2008 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Dodge Ram: 2 recalls, 25 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #09V084000 · 2009 · 65,896 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper module motor assembly May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 17, 2009.
Steering Vehicle recall #10V657000 · 2010 · 15,271 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Why it matters: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #09E001000 · 2009 · 18,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The subject linkages May experience drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud fracture, also, the steering linkage damper attaching bracket May yeild and shift on the linkage. The part numbers of the affected assemblies is 52122362aa through 52122362ad.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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 began on June 6, 2009.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #09E009000 · 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
What's wrong: These wiper module assemblies May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (6): the most common themes are steering problems (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Dodge Ram has 25 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (well below the 181 average). Complaints peaked in 2009 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 25,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (17 complaints, 1 recalls), 2009 (9 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Dodge Ram.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Dodge Ram, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (6), transmission & drivetrain (4), brakes (hydraulic) (3).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.7 L, Manual 6-spd), across 12 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.