Four problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After reading many of the same complaints I have, I'm beginning to wonder if Dodge/Chrysler/fiat did the same as gm. That is, intentionally put customers in harms way for profit during the economic downturn. I have a "08" 4x4 ext. Cab truck, that has a clunking noise coming from the rear end. This has happened when I first put this truck in "d", or go through the gears. I have experienced the engine shutting off when I bumped it accidently with my knee. Realize I only have one key on my key ring, so it's not a weight issue similar to gm's ignition problems. I do have a recall for the airbags that I'm sure won't be addressed by Dodge or the local dealers because it does have over 100,000 miles and is a used vehicle. I also have experienced a bounce in the front end when I make a sharp turn. Yes, with 100,000 miles, I prolly need new shocks/struts, but it could very well also be a mechanical/wear issue with the ball joints/tie rod ends. I have also experienced a hard shift in the 5 speed transmission my truck has, even though I've changed out the transmission oil twice since owning this truck. The one nice thing about the Ford products I owned prior, a recall was just that and they honored it even if I wasn't the original owner/mileage issue/etc. That's what safety recalls should be about--safety first! then again, what difference does it make to a manufacturer like Dodge?? to the employee's that want mega monies? to the corporate mgr's that make big bucks, they all hold the consumer as a prisoner per se by putting out a product that doesn't hold up and yet will not honor their mistakes by fixing the product as needed in a timely manner. By the way, I baby my vehicles, I'm not rough on them at all. So mileage should not matter with reasonable wear/tear on any vehicle.
I was driving in the middle lane of traffic at 7o mph when my 4wl lite flashed,I heard a loud bang and my truck jerked violently, I thought I had been rear ended. My truck immediately slowed down to 30mph right after the loud noise. I then had to get across two lanes of speeding freeway traffic to avoid an accident or worse. After I made it to the shoulder of the road and calmed my nerves, I did damage assessment and discovered that my truck had shifted itself into four wheel low at 70 mph. I limped my truck home, stuck in four wheel low, called a tow truck and took it to my Dodge dealer. Almost two years later and numerous trips back to various dealerships to get this warranty work fixed, and out thousands of dollars the problem has never been fixed and Chrysler considers the case closed. I'm afraid now after this incident to take my truck on the freeway as I feel it is not safe for me or the drivers around me. Next time I may not be so lucky.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that he heard a loud banging noise while shifting from one gear to another with a trailer attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the transmission module was defective. The dealer also stated that there were no remedies and it would be at least a month before one was available. The contact continued to contact the dealer regarding a remedy to no avail. The contact stated that he was concerned about the safety risk involved while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500. The current mileage was 6,350.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While making a left or right turn at various speeds or when the vehicle is idling, the steering wheel sticks. The vehicle has been to the dealer four times and they replaced the power steering pump and the rack and pinion. The dealer stated that they have another vehicle on their lot that is experiencing the same failure. Therefore, they stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. After having a conference call with the manufacturer, the dealer informed the contact that they would provide him with a rental until repairs were made. The failure mileage was 1,600 and current mileage was 8,018. Updated 07/22/08 the consumer stated there was a delay befoe engagement when shifting the transmission. There was also wind noise. Updated 07/24/08.