8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
77,300 miles
Total Complaints:
16 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (16 reports)
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #16

Nov 162022

Ram 1500 SLT Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,888 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine cuts off when I apply the brakes a little harder than usual. It has cut off multiple times at red lights, stop signs and pulling out. It doesn't throw any codes and the local Dodge dealer says they've never heard of this problem. My wife and I were riding around last Sunday and it cut off five times.

- Verner C., Opelika, AL, US

problem #15

Mar 212023

Ram 1500 LS Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,400 miles

I like my truck, its a little scary when it just shuts off without warning, afraid I might get run over. I hope its not a lemon Dodge needs to fix this problem I'm afraid my wife might get ran over help help help

- C.l. H., Cleveland, TN, US

problem #14

Jun 202018

Ram 1500 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,450 miles

After filling the gas tank, the truck will begin to sputter, then stall, when coming to a stop. If you stop slowly, and I mean real slow, no problem. However, if you do not stop slowly, the truck will sputter, RPM gauge goes crazy, and the truck feels like it is trying to lurch forward even with the brake on. The truck will then start back up after several times of cranking. I no longer fill the tank over 3/4, and make it a point to stop slowly. Although this is the first I have reported this to anyone, it has happened over 5 times in the past two years. Definitely a dangerous problem.

- Bill M., Fl, US

problem #13

Dec 162017

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

AFTER REFUELING, I NOTICED A FAINT SMELL OF GAS THAT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WASN'T TOO CONCERNED UNTIL THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE ENGINE JUST QUIT. NO POWER STEERING AND STIFF BRAKING UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. AT FIRST, IT WOULD NOT START THEN RAN ROUGH AND ALMOST QUIT THE SECOND TIME. AFTER I DROVE THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 OR 3 MILES THE ENGINE SMOOTHED OUT AND I HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT AGAIN. MAYBE WHEN I FILL UP AGAIN, THE PROBLEM WILL RETURN. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD LESS THAN 36000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.

I REPORTED IT TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM OR RECALLS. I ALSO REPORTED IT ON THIS WEBSITE BUT DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT DATE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM AS OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEIR DODGE TRUCKS. WITH THE SMELL OF FUEL JUST BEFORE THE SHUT DOWN AND THEN THE ENGINE STALL, I THINK THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM SOMEWHERE.

I HAD MY TRUCK INSPECTED LAST YEAR AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL CAP BEFORE IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION. MAYBE THE FUEL SYSTEM LOOSES PRESSURE THROUGH THE FUEL CAP OR SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE SYSTEM. REGARDLESS, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE HIGH SPEED HIGHWAYS. DOING 75 OR 80 MPH WOULD NOT BE A VERY GOOD SPEED TO BE TRAVELING WHEN THE ENGINE JUST QUITS.

CHRYSLER DOES NOT SEEM TO TAKE THESE COMPLAINTS SERIOUSLY, AND NEVER WILL UNTIL IT CAUSES A FATAL CRASH.

- George C A., Killeen, TX, US

problem #12

Jan 022017

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,609 miles

after getting gas engine stalls randomly without warning . after 5 miles or so runs fine? no codes.

- joearce, Belvidere, NJ, US

problem #11

Dec 012013

Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4,7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

engine dies randomly. While idle, going forward, going backward, during acceleration, while coasting, when turning, when stopping, when stopped and anytime at all. It dies at all speeds and at any rpm. It always starts right back up. I have changed the ecm, maf sensor, spark plugs, coils, starter, fuel pump, ing switch, engine wiring harness, engine compartment wiring harness, fuse box, injectors, throttle body, battery and the engine. Nothing has stopped the problem.

- dsabatier, Prairieville, LA, US

problem #10

Mar 052016

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Truck turned off shortly after cancelling the cruise control button coasting to a stop light ( 45MPH ). Only indication, the RPMs oddly fluctuated prior to episode. No engine codes, but did replace the CrankShaft Position Sensor (CPS) 30 days prior. During the CPS episode the RPMs oddly fluctuated also, I was increasing speed, but the check engine light worked thus able to diagnose. Todays episode the Truck restarted and I went on my way. No check engine codes came on. Given one can't turn the wheel without the power steering, this episode was potentially dangerous.

- John D., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #9

Jan 162015

Ram 1500 Sport 5,7 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

When I fill the fuel tank all the way full, the truck will cut off after driving approx. 1 mile. I start it up and if I stop at a traffic light or stop sign it cuts off. It does this for about 20 or 30 miles. If I don't fill the truck all the way, it does not cut off. I have been told that the problem is the vent on the fuel tank but you have to buy the whole fuel tank because you can't get just the vent valve. This is a dangerous safety issue because it could cut off at a railroad crossing or in heavy traffic and you loose power steering. I have seen several complaints of this problem. I think there is a serious problem here that Dodge doesn't want to admit and there should be a recall fix for it before someone gets injured because of it.

- Mike H., West Point, GA, US

problem #8

Aug 132015

Ram 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

After filling up, the first 60-70 miles the truck dies or stalls like bad gas in it. Once it gets to 3/4 full it runs good, but when it gets down to 1/4 left in tank it does the same thing. Stalls when coming to a stop. Took to Dodge dealer and they can't find a thing wrong with it. No codes or anything. Had 2 near rear ends and several near wreaks when engine just shuts off. Replaced gas cap but, still same problem. Replaced battery and still stalls. Take to a Dodge dealer and it runs good or so they say.

- Donnie G., Keller, US

problem #7

Jan 062015

Ram 1500 Sport 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,328 miles

Engine stalls randomly while driving. Engine trouble code doesn't match problem. Several mechanics stated that wasn't was causing the engine to stall.

Update from Sep 28, 2015: keeps stally randomly a couple times a week

- thewaz, Jasper, GA, US

problem #6

Feb 022015

Ram 1500 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2008 dodge ram 1500 that is regularly maintained experienced an engine stall out a few weeks back. Not sure what exactly the problem was. I had replaced my battery a week prior to the stall out and also changed the oil. I was driving at approximately 70mph, slowed down and stopped at a red light when my engine stalled, power steering was gone. I immediately restarted the truck and have not experienced this problem again.

- madrid6221, Goodyear, AZ, US

problem #5

Sep 012013

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

1) My first 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7Liter also stalled under the same scenario. After cruising around 50+ then suddenly having to stop, the engine would stall out. Never could fix it on the 2002. Then one hot Summer day, the check engine light came on, the oil pressure bottomed out and a few seconds later the engine stalled and never woke up again. Had to buy a new Magnum 4.7 LITER ENGINE (86,000 miles) for $8,000. Dealer said it had an "Internal Fracture". Weird. No Smoke, No shaking, No rattling, No warning. The book value and payoff was only $6,500. Dodge Manufacturer came out with a $8000 rebate if you own a Dodge to trade in. Problem SOLVED RIGHT. I did. Balanced out payments with BRAND NEW 2008 DODGE RAM 5.7 Liter Hemi ($33,000 off the lot, CHROME PLASTIC COVERED RIMS TO BOOT). HOPE THEY HONOR THE "LIFETIME DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY".

2) My second Dodge 2008 has more issues. Window and Door Switches breaking while down or up, among other electrical issues. Recently, I took the Truck in for a vibration in the front end.

In the last few weeks; the truck has started to stall more often. My wife is the primary driver and she's scared to drive it. Not SAFE for her. The truck stalled while I crossing a busy Highway intersection(wife is in passenger seat), after a rapid slow down and turn left. Before entering the intersection, the engine stalled, with high speed traffic coming. While rolling, put truck in neutral and started the engine, stomped it to avoid being killed. PISSED. Took truck to dealer. After $3,100 of maintenance, all 4 brakes, both front bearings, ALL fluids and a BRAND NEW THROTTLE BODY. The excuse for the engine stall was "INTERNAL FAILURE" and sensor for the THROTTLE BODY. So, I paid for a Brand New Throttle Body that could not be fixed. GUESS WHAT Happened one week to the day(TODAY)....MY ENGINE STALLED AGAIN...WITH A BRAND NEW THROTTLE BODY?!!?! I'm going in to the DAPHNE ALABAMA CHRIS MYERS DODGE in the morning to get the answer we all would love to have and get my money back....I have owned TWO DODGE RAMS and neither of them have lived up to the HYPE.

By the way, Prior to the DODGES: I owned a 1993 GMC with a 4.3 Liter V6 167,000 mile and 12 years of use AND NEVER HAD ISSUES LIKE THIS. I loved that truck and will be getting another GMC as soon as I can.

- 2002&2008, Loxley, AL, US

problem #4

Mar 132013

Ram 1500 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

i bought a 2008 hemi pick up with 30k never had an issue with it until 64k. i was driving it, came to a light and stalled and turned off. i ignored it until my wife drove it and it happened again. eventaully a third time. after paying more close attention to it, the rpms would drop at times below 500 causing to die, it does restart every time. not all the time will it die. i took it to the dealership under x tended warranty and said they will take a look at it. found no problems and suggested a tune up. after a spark plugs and a throttle body service at a cheap cost of 800 dollars it never fixed the issue. and of course im out of warranty and is a daily driver.

- Orlando O., Katy, TX, US

problem #3

Feb 052012

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,788 miles

lost power,brakes.haul trailer.very big problem.checked with dealer never heard of problem.because i shut off key and restarted no code found

- John W., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, canada

problem #2

Jul 242011

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L with 44k which I take care of and do my regular maintenance on. I have not had any real serious issues with this truck up until the other day when i was driving home from work about to puul into my driveway, and the truck just dies on me with no warning whatsoever, I had no power steering,no brakes, so I quickly put it into nuetral and it starts right back up (very weird). Then I noticed that the voltage gauge is very slow to get to the middle, I ran over to Autozone to get the battery , starter and alternator tested, and all check out fine. Luckily it hasn't happened since then, but t kind of has me worried to drive the truck, hell next time I could be doing 70 down the highway and then big trouble. Has anyone else had this issue? If so what was it, or what could it be? Does dodge have any recalls out on this truck?

- mozman2tx, Watauga, TX, US

problem #1

Aug 272010

Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 5.7L V8 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

I have had lots of 4x4 in my life and i ride all my trucks hard. i sold my F150 bought me a Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Big Horn 5.7L Hemi because i haul a pretty good size boat too.The minute i take it down a really bumpy dirt road the first big ditch i hit the truck just dies on me,no power steering no nothing DEAD.I put the truck in park and it cranks right up like nothing happened.It does good on deep mud and 4 low situations like going over stumps in the mud or rocks but don't go down a dirt road on 4 high at about 40mph give or take and hit a deep ditch because IT WILL DIE ON YOU.Hopefully i won't along with the truck.I don't feel safe with this truck anymore. i have a family of 5 and we love the outdoors.I have taken my truck twice for this problem the last time after 4 days in the shop they told me it SHOULD BE FIXED.I took it out to see if they fixed the issue and guess what this time my truck died on me on top of a rail road track.I called them again told them what happened and they told ME to call DODGE myself and ask them what they should do????????WHAT THE @#%@.I am going crazy here.I'm thinking lemon law.I have had it with them.

- rojois, MIAMI, FL, US

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