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Engine coolingPart report

2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
7%of 317 total for the year
Median mileage
15,545miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500, 7% of the 317 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,545 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When this diesel truck cleans it s particulate filter I get a strong fuel smell odor in the cab when stopped at a stop light or stop sign. This cleaning of the d.p.r. Filter happens every 100 or so miles driven and last for about 20 miles. When the odor occurs my eyes burn, and I cough alot. So far the Dodge dealers are unable to fix my problem. I have taken the pick up truck to two different dealers trying to get relief from this problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10422435, filed 2011-08, 42,000 miles

“I took my 2008 Dodge 2500 into the dealer after experiencing a pop sensation in the front end at low speed (5-10mph). The dealer stated that both tie rod ends where worn out as well as both upper and lower ball joints. I spoke with the manager as the truck is out of warranty and he stated this was normal wear and tear. I then contacted the chrysler help line. Initially they gave the impression that they may be able to assist me with this problem. However in a return phone call, they stated they could not do anything because of the mileage. …”

NHTSA complaint #10424596, filed 2011-09, 70,000 miles

“This is the second time this problem happened in 7 months. I was sitting at a light and started to accelerate, the exhaust brake engaged and prevented me from moving forward. I was able to move by slightly depressing the accelerator a little at a time. When I approached my next traffic light, the engine RPM dropped to 500 and then shot up to 1200 rpms. When this happened the truck lurched forward and almost hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk. It also put me half way into a busy intersection. There were multiple close calls that could have caused injury or death. …”

NHTSA complaint #10339458, filed 2010-06, 42,000 miles

“2008 Dodge ram diesel check engine light. Codes shows turbo problems. They have reprogrammed computer, cleaned the turbo twice, replaced the turbo and the check engine light keeps coming on. The truck has been in the shop for this 3 times. And total of 7 days, and back again tomorrow.”

NHTSA complaint #10416551, filed 2011-08, 27,818 miles

“Vehicle has experienced sudden loss of power numerous times. Creates a hazardous safety situation when it's impossible to accelerate into/with traffic. Five attempts to repair this problem have been made since march, 2009.”

NHTSA complaint #10328333, filed 2010-05, 12,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201293%
2011114%
201063%
200994%
2008237%
2007206%
2006112%
2005133%
2004244%
2003152%
200285%
2001266%
2000126%
1999248%
1998136%
1997157%
1996145%
1995124%
199495%
199325%
199239%

Other parts of the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500

Steering
175 complaintsSuspension
48 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology