2008 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $16,000–$30,000. There are 3 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The first years of the 6.7 Cummins traded the durable simplicity of the 5.9 for more power and an emissions system that clogs. The engine is strong; the DPF, EGR, and the weak 68RFE automatic are the recurring bills. Buy the manual or a well-maintained emissions system.
What we checked
No public record to reconcile against
We don't yet have a public record to check this one against. Federal complaint records thin out badly on older vehicles, so there is little to check against. What follows is our own write-up, and it has not been reconciled against an official record. Treat it as a starting point, not a verdict.
Known Issues for the 2008 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The early 6.7 emissions system clogs with soot, especially on short trips, causing derates and expensive replacements.
Repair cost (estimate): $2,000-$5,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
The automatic is the weak link behind the Cummins, particularly when towing heavy.
Repair cost (estimate): $3,500-$6,500
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Solid front axle oscillation from worn steering components.
Repair cost (estimate): $600-$2,500
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Soot binds the variable geometry vanes, causing underboost.
Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$2,800
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗DPF/EGR warnings, especially on a city-driven truck
- ✗Slipping automatic
- ✗Death wobble
- ✗Deleted emissions with no documentation
Good Signs
- ✓G56 manual transmission
- ✓Emissions components serviced or highway-use history
- ✓Front end rebuilt
- ✓Complete maintenance records
Found a specific Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2008 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
Other Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) years
More from Ram
Similar trucks & pickups
No bullshit, no upsells, no affiliate links. One report, one price — we'll never charge you rent for your own thinking.
Think we got something wrong? Tell us — a real person reads every message.