2008 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 16%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Dodge RAM, 16% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2008 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, a loud booming noise suddenly occurred from the rear of the vehicle and the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11466695, filed 2022-05, 86,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge RAM. The contact was traveling 35 MPH when the driveshaft detached and caused the rear wheels to seize. The vehicle then spun out of control, almost filliping. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was being inspected. The failure mileage and current mileages were 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10424053, filed 2011-09, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge RAM 3500. The vehicle was parked at the residence driveway. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle rolled away without warning into the garage door post. After reversing from the garage post, there was smoke coming from underneath of the hood. The battery cables were removed, and the smoke stopped immediately. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The vehicle will be repaired under the service warranty. However, the dealer refused to pay for the body damages sustained as a result of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10296600, filed 2009-12, 20,000 miles“2008 Dodge RAM. Consumer expresses discontent with several problems with vehicle the u-joint, tie rod, steering linkage and axle all had to be replaced. The consumer stated most recently, the check engine light illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #10347677, filed 2010-08Related service bulletins
- 10028388Dec 17, 2008Chrysler:dodge: approximately 2969 vehicles, equipped with an automatic transmission, may have been shipped with a gearshift cable that may slip out of adjustment and not allow…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 50 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 80 | 17% |
| 1997 | 71 | 18% |
| 1996 | 135 | 22% |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% |
| 1994 | 68 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 17% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 6 | 12% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 Dodge RAM
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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