2008 RAM 3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
What could happen: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V739000 (manufacturer code S68).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2008 RAM 3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (3), Suspension (2), Electrical system (1), Lights (1), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
05/09/2020 · Steering
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE", REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR BOX STABILIZER/BRACE, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THIS HAPPENS WHEN GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND YOU ENCOUNTER BUMPS, THE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP THE SHAKING, THE OTHER FIXES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPE…
03/18/2019 · Steering
MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE FRONT END OF MY 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 QUAD CAB DUALLY DIESEL. I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE DEATH WOBBLE AFTER REPLACING EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT END EXCEPT THE DRAG LINK STEERING LINK. I HAVE THE FACTORY "Y" TYPE AND WAS TOLD DODGE WAS REPLACING THEM WITH THE "T"STYLE. PLEASE ADVISE BEFORE I GET KILLED IN THIS THING. HIGHWAY BETWEEN 40 AND…
10/17/2018 · Electrical system
THE 4X4 ACTUATOR KEPT CLICKING IN AND OUT AND DAMAGED MY TRANSFER CASE WHERE I HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW ONE, NOW IT'S STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. ALSO MY HEATER BLOWS COLD ON DIVER SIDE AND HOT ON PASSENGER SIDE. ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN DONE BUT THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF, SAYING I NEED TO HAVE IT SERVICED. HEAD LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS KEEP FLUCTUATING IN BR…
01/10/2018 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING, THE TIE ROD FELL OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE TO FREMONT MOTOR CODY (3127 BIG HORN AVE, CODY, WY 82414), BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIE ROD HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAIL…