Dodge

Ram (3rd)

2002-2008 · Full-Size Truck ยท 13 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.3)
11,248 NHTSA Complaints
48 Recalls
182 Fire Reports
810 Crash Reports
Includes data from: RAMRAM 1500RAM 2500RAM 3500RAM 4500RAM 5500RAM CLUB CABRAM PICKUPRAM QUAD CABRAM SRT-10RAM VANRAM WAGON
View all 3 generations of the Dodge Ram → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Reliability Overview

The third-generation Dodge Ram (2002-2008) collected 15,576 NHTSA complaints across seven model years. The severity numbers match the volume: 1,117 crash reports, 242 fire reports, 981 injuries, and 46 deaths. Forty-eight recall campaigns followed, and the pattern in those campaigns matters more than the count. The third-gen Ram sold well as a comfortable, capable hauler, especially in Cummins diesel form. It also accumulated a documented defect list that needs careful screening on any used example.

Steering is the recurring story. Multiple recall campaigns between 2010 and 2013 addressed pitman arm and steering linkage failures on Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 trucks, with several aftermarket lift-kit recalls (Fabtech, Superlift) layered on top. Takata airbag inflators expanded across the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 lineup in 2014, 2015, and 2016. A 2014 electrical-system campaign covered 2006-2007 trucks. The 6.7L Cummins silencer pad recall affected 2007-2008 diesel-equipped 2500 and 3500 trucks. A 2003 aluminum wheel campaign addressed heavy-duty hubs prone to cracking under load, and a 2005 transmission action covered diesel-equipped automatics with a gear-engagement defect. Antilock brake control units, transfer case fasteners, and Cummins diesel idle-speed issues round out the major actions. Buyers should run any VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before negotiating; the difference between a remediated truck and one with open campaigns is real money.

The reliability picture isn't uniformly bleak. The 3.7L V6 base engine logs few engine-specific complaints in this dataset. Cummins-equipped trucks built before the 6.7L diesel introduced its emissions hardware are widely respected for driveline durability, and owners who keep up with maintenance and address the documented steering and brake recalls tend to keep these trucks running well past 200,000 miles.

Beyond the recall campaigns, the most common complaint clusters group into engine, electrical, cooling, suspension, and safety-system categories. The crash and injury concentration ties to steering and antilock brake issues more than to powertrain failure. Most documented defects had factory or aftermarket fixes available, so the truck rewards methodical vetting rather than blind avoidance.

This generation still works for buyers who want a heavy-duty diesel hauler at used-market prices and who plan to complete every open recall before driving it home. The 4x4 2500 and 3500 trucks demand the most diligent inspection because the steering campaigns concentrate there. Buyers shopping a low-maintenance daily driver should cross-shop the fourth-generation Ram (2009-2018) or a contemporary Ford F-150.

Engine Reliability Ratings

8.0-V10-Gas

8.0L 10-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.0)
13 complaints 6.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
4
body
3
transmission
1
steering
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (3 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

5.9T-I6-Gas

5.9L 6-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (3.5)
58 complaints 19.3 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
15
body
13
steering
7
transmission
7
other
6

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (15 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (13 complaints)
Steering Issues (7 complaints)

4.7-V8-FlexFuel

4.7L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.4)
96 complaints 24.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
39
suspension
14
electrical
13
transmission
9
body
5

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (39 complaints)
Suspension Issues (14 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)

5.2-V8-Gas

5.2L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.7)
18 complaints 4.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
4
brakes
4
steering
4
interior
3
safety systems
2

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (4 complaints)
Steering Issues (4 complaints)

8.3-V10-Gas

8.3L 10-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.4)
26 complaints 8.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
9
electrical
6
engine
4
exterior
4
fuel system
3

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)

5.9-V8-Gas

5.9L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
316 complaints 63.2 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
79
transmission
54
safety systems
43
other
39
suspension
27

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (79 complaints)
Transmission Issues (54 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (43 complaints)

5.9T-I6-Diesel

5.9L 6-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
2,499 complaints 344.7 per year Diesel
36 fire reports 10 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
703
safety systems
446
transmission
342
suspension
335
electrical
243

Known Issues

Steering Issues (703 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (446 complaints)
Transmission Issues (342 complaints)

Dodge Ram Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.0)
1,864 complaints 266.3 per year
37 fire reports 5 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
314
steering
247
transmission
242
suspension
214
safety systems
213

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (314 complaints)
Steering Issues (247 complaints)
Transmission Issues (242 complaints)

6.7T-I6-Diesel

6.7L 6-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
589 complaints 117.8 per year Diesel
26 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
302
engine
101
suspension
96
safety systems
70
cooling
56

Known Issues

Steering Issues (302 complaints)
Engine Issues (101 complaints)
Suspension Issues (96 complaints)
Show 10 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

6.7-V6-Diesel

6.7L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.7)
7 complaints 1.8 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
5
suspension
1
safety systems
1
engine
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (5 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

DOHC 16V Turbo

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (4.9)
4 complaints 1.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2
safety systems
1
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

3.8-V6-Gas

3.8L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
3 complaints 1.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1
electrical
1
safety systems
1
interior
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

SMPI (DOHC 16V)

2.4L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
3 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1
suspension
1
wheels tires
1
other
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1
engine
1
electrical
1
body
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

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3.9-V6-Gas

3.9L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

2.8T-I4-Diesel

2.8L 4-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

6.1-V8-Gas

6.1L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Dodge Ram regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (2,497 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Steering Issues (1,839 complaints)
steering critical
Transmission Issues (1,748 complaints)
transmission critical
Suspension Issues (1,108 complaints)
suspension critical
Body/Trim Issues (734 complaints)
body critical

Buyer's Guide

Best year and engine. The strongest reliability case in the third-generation lineup goes to the Cummins diesel-equipped 2500 and 3500 trucks built before the 6.7L diesel arrived for 2007. Among gas engines, the 3.7L V6 logs the lowest complaint rate in this dataset, though its tow and payload capability is limited compared with the V8 and diesel options. The 2002 model year carries the highest unknown-defect risk by virtue of being the first year of the generation; later years benefit from running production corrections.

Inspection priorities. Focus on the steering box, pitman arm, and front-end linkage on any 4x4 Ram 2500 or 3500. Test the antilock brake system during a hard stop and listen for uneven front-to-rear brake balance. Pull the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm all open Takata airbag campaigns have been completed. On diesel-equipped trucks, inspect the cooling system thoroughly and verify the 6.7L silencer pad recall was performed on 2007-2008 examples. Any aftermarket lift kit deserves a careful check against the Fabtech and Superlift pitman arm recalls.

Used-market context. Pricing varies widely by mileage and recall-completion status. A Ram 2500 with documented recall remediation, a clean steering box, and verified airbag work commands a meaningful premium over a similar-mileage example with open campaigns. Treat that gap as money you'll spend either way.

Recalls (48)

16V352000May 23, 2016critical
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

15V313000May 26, 2015critical
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

15V312000May 26, 2015critical
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

14V796000Dec 15, 2014serious
Powertrain

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 28, 2004, to August 3, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear.

14V795000Dec 15, 2014serious
Electrical System

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.

14V770000Mar 11, 2014critical
Air Bags

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

13V528000Jun 10, 2013serious
Steering

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

13V529000Jun 10, 2013serious
Steering

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

13V527000Jun 10, 2013serious
Steering

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.

11V350000Jun 6, 2011serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

10V657000Dec 23, 2010serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.

10E040000Aug 22, 2010serious
Wheels

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.

10E013000Mar 4, 2010critical
Steering

FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

09V434000Nov 12, 2009serious
Equipment

E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHEVROLET W5500, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 DODGE 3500, MODEL YEAR 2009 MIGHTY MOVER, MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FORD E-250, E-350 AND E-450, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 GMC W4500, MODEL YEAR 2007 INTERNATIONAL 4300, MODEL YEAR 2009 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.

09E009000Mar 12, 2009serious
Visibility

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

09V084000Mar 12, 2009serious
Visibility

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 65,896 MY 2008-2009 LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.

09E001000Jan 12, 2009serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.

09V005000Aug 31, 2009serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

08V344000Jul 27, 2008serious
Trailer Hitches

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

08V641000May 11, 2008serious
Engine & Cooling

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.

07E066000Aug 27, 2007serious
Equipment

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

07V247000Jun 12, 2007serious
Fuel System

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 34 GALLON FUEL TANKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL TANK MAY BECOME DAMAGED DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH COULD ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS OVER.

07V413000Dec 8, 2007serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN TWO WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT YOKE MAY BREAK UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

07V093000Dec 2, 2007serious
Equipment

CERTAIN 4X4 TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, CERTAIN 4X4 TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE CERTIFICATION LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABEL CONTAIN INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION.

07V038000Dec 1, 2007serious
Suspension

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING MAY HAVE RECEIVED AN INSUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF GREASE DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

07E104000Nov 11, 2007serious
Visibility

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

07V472000Sep 9, 2007serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN CAB/CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL 23 GALLON FUEL TANK, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

07V555000Apr 11, 2007serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

07E009000Jan 1, 2007serious
Suspension

CERTAIN LKI ENTERPRISES, INC., BRAND NAME SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION, PITMAN ARMS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT DURING PRODUCTION, THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARMS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE UPPER SPLINED ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT. MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PITMAN ARM AND THE OUTPUT SHAFT MAY DEFORM SPLINES, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARM.

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E024000Mar 14, 2006serious
Engine & Cooling

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

06V353000Sep 13, 2006serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE WHEN CERTAIN MODEL REAR FACING CHILD SEATS ARE INSTALLED IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION.

06V354000Sep 13, 2006serious
Seat Belts

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TIGHTEN SECURELY ON CERTAIN MODEL CHILD SEATS.

06E023000Mar 12, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

06V380000Oct 9, 2006serious
Visibility

CERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 111, "REAR VIEW MIRRORS". THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR GLASS HAS A CURVED (CONVEX) MIRROR GLASS INSTALLED INSTEAD OF FLAT GLASS. CURVED GLASS CREATES A WIDER VIEW, BUT DISPLAYS IMAGES FURTHER AWAY THAN THEY ACTUALLY ARE.

06V073000Sep 2, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TRUCKS MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE ROOF MOUNTED CAB CLEARANCE LAMPS.

06V038000Sep 1, 2006serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

06V341000Jul 8, 2006serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.

05V461000Jun 9, 2005serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT TRANSFER CASE CALIBRATION SET POINTS, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN INADVERTENT TRANSFER CASE DEFAULT TO NEUTRAL.

05V462000Jun 9, 2005cosmetic
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL IN INDICATED REVERSE.

04V185000Dec 3, 2004serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

04V221000Jun 4, 2004serious
Equipment

THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON SOME PICKUP TRUCKS LISTS INCORRECT TIRE, WHEEL, AND RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS.'

04V385000Mar 7, 2004serious
Electrical System

ON CERTAIN PICK-UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINES, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH A VALVE COVER STUD.

03V212000May 5, 2003serious
Wheels

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK.

03V033000May 1, 2003serious
Vehicle Speed Control

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

03V503000Apr 11, 2003serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE TRANSFER CASE TO TRANSMISSION ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTER OR TRANSFER CASE HOUSING TO CRACK AND LEAK FLUID.

02V159000Jun 12, 2002cosmetic
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.

Alternatives in Full-Size Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2008 Dodge Ram problems?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram has accumulated 11,248 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Steering, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Dodge Ram engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram was offered with 23 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram a good used car?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 11,248 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram have?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram has 11,248 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram?

There are 48 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2008 Dodge Ram vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Dodge Ram?

Before buying a used Dodge Ram, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Steering, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Ram?

The 2008 Dodge Ram received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Optional. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 11,248 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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