 parts and labor combined). Owners cite multiple dealer visits with no permanent fix until filter replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 08V641000 (Engine and Engine Cooling: Diesel) performed on at least one vehicle; condition worsened after repair. Dodge suggested engine retarder use and claimed throttle behavior was normal. No comprehensive recall or warranty extension documented in complaints.
Rough idle and engine jerking on light throttle
Engine exhibits violent jerking or shuddering, especially during throttle transitions from light load to acceleration. One owner reports this has occurred since the truck was new; a dealer noted 6–7 other 6.7L diesel owners reported the same issue.
When: Present from new; at least one complaint with 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerks or shudders when applying gentle throttle after releasing throttle; Fishtailing and loss of rear-wheel traction on slippery roads due to jerking; Intermittent jerking during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Two Dodge dealers unable to correct the condition.
Turbo failure from carbon damage
Exhaust brake locks up and causes pressure buildup, blowing the turbo off the exhaust manifold. Dealer attributed failure to carbon damage resulting from the faulty catalytic system, recommending regular maintenance of turbo, exhaust brake, and EGR valve.
When: Approximately 4.5 months after catalytic system replacement (late 2008)
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust brake locked up, creating pressure buildup; Turbo blew off exhaust manifold; Exhaust fumes forced into cab of truck
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo/exhaust replacement cost $2,200 at Dodge service center. Dealer cited need for 6-hour maintenance cycles at $80/hr to manage carbon buildup in turbo, exhaust brake, and EGR valve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requested recall or lifetime warranty on all exhaust system components for faulty catalytic systems; no such remedy documented.
Engine compartment fire
Multiple owners report engine compartment fires, with two vehicles completely destroyed. One fire occurred at very low mileage (1,500 miles) following NHTSA recall repair for the diesel engine; another occurred at 116,216 miles.
When: 1,500 miles (post-recall), 55 mph driving; 116,216 miles at 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke near hood; Fire in engine compartment; Abnormal odor detected in cabin before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles completely destroyed and towed. No repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case with no resolution. Insurance attributed cause to transmission in one instance, but owner states failure related to emission control system. NHTSA Recall Campaign 08V641000 performed prior to fire in one case; failure significantly progressed after remedy.
Stalling and loss of power on highway
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at highway speeds, losing all power. Some instances result in momentary loss of control. Vehicle may not restart without towing.
When: 14,000 miles to 80,000 miles; multiple instances between 2008–2010
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at 45–60 mph; Complete loss of engine power; Loss of vehicle control; Vehicle will not restart (requires towing)
Repairs/costs cited: Towing required each time. Exhaust system clogging identified as cause in at least one case.
Exhaust system overheating and tow guard burnthrough
During automatic regeneration of the exhaust system, exhaust vapors become hot enough to burn a hole through the tow guard on the vehicle. Owner reports loss of engine power during the regeneration cycle.
When: 3,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power during automatic exhaust cleaning; Excessive exhaust heat burning hole in tow guard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: General Motors stated EPA would fine them $1,500 if they removed the failed part, citing EPA standard compliance. (Note: complaint lists General Motors, likely a data error; vehicle is a Dodge.)
Water pump fracture and leakage
Water pump fractures and leaks coolant. This complaint appears isolated compared to emissions-related failures and lacks detail on cascading effects.
When: 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump fractured and leaking fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; owner did not take to dealer.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 the current mileage was 61,000.
On 7-26-08, my truck was being driven across country when the truck shut itself down, almost causing the driver to be in a wreck. After having the truck delivered to a Dodge service center, they said the trucks faulty catalytic system was plugged and would need to be replaced. The entire system was replaced. He was told that because of the faulty catalytic system, the turbo, exhaust brake, and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that when traveling 60 MPH, the vehicle would stall sporadically before independently restarting at full power and abnormally accelerating. The contact momentarily lost control of the vehicle as a result of the failure. The manufacturer wanted the contact to run an engine retarder on the vehicle. This would hold the vehicle back using…
Had engine trouble with your 2008 Dodge Ram 3500?
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 engine problem on the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 14,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 30,836. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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 3500.
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.