This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel failed to turn. The contact had to drive the vehicle slower because the steering wheel failed to respond on multiple occasions. The contact also noticed when the brakes were depressed, the rear suspension seemed loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for alignment. The technician diagnosed that the suspension was loose, the steering needed to be aligned and the rear shocks were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
I do not have a particular incident to report but I have noticed a popping noise whenever I turn my wheel slightly at a slow speed and when I try to make tight turns it sounds like something could be grinding or sheering against some steering components. The noises and grinding that I am hearing sounds like something could be breaking or sheering off and although nothing has broken off yet, I do not know if the integrity of whatever parts are being effected are becoming weaker each time I have this issue so I am concerned.
While traveling on I95, and this is not the first or only time it has happened, the front of the truck started shaking violently. It was shaking so much that the cars around me could see that it was happening. There is a very good potential that if I had not had a good control of the steering wheel that I could have lost control.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the front driver side axle and wheels became fractured. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot but was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Noticed vehicle constantly pulling to the left and took it in to find out the alignment was out ever since this date about every three months I have had to realign the vehicle because it pulls to the left.
- Turlock, CA, USA
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Turning right out of a parking spot there was a loud snap and then a lot of grinding. Upon inspection the wheel bearing hub assembly had broken and damaged the steering knuckle. There are tsbs that indicate there may be a problem in the front left suspension.
While driving at 75 mph, the issue became apparent as entry into a curve began. The steering of the vehicle (2008 Dodge Ram quad cab 1500) became less responsive with a great amount of vibration. As the curve in the road straightened out a loud pop came from driver side front and rear axle areas. Witch also created a large uncontrollable body roll and sway. Howling noise is greatly apparent at higher speeds. With this issue the vehicle feels un-solid and constant body roll feels as if you were traveling on a boat. Many items recalled on other Dodge vehicles during same year, but not on the vehicle in question, have the ability to case the same issues. This could create a tragic and catastrophic loss of life in the vehicle of failed parts or the family next to them on the road. "drive safe, because today could be the day you save your family's life".
After speaking to several 2008 Dodge Ram owners (on Dodge forum & face to face) we all have the same concerns with this vehicle. There is a severe handling issue at highway speeds that causes an uncontrollable rear suspension hop. This in turn results in severe handling issues that have led in some cases to spin outs and fishtailing. The newer Dodge Ram models are equipped with sway bars or anti sway bars so it shows that the engineers recognized the problem. I've spent numerous dollars and time having the tires balanced, rotated and rims checked as well as buying new tires in trying to eliminate this dangerous condition.
There is a safety recall on certain Dodge Ram tie rods (recall #L16) but for some reason my VIN was not included in this recall. Sure enough the tie rod was near failing and I had it replaced before a catastrophic failure could occur. Why was my VIN left off of this recall? the signs and conditions of my faulty tie rod are identical to all of the documented failures.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 mph at a lower speed or over a bump in the road the vehicle began shaking violently and shifted into the next lane. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. The dealer test drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure and stated that the suspension was designed tightly therefore nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The manufacturer filed case number 21400501. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 48,000. Updated 10/18/11
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 left front tie rod replacement. I had to have the tie rod and stablizer bar replaced due to a defect. Vehicle had only 52,000 miles driven.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab. The contact stated the shocks were defective and leaking unknown fluids. The dealer replaced the right shocks and two weeks later, the left shocks failed. The dealer advised the necessary parts to make the repairs were on back order and could not provide a specific date when they were expected to arrive. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure in the left shocks. The failure mileage was 1,753 and the current mileage was 23,222.
At about 45 miles per hour, the truck will begin to shake violently, the steering becomes tight and ultimately the truck involuntarily pulls to the right, forcing me onto the shoulder. Has occurred 2 times, once in July 09 and also 9-5-09. The dealer claims they cannot duplicate and implied that the tires were underinflated.
The two front struts on our 2008 Dodge are leaking. This is a part covered under the extended warranty. The issue is that this part is on a national back order with Chrysler. This is an issue that for whatever reason is not considered a recall item. This item also causes the front tires to deteriorate and go flat regularly. Tires are not covered under warranty so this becomes an expense and/or burden on the owners. This is also a safety issue because the vehicle is not able to properly maintain a lane in traffic when there are changes in road texture, pot holes, or if there are road deterioration issues. These changes cause the vehicle to bounce out of control and it makes it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle in traffic. We have talked to several service managers who have all confirmed this issue. It is a nationwide issue that needs to be handled for the safety of our roads and highways.
Absolutely horrible shocks/suspension road handling ability of 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. Truck would "jump" or "skip" over pot holes, seams in asphalt/cement transitions and other areas. When wet pavement was present, it would skip sideways a bit, and onetime spun out. Front shocks were blown at 12,000 miles, but handled very poorly when bought brand new last September. Dodge denied any problems, "that is just how they ride" is what I was told. Other individuals with same model vehicle I personally know have the same problems. No aftermarket support available either.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Grand Rapids, MI, USA