CarBrief

NHTSA has 554 owner complaints on file for this truck[1]. The biggest group names the air bags[2].

554owner complaints[1]
5recalls[3]
14–17MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of this truck. Here are the biggest groups.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 Ram 1500 Pickup is necessarily included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[17] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] 16 / 19 / 17 $3,950
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[18] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[19] 13 / 19 / 15 $4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[20] 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[21] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[22] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[23] 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive[24] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive[25] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[26] 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[27] 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800

Safety ratings

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
2 DR RWD/AWD[28] n/a n/a n/a 4 19.8%
4 DR RWD/AWD[29] n/a n/a n/a 4 19.8%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
RAM 1500 MEGA CAB S/BOX 2WD[30] 246 in 80 in 75 in 161 in 6,083 lb
RAM 1500 MEGA CAB S/BOX 4WD[31] 246 in 80 in 79 in 161 in 6,528 lb
RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 2WD[32] 247 in 80 in 74 in 161 in 5,227 lb
RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 4WD[33] 247 in 80 in 79 in 161 in 5,461 lb
RAM 1500 QUAD CAB S/BOX 2WD[34] 225 in 80 in 74 in 141 in 4,868 lb
RAM 1500 QUAD CAB S/BOX 4WD[35] 225 in 80 in 79 in 141 in 5,295 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

1995: 213 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 298 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 361 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 520 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 610 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 513 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 1,112 complaints, 2 recalls20012002: 815 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 1,171 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 1,099 complaints, 5 recalls2005: 1,172 complaints, 4 recalls20052006: 792 complaints, 9 recalls2007: 517 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 554 complaints, 5 recalls55420082009: 670 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 488 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 689 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 698 complaints, 6 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ram 1500 Pickup model year. The 2008 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952130
19962980
19973610
19985200
19996100
20005132
20011,1122
20028153
20031,1711
20041,0995
20051,1724
20067929
20075174
20085545
20096702
20104884
20116894
20126986

NHTSA's counts for the Ram 1500 Pickup show 554 complaints and 5 recalls for 2008[3]. Among the 18 model years listed, 7 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 10 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 1995 (213) and the most are for 2005 (1,172)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2008 Ram 1500 Pickup?

This truck draws a wide spread of complaints, 554 in all[1]. Air bags and steering lead the list[2][5]. Some owners also describe electrical trouble that ties into other systems[7]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales. Check the recall section above and have any truck inspected before you buy[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?
Air bags lead the complaints, followed by steering and the power train[2][5][6].
Does the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?
Yes. The count is in the by-year fact[3] and the details are in the Recalls section on this page.
Is the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
Owners filed 554 complaints with NHTSA[1]. See the sections above for the groups and the by-year table for context.
What is the gas mileage of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?
See the fuel economy section on this page for the figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup

Compare all model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup

Other Dodge models from 2008

All Dodge models

Similar cars from 2008: pickup trucks

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 554 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (40 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 37 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 165 complaints name the air bags component group (23 crashes, 0 fires, 27 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 103 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 73 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,459). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 52 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 50 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 49 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 43 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 27 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 16V352, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 15V313, filed May 26, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 13V528, filed November 6, 2013: Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 13V529, filed November 6, 2013: Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 11V350, filed July 6, 2011: Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 MEGA CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 246 in, width 80 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 161 in, curb weight 6,083 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 MEGA CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 246 in, width 80 in, height 79 in, wheelbase 161 in, curb weight 6,528 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 247 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 161 in, curb weight 5,227 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 247 in, width 80 in, height 79 in, wheelbase 161 in, curb weight 5,461 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,868 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 79 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 5,295 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.