2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 10%of 173 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500, 10% of the 173 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After my son purchased his 08 mega cab 4x4 , his signal lights started crossing, in other words when you turn on left it signaled right and wipers don,t function exactly right when changing lanes traffic thought we were going right and they went left on the interstate and we almost collided both going to the left”
NHTSA complaint #10746611, filed 2015-08, 95,000 miles“On three different occasions, the tipm has failed on this truck. The first time the vehicle was under warranty. Second one happened in 2013. The third time in dec of 2015. All three times the motor quit in heavy traffic and the dashboard went off. The tipm box then started smoking. I disconnected the battery cables. On the third occasion, I was delayed by heavy traffic in getting to the battery cables. The truck was on a steep grade. The horn started honking, wipers and windshield sprayer activated, and then the vehicle tried to start itself and move forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #10816702, filed 2015-12, 91,000 miles“I was turning onto another street I smelled electrical smoke. Truck started to run rough then stalled. Electrical smoke filled the cab. Everything that was electrical turned on and was either flashing blinking or running. I put truck in neutral and pulled the ignition key. The starter engaged on its own. I had to pull battery cables off to kill power to the truck by hand no tools. The tipm module burned internally. If my wife had been driving the truck would have burned. If the truck was in gear it would have taken off by itself.”
NHTSA complaint #10502097, filed 2013-03, 160,000 miles“Driving down my street. The engine shut off and windshield washer function turned on. I pulled over and tried cycling my key to restart the truck. Then with the key in off position smelled something burning. Opened the hood to see the tipm (totally integrated power module) smoking. The truck then started by itself and nearly ran me over (manual transmission truck was in 2nd gear). Truck moved about 10ft before shutting off again. Got truck in neutral before starter reengaged and could do nothing to stop starter from turning the engine over until both battery terminal were disconnected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459658, filed 2012-05, 112,000 miles“Power loss occurs at anytime. All the time. Truck slows down to idle speed. Really bad when doing 70 on the interstate. Must shut engine off, press accelerator slowly for 5 times then restart engine. Electronic throttle controller has been replaced 6 times now. They all failed again between 7 and 40 miles. Have not been able to get it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11395088, filed 2021-02, 1,200 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10218307Apr 30, 2016Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete…
- 10140258Apr 30, 2016Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete…
- 10076509Apr 30, 2016SUBJECT: Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative SYMPTOM/CONDITION: The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A…
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
- 10033113Apr 1, 2010Dodge: engine control module (ecm) software program on about 159,700 trucks may cause illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) when no problem exists or under certain…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 | 53 | 21% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 12% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 14 | 20% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500
94 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsTires
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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