2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
17 combined · 16 city / 19 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints364 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 56 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (16 city / 19 highway), 11% better than the 2008 standard pickup truck average of 15.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Ram 1500 Pickup — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Ram 1500 Pickup →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD3.7L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 19 / 17+11%$3,950523
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+5%$4,200555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-2%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-2%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 15+3%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-2%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 15+3%$4,450592
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD4.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14-8%$4,800635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD4.7L 8-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 14-4%$4,800635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14-4%$4,800635
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV4.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14-8%$4,800635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV4.7L 8-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 14-4%$4,800635
Spend $7,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
15.3 MPG2008 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (this car)17 MPGNot rated6
2008 Ford F-15016 MPGNot rated0
2008 Chevrolet Silverado17 MPGNot rated6
2008 Ford Explorer16 MPGNot rated0
2008 Toyota Tundra17 MPGNot rated10
2008 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated7
2008 Nissan Titan14 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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 · May 26, 2015 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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 · Nov 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V529000 · 271,733 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 · Nov 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V528000 · 706,664 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 · Jul 6, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V350000 · 242,780 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
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.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Dec 24, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V657000 · 15,271 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
Risk
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

364Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
24Injuries reported
94,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags152
Steering54
Fuel/Propulsion System44
Power Train38
Electrical System30
Engine29
Unknown Or Other24
Suspension24
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/09: 220/10: 221/07: 121/10: 121/12: 122/02: 122/05: 122/06: 122/08: 323/02: 323/03: 223/04: 123/10: 124/01: 124/04: 124/10: 124/12: 125/03: 125/06: 125/11: 125/12: 126/02: 126/03: 126/09: 120/0921/1022/0523/0223/1024/1025/0626/02max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 152 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Steering — 54 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 44 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ram 1500 Pickup years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2012 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated6618
2011 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated8500
2010 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated9271
2009 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4360
2007 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4306
2006 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4349
2005 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4816

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →