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2008 Ram 3500 recalls and problems

The 2008 Ram 3500 has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Ram 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Ram 3500 recalls

Recall 16V-739: Electrical System

Reported Oct 13, 2016 · 74,811 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

2008 Ram 3500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering3
Suspension2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Electrical System1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 160,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Ram 3500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 150,000 miles · reported May 9, 2020
Vehicle experienced the "death wobble", replaced the steering gear box stabilizer/brace, did not fix the problem, this happens when going highway speeds and you encounter bumps, the vehicle shakes violently and you have to pull over and slow down to stop the shaking, the other fixes are very expensive, and should be a recall. Numerous other people have experienced the same issues with these vehicles.
Steering · at 160,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2019
My complaint is with the front end of my 2008 dodge ram 3500 quad cab dually diesel. I have been getting the death wobble after replacing everything in the front end except the drag link steering link. I have the factory "y" type and was told dodge was replacing them with the "t"style. Please advise before I get killed in this thing. Highway between 40 and 65 I hit a bump andthe front end starts jumping all over the place uncontrollably until I come to an almost stop.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 200,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2018
The 4x4 actuator kept clicking in and out and damaged my transfer case where I had to pay for a new one, now it's starting to do it again. Also my heater blows cold on diver side and hot on passenger side. All services have been done but the light keeps coming on and off, saying I need to have it serviced. Head lights and dash lights keep fluctuating in bright and deeming.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ram 3500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ram 3500: 16V-739 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ram 3500?

Owners report steering problems most often (3 reports), followed by suspension (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 160,000 miles.

Are Ram recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ram dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.