- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Ram 3500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2008 Ram 3500 with NHTSA, most often about the steering (3) and the suspension (2). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 2016 for the alternator / generator / regulator. For comparison, the 2007 has 6 and the 2009 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 3500 year, for its age
#307 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Ram 3500 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Ram 3500 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2008 Ram 3500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ram 3500. While driving, the tie rod fell off on the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact drove to fremont motor cody (3127 big horn ave, cody, wy 82414), but they could not repair the vehicle. The contact replaced the tie rod himself. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Ram 3500: every year compared
All 3500 years2008 Ram 3500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ram 3500 | 4 | 1 | A | |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 | 342 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 | 0 | 11 | B | Compare |
| 2008 Ford F-250 | 0 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Ford F-350 | 0 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 | 0 | 3 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2008 Ram 3500
Does the 2008 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ram 3500: alternator / generator / regulator (October 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ram 3500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (3), suspension (2), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2008 Ram 3500 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 10, 2018 and the latest on May 9, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Ram 3500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 99 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Ram 3500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ram 3500 years have the most complaints?
2018 (810), 2017 (317), 2014 (202). See every Ram 3500 year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Ram 3500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data