NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 317 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 317 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, describing incidents dated October 3, 2007 to December 11, 2024.

Most-cited components

Steering 175 complaints
Suspension 48 complaints
Engine 38 complaints
Air Bags 30 complaints
Power Train 20 complaints
Electrical System 16 complaints

Of the 317 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 317 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11630223 · Filed December 11, 2024
driving down the highway at 70 mph and the drivers door came opened it was caused by a faulty door lock actuator
ODI #11526379 · Filed June 10, 2023
I want to apologize for the lengthy description but I feel this is quite possibly the most critical area to not be vague in. **This problem occurs every time, NOT an intermittent condition.** REAR SEAT/CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; will not extend out from the retractor. The belt is locked in the…
ODI #11508674 · Filed February 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving various speeds, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had…

Read all 317 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 mileage at failure

226 of the 317 complaints on file for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–95,000 miles	Based on 114 complaints
Suspension	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–75,000 miles	Based on 44 complaints
Engine	Median 40,000 miles	Middle half 12,000–70,000 miles	Based on 33 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 in 3 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021
Audit Query AQ14-003: Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
Closed May 16, 2016
Preliminary Evaluation PE11-009: Outer Tie Rod Failure
Closed February 6, 2012
- Recall 11V-350

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V352000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,648,270 vehicles

Repair completion: 43.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S43 · Owners notified March 27, 2017 · Vehicles built February 1, 2004 – October 1, 2009 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Dodge dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Do Not Drive - Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture

NHTSA #15V313000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 26, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,077,169 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R25 · Owners notified June 8, 2015 · Vehicles built January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2009 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Dodge dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Failure of the Left Tie Rod Assembly

NHTSA #13V529000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 271,733 vehicles

Repair completion: 56.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N49 · Owners notified January 16, 2014 · Vehicles built February 14, 2008 – December 22, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

This recall supersedes tie rod recall 11V350. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 11V350 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Failure of the Left Tie Rod Assembly

NHTSA #13V528000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 706,664 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N62 · Owners notified January 17, 2014 · Vehicles built February 12, 2002 – February 13, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

This recall supersedes Chrysler tie rod recall 11V350. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 11V350 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE

NHTSA #11V350000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 6, 2011 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Potentially affected: 242,780 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign L16 · Owners notified October 3, 2011 · Vehicles built February 14, 2008 – March 28, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL NO. L16.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS

NHTSA #10E013000 · Steering — Gear Box — Shaft Pitman · NHTSA notice

Reported May 3, 2010 · FABTECH MOTORSPORTS

Potentially affected: 1,500 vehicles

Owners notified May 24, 2010

Defect description

FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FABTECH REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE 2500, 3500, AND 1500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

STEERING LINKAGE/POWERS

NHTSA #09V005000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2009 · CHRYSLER LLC

Potentially affected: 32,782 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign H36 · Owners notified February 16, 2009 · Vehicles built February 29, 2008 – November 3, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

CHRYSLER RECALL NO. H36.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

NHTSA #08V641000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported December 5, 2008 · CHRYSLER LLC

Potentially affected: 108,429 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign H34 · Owners notified January 26, 2009 · Vehicles built January 1, 2007 – November 5, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

CHRYSLER RECALL NO. H34.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS

NHTSA #07E104000 · Visibility — Glass, Side/Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 11, 2007 · SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.

Potentially affected: 1,657 vehicles

Owners notified January 15, 2008

Defect description

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Manufacturer remedy

SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS, LTD. (DOT-430) AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Extended Cab w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 4-DR. Mega Cab

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

317 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500.

Electrical System; Structure

ODI #11630223

Incident: December 11, 2024 · Filed: December 11, 2024

driving down the highway at 70 mph and the drivers door came opened it was caused by a faulty door lock actuator

Seat Belts

ODI #11526379

Incident: June 10, 2023 · Filed: June 10, 2023

I want to apologize for the lengthy description but I feel this is quite possibly the most critical area to not be vague in. **This problem occurs every time, NOT an intermittent condition.** REAR SEAT/CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; will not extend out from the retractor. The belt is locked in the fully retracted (unoccupied) position. The vehicle can be on a flat surface, an incline, or a declined position when this occurs. There's nothing obstructing any part of the belt and retractor. In order to use that position/seat belt, I must repeatedly (sometimes in excess of 20 times) pull the belt in different rates of speed ie. pull the belt very slowly, pull it normally, pull it very fast by basically snatching the belt. I've even tried to help the belt further retract into the retractor by slowly feeding the belt rearward. There's no 1 action that seems to work better than the other. Furthermore, at times, the belt (once able to be used) will not hold its position to keep the occupant from moving forward in a panic stop or even by snatching the belt to check its operation. The buckle does function as designed so this problem is strictly related to the shoulder belt not keeping the occupant secure. Apon visual inspection, there are no noted frays, stains, foreign objects, or signs of attempted (prior) repairs. I also want to note that I am an ASE certified Master Mechanic so I am well versed on the operation, diagnosis and replacement of seat belts/retractors/sinchers buckets etc. I'm asking for assistance by any information you can share with me to remedy this issue. This is my "daily driver" routinely using the back seat for my children. I don't want to replace it with a used part because I believe this is a common issue for this platform vehicle. Thank you for your time and assistance!

Engine and Engine Cooling; Engine

ODI #11508674

Incident: October 1, 2022 · Filed: February 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving various speeds, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11450753

Incident: February 4, 2022 · Filed: February 7, 2022

during cold weather - when outside temp is below 30 degrees the wipers will not work. When outside temp is above 30 degrees wipers work. During a snow storm, driving home the wipers stop working and windshield freezes up. I replaced the multifunction switch and the wiper motor and dealer stated that the totally integrated power module could be bad. there is so many complaints about others having this issue. This is a major safety issue. Something needs to be done before someone is killed.

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #11446616

Incident: November 10, 2021 · Filed: January 7, 2022

While driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and turned off. When this happened the steering column locked. It did not just loose power steering. The column itself entirely locked up. At this point the vehicle had no steering and limited breaking and went off the road. Thankfully it just went into a ditch and no damage was done. The vehicle turned right back on. The next day I recreated the problem on some friends property. I gave the keys in the ignition a small tug and the engine would stop and the steering column would lock. The ignition never rotated out of the on position and the key remained in the ignition. I recreated this probably 5 times and it did the same thing every time. I then brought it to the dealer but they didn't have the parts to repair it so I didn't have them look at it. I had to use the vehicle sooner then they could repair it to pull a camper about 1200 miles. I diagnosed the problem to be the ignition switch. I replaced the switch myself and the vehicle has not had the same problem since. I have given the keys in the ignition the same kind of tug and it is no longer a problem. I do have the switch available for inspection. I personally can totally understand the engine turning off due to an ignition switch failure but I believe the actual steering column locking is unacceptable.

Visibility

ODI #11439888

Incident: November 4, 2021 · Filed: November 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while exiting out of the garage, the windshield defroster was activated and there was a loud clicking sound coming from the HVAC system. The contact stated that the HVAC system failed to switch over to the air vents. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the defroster actuator was cracked inside in the vents causing the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Steering

ODI #11413495

Incident: April 14, 2021 · Filed: April 23, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED COLORADO SPRINGS DODGE (7455 AUSTIN BLUFFS PKWY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719)475-8550) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 289,000.

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11361537

Fire

Incident: September 22, 2020 · Filed: September 28, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON I405 IN WASHINGTON STATE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT...I PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD AND TOOK A QUICK LOOK.. I NOTICED FLAMES ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE MOTOR ALMOST BEHIND THE FIREWALL...CALLED 911...

Electrical System

ODI #11317739

Incident: February 26, 2020 · Filed: March 12, 2020

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON THEMSELVES WHEN THE TRUCK IS COMPLETELY OFF. IT'S INTERMITTENT HOWEVER IT DOES IT FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO DRAIN THE BATTERY. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL HOWEVER IT DOES NOT PROVIDE A CODE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11310511

Incident: December 10, 2019 · Filed: February 21, 2020

BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK EVEN AFTER REPLACING BULBS, BULB SOCKETS AND MULTIFUNCTION TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

Other Dodge Ram 2500 model years

Check your 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 VIN

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