FaultScore

2008 Dodge RAM 2500 suspension problems

49 of the 405 complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 are about the suspension — 12% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 55,000 miles.

B

49

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Suspension 37 75.5%
Front 10 20.4%
Wheel Bearing 1 2.0%
Lower Ball Joint 1 2.0%

Suspension across every Dodge RAM 2500 year

1994 14 1.6%
1995 25 2.8%
1996 24 2.7%
1997 24 2.7%
1998 20 2.2%
1999 27 3.0%
2000 23 2.6%
2001 43 4.8%
2002 16 1.8%
2003 135 15.0%
2004 114 12.7%
2005 80 8.9%
2006 106 11.8%
2007 94 10.4%
2008 49 5.4%
2009 15 1.7%
2010 32 3.6%
2011 37 4.1%
2012 22 2.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 79,000 miles EL Dorado Hills, CA

SUSPENSION

MY VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING OF THE FRONT END WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 65 TO 70 MPH AFTER HITTING A BUMP SUCH AS THE TRANSITION OF A BRIDGE APPROACH SLAB. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL CHECK OF THE TIE-ROD, AND HAVE EVEN TRIED A BEEFIER TIE ROD WITH BRACING. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS TO SLOW TO LESS THAN 40 MPH. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN A REPEATED EXPERIENCE OF DODGE RAM DRIVERS BASED ON FORUM DISCUSSIONS. I HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF BALL JOINTS REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SHAKING. THIS LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED, I WAS WITH MY WIFE TRAVELING TO THE COAST. THE SHAKING WAS SO SEVERE, WE NEARLY HIT A GUARD RAIL. I CAN'T HARDLY BELIEVE THAT DODGE HAS DESIGNED SUCH A FATAL FLAW INTO A VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11152639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Sparks, NV

SUSPENSION

I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH SO HARD I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET IT TO STOP. I'VE HAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND STILL HAVE WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON RENTALS AND ON SHOP REPAIRS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND STILL CANNOT GO OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT IT VIOLENTLY SHAKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY IT COULD KILL SOMEBODY AND I THINK DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ACTION ON REPAIRING THIS OR FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM . I HAVE CALLED DODGE AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME IT IS NOT A RECALL SO THEY CANNOT HELP ME OUT. I HAD BOUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES A BRAND NEW DRIVE LINE ALONG WITH REPLACING THE FRONT SUSPENSION 3 TIMES NOW AND I STILL CANNOT DRIVE MY TRUCK WITHOUT IT CAUSING VIOLENT SHAKING. IT HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS STARTED HAPPENING BUT I THINK THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OKAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK ON THE ROAD IT'S GOING TO HURT SOMEBODY.I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SPENT ALOT ON RENTALS .I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE BUY ANOTHER DODGE DUE TO LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFTEY.I OWN THIS VEHICLE OUTRIGHT AND WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT.THATS HOW SCARY IT IS TO DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11139320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Naples, FL

SUSPENSION

VEHICLE WANDERS WHEN DRIVING HAD 2 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND TIRES BALANCED HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. HAD IT REINSPECTED AND LEFT TIE ROD END WORN. WAS TOLD IT DOES NOT COME UNDER RECALL FOR STEERING LINKAGE.

NHTSA complaint #10788213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Edgewood, NM

SUSPENSION

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAN HIT SMALL BUMP AND THE TRUCK STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint #10779470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,000 miles Beaverton, MI

SUSPENSION

THIS TRUCK STARTED EXPERIENCING REVERBERATION/WOBBLE/BOUNCE/SHAKE AFTER HITTING A SERIES OF SMALL BUMPS OR POTHOLE W/ ONE FRONT TIRE. THE WOBBLE SHAKES THE TRUCK SO HARD THAT PIECES OF THE INTERIOR BREAK/FALL OFF AND THE DRIVER COMPLETELY LOSES CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING VERY INTERMITTENTLY (CONDITIONS/BUMPS/SPEED MUST BE JUST RIGHT) THIS SPRING (2015) SOON AFTER WE TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD LINKAGE (THEY ALSO TOLD US THE BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED). SINCE THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT SEEM KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT OUR PROBLEM, WE TOOK THE TRUCK TO MULTIPLE PRIVATE REPAIR SHOPS DURING THE SUMMER TRYING TO FIX THIS INTERMITTENT, DIFFICULT-TO-DUPLICATE PROBLEM. WE HAVE REPLACED EVERY PART OF THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION THAT HAD ANY "PLAY" OR WEAR INCLUDING A BALL JOINT, TIE RODS, CONTROL ARM, PITTMAN ARM, STEERING STABILIZER, HEAVY-DUTY SHOCK FOR STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, VARIOUS BUSHINGS, AND STEERING GEAR BOX TIGHTENING . WE EVEN REPLACED THE TIRES AND WHEELS IN CASE THERE WAS A MILD WARP/LACK OF BALANCE. WE HAVE SPENT AROUND $5000, BUT THE TRUCK IS STILL NOT FIXED. A SEARCH ON YOUTUBE REVEALED THAT WE ARE PART OF A LARGE GROUP OF DODGE TRUCK OWNERS EXPERIENCING WHAT IS COINED "THE DEATH WOBBLE." WHEN THE JULY 26 NHTSA PRESS RELEASE CAME OUT, WE WERE OVERJOYED! OUR APPARENTLY UNFIXABLE TRUCK WOULD BE "BOUGHT BACK!" I WAS INFORMED BY CHRYSTLER THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. SINCE WE "FIXED" THE RECALLED TIE ROD LINKAGE (THAT WOULD BE THE RECALL THAT LED TO ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS), OUR TRUCK IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE BUY BACK. I BELIEVE THAT CHRYSTLER NOT ONLY KNOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT IN THE DESIGN OF THESE TRUCKS (THEY CHANGED THE FRONT END ON 2014/15 MODELS), BUT THAT THEY ARE SHIRKING THEIR BUY-BACK RESPONSIBILITY. THIS TRUCK IS UNSAFE IN ITS "FIXED" STATE. HOW SHOULD WE PROCEED?

NHTSA complaint #10763464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,953 miles Holland Patent, NY

SUSPENSION

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500 REGULAR CAB PICKUP AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED AT CERTIFIED DODGE DEALERSHIPS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 44900 MILES. I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 3 TIMES TO HAVE THE FRONT LEFT TIE ROD REPLACED UNDER THE N62 TIE ROD RECALL WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE TIE ROD IS FAILING CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER AND MYSELF, THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND THE DEALER AND CHRYSLER REFUSE TO REPLACE THE FAULTY COMPONENT AS THEY ARE SAYING THE RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE. DUE TO CHRYSLER AND THE SELLING DEALER NOT KEEPING APPROPRIATE RECORDS OF THE REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE THEY HAVE INACCURATE RECALL INFORMATION AND ARE REFUSING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, AS THEY ARE STATING THE VEHICLE HAS ORIGINAL OEM EQUIPMENT WHICH IS FALSE. AT 26953 MILES I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER VICTORY CHRYSLER IN ROME, NY ON MARCH 22, 2011 DUE TO DRIVABILITY CONCERNS, WANDERING, AND LOOSE FRONT END COMPONENTS PRIOR TO THE DATE THE N62 RECALL ISSUED. NOTED ON THE REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE SELLING DEALER "REPLACED THE TIE ROD END - REPLACE TO PITMAN ARM (B) PARTS NUMBERS 68036940, ARM PART NUMBER 68039930AA, AND ARM STEERING GEAR/PITMAN PART NUMBER 19651001.BER 68039930AA, AND ARM STEERING GEAR/PITMAN PART NUMBER 19651001. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER I RECEIVED THE N62 RECALL INDICATING THAT TRUCKS THAT HAD STEERING LINKAGE REPLACED WITH MOPAR SERVICE PARTS AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE THE VEHICLES FAULTY REPLACEMENT PART REPAIRED. I CONTACTED VICTORY THE SELLING DEALER AND WAS ADVISED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND IT WOULD BE AT LEAST 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE SERVICED. I WAS ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT A ANOTHER RAM DEALER CARBONE DODGE IN YORKVILLE, NY. IT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER THE TIE ROD NEEDS REPLACEMENT BUT NO REPAIR WAS COMPLETED DUE TO THE RECORDS BEING INACCURATE FROM CHRYSLER.

NHTSA complaint #10760114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Versilles, KY

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE AND RATTLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10713711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Newark, DE

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING FROM DETROIT AIRPORT EAST ON HIGHWAY 94 WHEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE LIKE HELL AND I THOUGHT I HAD TWO FLAT TIRES IN THE FRONT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK BECOME UN STEERABLE AND STARTED TO TURN SIDEWAYS WITH TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC COMING AT ME. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY RIDE. I PULLED OVER AFTER I DOWNSHIFTED AND THE SHAKING STOPPED BUT THERE WAS NOTHING FLAT OR LOOSE THAT I COULD SEE SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS STOPPED TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I CALLED A LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I MOST HAVE BAD BRAKE ROTORS. I HAVE CHANGED THE ROTORS ON ALL 4 WHEELS THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS THE SHOCKS THE FRONT STABILIZER SHOCK AND NEW BRAKE PADS ON ALL 4 WHEELS STILL SHAKES JUST AS BAD .I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS AND I WANT A FIX OR I WILL BUY A NEW FORD TRUCK. THE BAD PART OF THIS, IS THAT I RETIRED AFTER 44YEARS WITH CHRYSLER.

NHTSA complaint #10713255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,200 miles Oswego, IL

SUSPENSION

I WAS TRAVELING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS ON THE 18 APRIL 2015, SATURDAY WHEN THE RH STEERING DRAG LINK FAILED AT THE BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE OCCUR TO THE GREASE-ABLE BALL JOINT THAT CONNECTS TO THE LOWER A-FRAME OF THE RH PASSENGER WHEEL. IF I WAS TRAVELING ANY FASTER THAN 30 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WOULD HAVE LOST TOTAL CONTROL AND HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURIES OCCURRING. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN WITH LIGHT TOUCHES OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TURN TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SAFELY STOP THE TRUCK. THE RH FRONT TIRE WAS POINTED TO THE LEFT AND SLIGHTLY TUCK UNDER THE WHEEL WELL SO IT WAS SLIDING THE PASSENGER TIRE AS I MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD. THE ABOVE COMPONENTS WHERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE LH TIE ROD ASSEMBLY WITH ALL NEW COMPONENTS. I DID HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER FOR THE N62 NHTSA 13V-528 FOR THE LH TIE ROAD FAILURES THAT CHRYSLER ORDERED; ON THE 14 OF JAN 2014 AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS RECALL DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10712670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,950 miles OAK Harbor, OH

SUSPENSION

INSPECTION REVEALED EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE LEFT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD END. RECOMMENDATION MADE TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIE ROD ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA complaint #10682663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hereford, AZ

SUSPENSION

ABOUT 11 MONTHS AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM CHRYSLER FOR MY 2008 DODGE RAM 2500 PICK UP TRUCK, IT WAS FOR A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WITH THE TIE RODS, RECALL #N49/NHTSA 13V-529 I CALLED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS, I CALLED SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND THEY TOLD ME THE REPLACEMENT PARTS HAD BEEN "RECALLED". I HAVE CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES STILL NO PARTS. I HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER SEVERAL TIMES AND GET THE SAME RUN AROUND, NO PARTS AVAILABLE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AS THE FAILURE OF THE PARTS COULD CAUSE ME TO CRASH. I WOULD THINK CHRYSLER WOULD BE NERVOUS AS THE LIABILITY ISSUE COULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE. WHAT IF THEY FAIL AND SOMEONE IS KILLED, IS THIS MY FAULT WOULD I BE LIABLE? THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND STILL NOT RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10650425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 37,000 miles Garland, UT

SUSPENSION

AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE FRONT END STARTS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY (DEATH WOBBLE) TO THE POINT OF LOOSING CONTROL, YOU HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET IT TO STOP WHICH CAN BE A PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I'VE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BALL JOINTS SO I HAD THEM REPLACED IT DIDN'T HELP I ALSO REPLACED THE SHOCKS AND STEERING DAMPENER ALL THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK IN TWICE FOR RECALLS ON THE TIE ROD ENDS ALSO. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ONLINE IT SEEMS THAT ALOT OF OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE WITH NO HELP FROM DODGE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10627233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,694 miles Forks, WA

SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING THIS TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES AN HOUR I HIT A EXPANSION JOINT AS I WAS ON A SLIGHT LEFT TURN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY ALMOST LOSING CONTROL UNTIL I SLOWED DOWN TO BELOW 30 MILES AN HOUR THEN THE SUSPENSION STABILIZED. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT AND I HAVE LEARNED TO ANTICIPATE WHEN THIS MAY OCCUR AND EXPECT IT. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO HAVE SUSPENSION CHECK AND THEY HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEMS. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I PUT A DUAL SHOCK ABSORBING STEERING STABILIZER ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS WAS DONE AND DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10614838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Poineer, CA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,222.

NHTSA complaint #10605920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Poineer, CA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,222.

NHTSA complaint #10605920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Greenville, WI

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) AND HAD BEEN WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE TIE ROD, UPPER AND LOWER BOLT JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10573174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colfax, WA

SUSPENSION

RECALL ISSUED BUT DEALER CAN NOT GET PARTS. SAFETY RECALL N49/NHTSA 13V-529 WE HAVE LIMITED NUMBER OF DAYS TO HAVE THIS REPLACED AS WE ARE PLANNING A 5,000 MILE TRIP WITH THIS PICKUP PULLING A 35 FT TRAVEL TRAILER.

NHTSA complaint #10565616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Sprague River, OR

SUSPENSION

RECEIVED RECALL - LEFT SIDE BALL STUD TO REPLACE. CALLED LOCAL DEALER JAN 6. INSTRUCTED TO CALL BACK IN 7 - 10 DAYS - CALLED BACK JAN 13 -- TOLD TO COME IN, SO NOT NEED APPOINTMENT. ( 45 MILES TO DEALER ONE WAY) VISITED DEALER ON JAN 14TH - LOOKED AT TRUCK AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS. -- CALLED JAN 24TH - WILL CALL US IN A COUPLE OF DAYS, NO CALL. CALLED FEB 4TH - TOLD OUR PARTS WERE NOT IN AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE IN. INFORMED THAT CHRYSLER WAS ONLY GIVING THE DEALER ONE SET A WEEK. TO DATE (FEB 19TH, 2014) WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM DEALER, REPLACEMENT IS NOT COMPLETED. NOTE: NOTIFICATION STATED THAT THE BALL STUD ON MY TRUCK MAY FRACTURE UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND OR CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. TO ME THIS IS SERIOUS AND NEEDS ATTENTION ! THIS TRUCK IS USED TO HAUL CATTLE & HORSES & FARM DUTY. I AM CONCERNED.

NHTSA complaint #10564915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Mound, MN

SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IF THE VEHICLE HITS ANY POT HOLE, ROAD CHANGE, OR TURNING SLIGHTLY LEFT, THE FRONT END WILL START TO UNCONTROLLABLY SHAKE. IT BECOMES VERY VIOLENT AND HARD TO CONTROL UNTIL I SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 60 MPH. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DEALERS LOOK AT THE ISSUE AND TELL ME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE BUT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME AS NO FRONT END PARTS ARE WORN OUT. THEY THEN STATE THAT THEY HAVE AN "UPGRADE" FRONT END KIT I CAN PURCHASE FOR $2,500 THAT WILL MAYBE FIX IT. I ASK THEM IF IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THEN WHY DOESN'T CHRYSLER RECALL THE FRONT ENDS AND FIX THE ISSUE, THEY REPLY THAT CHRYSLER DOES NOT CLAIM THERE IS ANY ISSUE PRESENT. I HAVE CHECKED ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO AFFECT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AS MANUFACTURES MAKE AFTER-MARKET "DEATH-WOBBLE" FIX KITS. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING TO HAVE TO POSSIBLY PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A FIX THAT MIGHT NOT WORK. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT ISSUES FOR ME.

NHTSA complaint #10523988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Valley Springs, CA

SUSPENSION

WHILE TRAVELING A WINDY COUNTRY ROAD AT APPROX. 40-45 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN MAKING A CURVE AND HITTING A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD THE VEHICLE FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. WE SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE SHAKING STOP. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN ROUNDING A CURVE AND HITTING A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD.FEELS LIKE THE FRONT END IS GOING TO COME OFF. VERY FRIGHTENING. WE TOOK TO DODGE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS COMMON AMONG DODGE TRUCKS AND IS CALLED THE DEATH WOBBLE AND DODGE TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. I GUESS IT IS CHEAPER TO PAY LAW SUITS THAN DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX AFFECTED VEHICLES. HOW MANY LIVES HAVE TO BE SPENT BEFORE DODGE IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE?

NHTSA complaint #10514304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Niles, MI

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE DROVE OVER A POT HOLE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO THE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #10501352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Mccarley, MS

SUSPENSION

THIS VEHICLE HAS AN UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING WITH THE FRONT END. IF YOU HIT A BUMP IR A POTHOLE YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH OR POSSIBLE STOP TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. IT WILL VIBRATE ANYTHING OFF THE DASH. FRONT END PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, FRONT END ALIGNED, NEW TIRES, FACTORY RECALL. I NOTIFIED DODGE, OF COURSE THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS.AFTER RESEARCHING THIS MATTER I FOUND THAT SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN NAMED THE DEATH WOBBLE. ANY DODGE FROM 2003-2008 HAS THIS. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THE DODGE ISN'T HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THIS DEATH WOBBLE IS STILL HAPPENING EVERYDAY WHEN A BUMP IS HIT AND IS GOING TO MAKE SOMEONE WRECK .

NHTSA complaint #10501185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Melbourne, FL

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FAILURE ALSO RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OR WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY ROAD BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT TIE ROD BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA complaint #10475969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Morganton, NC

SUSPENSION

DEATH WOBBLE, WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, AND HITTING A BUMP WITH THE WHEEL TURNED EVEN EVER SO SLIGHTLY EITHER WAY, THE WHEEL JUST GIVES THAT DIRECTION AND THE ENTIRE TRUCK STARTS TO GO THAT DIRECTION. IT IS VERY NERVE RACKING, AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE FORUMS ARE LITTERED WITH PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER, BUT WE AREN'T COMING UP WITH ONE, ALL WHILE THROWING MONEY AWAY INTO PARTS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE BAD. I'VE ALREADY HAD THE TIE ROD FAILURE THAT DODGE HAS A RECALL ON, BUT THEY SAY MY TRUCK WAS NOT EFFECTED BY THE RECALL, SO THAT FELL ON ME TO REPLACE. WHEN I CALLED DODGE ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THEY STATE THAT NO ONE HAS REPORTED THIS ISSUE BEFORE SO IT IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT WITH MY TRUCK. HOWEVER, A GOOGLE SEARCH YIELDS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME THING. CAN THIS BE INVESTIGATED IN ANY WAY? THESE TRUCKS HAVE BECOME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, OR BE AROUND ON THE HIGHWAYS DUE TO THIS 'DEATH WOBBLE'.

NHTSA complaint #10467647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Karns City, PA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIE ROD FELL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED WITHIN THE BALL JOINTS WHICH SEPARATED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING PITMAN, STEERING ARM, THE CROSS SHAFT, NUTS AND BOLTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,250. UPDATED 06/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE COULD NOT JUST REPLACE THE FAILED PART. HE HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY, DUE TO IT BEING AN UPGRADE. THE COST OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS $618.61. UPDATED 06/27/12 UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ UPDATED 09/12/12

NHTSA complaint #10458510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Newnan, GA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10442678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 38,000 miles Buffalo Lake, MN

SUSPENSION

I'VE GOT 40,000 MILES ON MY 2008 2500 QUAD CAB 6.7 CUMMINS. THE SYMPTOMS I NOTICED HAVE BEEN WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, SUDDENLY IT'LL SOUND LIKE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS, THEN RESUME TO NORMALCY. BUT WHEN I SLOW TO A STOP, THE TRUCK SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL YOU STOP. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, WHICH I DON'T, AND I DON'T DOWNSHIFT. I THOUGHT IT WAS MAYBE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, BUT I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED, OUT OF "DRIVE", AND IT STILL SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. MY TRUCK DOES HAVE THE SNOW PLOW PREP PACKAGE ON IT, BUT I DO NOT RUN A SNOW PLOW, AND AFTER RESEARCHING THE POSSIBILITY OF THAT LAST WINTER, I WOULD NEVER PUT A PLOW ON A QUAD/DIESEL; OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANY RAM.

NHTSA complaint #10438033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,500 miles Blackfoot, ID

SUSPENSION

HEADING TO TOWN TO TAKE 2008 DODGE RAM TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE LOOKED AT FOR STALLING AT IDLE AND NO FOOT PEDAL RESPONSE. SHUT TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED NOW I HAVE THROTTLE.. ANYWAYS HEADED TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THESE THING LOOKED AT. IM ON THE INTERSTATE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. I GO OVER A SLIGHT DIP ON THE INTERSTATE THAN EXPERIENCE WHAT FEELS LIKE TWO BLOWN FRONT TIRES. THE ENTIRE TRUCK IS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ITS ALL I CAN DO TO HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TRUCK FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL APART. I GET ON THE BRAKES START PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT ABOUT 10MILES AN HOUR THIS VIOLENT VIBRATION STOPS. THIS INCIDENT WAS THE SCARIEST INCIDENT I'VE BEEN THROUGH. I INSPECTED THE TRUCK NOTHING VISIBLE WRONG SO I CONTINUED ON TO DEALERSHIP WITH NO PROBLEMS.. 15 MINUTES LATER I STOPPED SHAKING. TOLD SERVICE MAN AT DEALERSHIP WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND HE SAYS OH YOU JUST EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE.. ARE YOU SERIOUS THEY HAVE A NICKNAME FOR THIS AND ARE STILL SELLING THESE VEHICLES AT 40,000 A PIECE. I REFUSED TO SIGN THE WORK AGREEMENT AND LEFT THE TRUCK THERE. I WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK FIXED. THIS VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND ANY OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND MANY OTHER INCIDENTS OF WHAT I HAVE DESCRIBED. GO TO YOUTUBE AND TYPE DODGE DEATH WOBBLE. VEHICLE MANUFACTURES SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE PRODUCT. CONCERNED AND PRODUCTIVE UNITED STATES CITIZEN..

NHTSA complaint #10437350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,941 miles Lebanon, MO

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE FRONT TIRES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL PINION GEAR BEARING. THE BEARING HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE FRONT TIRES TO SEIZE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,941.

NHTSA complaint #10433738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,500 miles Wharncliffe, WV

SUSPENSION

I WAS I-77 IN WV AND HIT A BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT AT APPROX. 70 M.P.H. THE TRUCK FRONT SUSPENSION BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FRONT TIRES AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE/BOUNCE UNCONTROLLABLY. IT DID THIS FOR APROX 20 SEC. WHILE I TRIED TO STOP THE TRUCK SLOWLY AND SAFELY. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE 2500 PICKUPS. IT HAS BEEN GIVEN THE NAME DEATH WOBBLE. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND AFTER INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT THE INCIDENT BUSTED BOTH FRONT SHOCKS AND STABILIZER BAR. IT WAS NOT COVERED BY FACTORY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAD 2 NEW SHOCKS & STABILIZER INSTALLED AND THE FRONT END RE-INSPECTED AND SERVICED, LINED AND BALANCED THE TIRES AS DIRECTED BY DEALER INSP. RESULTS. I DROVE LESS THAN 10 MILES AND THE TRUCK DONE THE DEATH WOBBLE AGAIN. THEY NOW SUGGEST THE TRACKING BAR FAILURE BUT STATE THAT THE WHOLE FRONT SUSPENSION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO A POOR DESIGN AND THE VIOLENT VIBRATION THAT OCCURRED DURING THE INCIDENTS. AGAIN THE WARRANTIES ARE REFUSING COVERAGE. THE TECH'S REFUSED TO RELEASE THE TRUCK BACK TO ME TO DRIVE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THEY FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE IN THIS CONDITION. THIS TRUCK REMAINS IN STOCK CONDITION. INSTALLING 285/70/16 TIRES 10 PLY TIRES FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE STOCK TIRES WERE TOO SMALL FOR AN 8000 LBS. PICKUP THAT TOWS OCCASIONALLY. DUE TO THE SERIOUSLY NEGLECTED SAFETY CONCERN BY DODGE, I WILL BE TRADING THIS TRUCK OFF WHEN I GET IT FIXED. DODGE KNOWS THERE IS PROBLEMS PLEASE STEP UP AND MAKE THEM ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT OR KILLED.

NHTSA complaint #10430008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 problems

← Full 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 report