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.
Deciding between model years? Compare the 7 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) years we've written up →
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
Checked against public records, 2026-09-25
We checked NHTSA for this exact year and model and it returned nothing. That is a fact about the database, not a clean bill of health — it usually means few of these were sold or few owners filed. What follows is our own write-up, unreconciled.
Known Issues for the 2008 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
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 — about 28% of what this car is typically worth
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
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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.
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