2008 Dodge RAM 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2008 DODGE AT POWER CHRYSLER, DODGE, PHOENIX ARIZONA BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER HAD SENT IT OUT TO HAVE VARIOUS ALTERATIONS MADE. AT THE TIME I BOUGHT IT I THOUGHT IT HAD VERY EXPENSIVE OFF-ROAD WHEELS AND TIRES, OF THE TYPE I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I LATER CAME TO FIND OUT THESE TIRES AND WHEELS WERE MADE FOR A SEMI-TRUCK. FURTHER, THIS SET UP HAS NOT BEEN TESTED PROPERLY AND IS NEW. I DON'T THINK ANYONE KNOWS WHAT PUTTING GIANT, HEAVY SEMI WHEELS AND TIRES ON A REGULAR TRUCK WILL DO TO IT. I HAD A LO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10215830 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER ACTIVATES TO CLEAN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTS IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. AFTER TRAVELING ONLY 8 MILES, THE EXHAUST VAPORS BURNED A HOLE IN THE TOW GUARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT THE EPA WOULD FINE THEM $1,500 IF THEY REMOVED THE FAILED PART, AS IT MEETS THE EPA STANDARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,100.

Owner-reported narrative. 3,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10220814 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACK BAR FAILED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10227876 at NHTSA ↗

THE TRANSMISSION LOST ALL FORWARD GEARS WHILE CLIMBING UP LOST TRAIL PASS ON US 93 IN MONTANA. I WAS TOWED TO THE "NEAREST DEALER" IN HAMILTON, MT. THAT DEALER, BELL-MCALL, DID NOT HAVE THE WHEREWITH ALL TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO MISSOULA, MT. TO A REGULAR DODGE DEALER. CHRYSLER ROAD SERVICE REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE 2ND TOW. THEY STATED THEIR ONLY OBLIGATION WAS TO TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 2,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10233632 at NHTSA ↗

MY TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST PLUGGING UP. IT ALMOST GOT ME IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN IT BASICALLY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THIS IS A PROBLEM DODGE KNOWS ABOUT AND HAS EVEN BOUGHT A FEW TRUCKS BACK OVER BUT THEY MAKE YOU JUMP THROUGH ALOT OF HOOPS AT YOUR EXPENSE TO DO SO. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10235919 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. ON THREE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED EACH TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10239576 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED AND PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200.

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10240816 at NHTSA ↗

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 EGR VALVE WOULD SUFFER CARBON DAMAGE AND WOULD NEED TO BE MAINTENANCE REGULARLY IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM FUNCTIONING. THE LABOR WOULD TAKE AROUND 6 HOURS EA…

Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10251267 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2008-07-28 (July 28, 2008)

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BENDING OF THE HITCH CHANNEL OR THE HITCH COULD BE PULLED OFF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: KNAPHEIDE WILL OFFER TWO REMEDIES TO ITS CUSTOMERS: (1) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT USE THE HITCH, THE HITCH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK BED AND REPLACED WITH AN ICC BUMPER; OR (2) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO NEED A HITCH, A RECEIVER HITCH ASSEMBLY WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING HITCH ASSEMBLY AND ALL SUSPECT WELD JOINTS WILL BE RE WELDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KNAPHEIDE AT 1-877-473-5763.

Reported: 2008-12-05 (December 5, 2008)

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2009-01-09 (January 9, 2009)

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Reported: 2009-11-13 (November 13, 2009)

E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHEVROLET W5500, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 DODGE 3500, MODEL YEAR 2009 MIGHTY MOVER, MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FORD E-250, E-350 AND E-450, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 GMC W4500, MODEL YEAR 2007 INTERNATIONAL 4300, MODEL YEAR 2009 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.

Consequence: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM AT 1-925-798-4060.

Reported: 2011-07-06 (July 6, 2011)

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Reported: 2013-11-06 (November 6, 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. The left tie rod assembly may break.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

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

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

Reported: 2015-05-26 (May 26, 2015)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Reported: 2016-05-24 (May 24, 2016)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.