The 2008 Ram 1500 represents the third-generation DS platform with reliable drivetrains overall, but notorious for transmission cooling failures, exhaust manifold cracks on Hemis, and front-end steering wear. The 5.7L Hemi is the sweet spot if you avoid the valve seat and manifold issues.
Transmission Cooler Line Failure and Overheating
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant reservoir (coolant/ATF mixing), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after engine overheats, Sweet smell from exhaust, white smoke, Radiator tanks cracking at cooler line connections
Fix: Replace radiator with integrated transmission cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely, sometimes requires transmission rebuild if contamination circulated. 6-10 hours labor depending on damage extent. This is a design flaw where the cooler fails internally.
Estimated cost: $800-$3,500
Hemi Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure and Cracking
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping noise from engine bay, worse on cold starts, Exhaust smell in cabin, Visible soot streaks on manifold, Check engine light with bank lean codes (P0171/P0174)
Fix: Replace both exhaust manifolds with updated parts, extract broken bolts (often requires drilling/helicoils). Left side requires lifting engine or removing steering components. 8-12 hours labor. Affects 5.7L Hemi only.
Estimated cost: $1,200-$2,200
Dropped Valve Seats (Early 5.7L Hemi)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic engine failure with metallic rattling, Complete loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Metal debris in oil, Often occurs without warning during normal operation
Fix: Cylinder head replacement or complete engine rebuild required. Valve seats become loose from casting and drop into cylinder, destroying piston and cylinder wall. 20-30 hours for proper rebuild. More common on 2003-2008 Hemis, improved after.
Estimated cost: $4,500-$8,000
Front End Steering Component Wear (Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Track Bar)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or death wobble at highway speeds, Uneven tire wear on inner/outer edges, Steering wheel off-center after hitting bumps
Fix: Upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, track bar bushings fail causing death wobble. Tie rod ends also common (recall related). Replace as complete assemblies with alignment. 4-6 hours labor for full front end overhaul. 4WD models worse due to weight.
Estimated cost: $800-$1,600
Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of differential, Howling or whining noise from rear, speed-dependent, Clunking on acceleration/deceleration, Low fluid causes bearing damage quickly
Fix: Pinion seal replacement requires setting proper preload, often find worn bearings once opened. If caught early, seal and races only. If driven low on fluid, full rebuild needed. 4-8 hours depending on damage. 9.25" rear most common.
Estimated cost: $600-$2,400
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump cycling on and off randomly, no-start conditions, Gauges going haywire or intermittent operation, Wipers, windows, or other accessories acting possessed, Multiple phantom error codes, Horn honking randomly or door locks cycling
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box) develops internal relay failures, especially fuel pump relay. Dealers want $1,200 for new module, but can often repair individual relays or buy remanufactured. 1.5-2 hours labor. Not mileage-related, random failure.
Estimated cost: $400-$1,400
Dashboard Cracking and Warping
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Cracks forming along top of dash, especially passenger side, Warping visible near windshield, Occurs in all climates but worse in sun exposure
Fix: Cosmetic issue but affects all trim levels. Dash replacement requires full interior disassembly including airbag removal. 8-10 hours labor. Aftermarket covers available. No safety impact but tanks resale value. Chrysler lost class-action on this.
Estimated cost: $800-$2,000
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50k miles and install auxiliary cooler to prevent radiator failure disaster
Inspect exhaust manifolds annually on Hemis, address at first sign of ticking
Grease front-end components every oil change if truck sees any off-road or heavy use
Check rear differential fluid level every 30k, especially if towing regularly
Avoid extended idling on Hemis - contributes to valve seat failures due to heat buildup
Buy the 5.7L Hemi after 2008 production (mid-year refresh improved valve seats) or stick with the bulletproof 4.7L V8 if you find one - avoid high-mileage examples without transmission service records and budget $2k for deferred steering/front-end work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Control Modules — 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
Every control module on the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V352000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 15V313000
2015-05-27 · EA15001
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.
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.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · 13V528000
2013-11-06
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.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · 13V529000
2013-11-06
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.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · 11V350000
2011-07-06 · PE11009
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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
WHEELS:HUB · 10E040000
2010-08-23
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN · 10E013000
2010-05-03
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.
Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
2007-12-11
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."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
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.
Vehicle Info — 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
Performance
Horsepower
310hp
Torque
330lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.8sec
Quarter mile
15.9sec
Top speed
110mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
13mpg
Highway
17mpg
Combined
15mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
8,750lb
Payload
1,750lb
Curb weight
5,450lb
Seating
6seats
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
2002-2008 DR/DH generation (3rd gen). Most common configuration is 22/22 across all cab styles.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.