2008 Dodge Charger
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 624 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 20 Charger model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 24 involved a crash and 22 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 24, 2016
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.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Campaign 16V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 27, 2015
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
Campaign 15V313000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionSep 17, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.
If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
Campaign 14V567000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftNov 6, 2008
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 20,283 MY 2006-2009 CHARGER AND MAGNUM VEHICLES BUILT WITH THE POLICE PACKAGE AND EQUIPPED WITH A COLUMN SHIFTER. THE GEARSHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET AND CAUSE AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT POSITION DISPLAY.
THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION STARTLING THE DRIVER, AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL ADD A REDUNDANT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE GEARSHIFT CABLE AT THE MOUNTING BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER RETENTION AND SHIFT LINKAGE FUNCTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 08V583000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle hubsJul 2, 2008
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 5,509 MY 2008 300, DODGE MAGNUM, AND CHARGER VEHICLES. THE TORQUE RETENTION CRIMP FEATURE WAS MISSED DURING THE MANUFACTURE OF ONE LOT OF REAR AXLE HUB NUTS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE NUTS TO LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE HALFSHAFT TO DISENGAGE FROM THE WHEEL HUB.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE HUB NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 08V295000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
624 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2026
While driving on an expressway at 70 MPH , the car suddenly stopped and had no power. The gas gauge showed 1/4 tank of gas . Luckily we we able to cross lanes by coasting, to get off to the right. We had to be towed to a repair shop. The car was found to be Out of Gas ! This could have been a catastrophic accident ,or death ,had we not been able to get off the road !!
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as intended. An abnormal cranking sound could be heard coming from the engine. The contact stated it would take several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that last year he received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers : 4V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was repaired. The dealer is refusing to repair the vehicle for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2025
My car was leaking gas from the fuel pump and I guess my car from the backseat almost caught fire cause I seen smoke coming from the back seat behind the driver. I went to two Dodge dealerships to let them know about this incident that reason why my fuel pump caught on fire because Dodge put the negative and the positive wire close to each other on the fuel pump, which could cause a fire or your car to explode. I let Dodge know about this incident and let them know that my car almost caught on fire smoke came out and I could’ve died. They totally brushed me off and brushed off my incident. I told him hey this is a recall that you guys need to take serious before someone really gets hurt from Now. I am carless with no vehicle to drive. No way to pick up my daughter from school. I need you guys help ASAP so I could be able to father my child and be able to go to work to provide for my child. Thank you.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 26, 2025
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Hesitation when starting car
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, but was able to coast off the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality but was running abnormally. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the PCM and the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 208,500.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained running temporarily. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would no longer start. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under the recall as the vehicle was over 10 years old; however, the vehicle was not more than 10 years old on the date the defect was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,846.
Engine, Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine, traction control, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 270,917.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2022
The esp bass light and traction control lights and the brake light keeps lighting up on the dash of my 2008 Dodge Charger RT took it to a mechanic shop and told them what was going on replace the wheel speed sensor in the back and the rear axle the brake light no longer lights up but the ESP and the traction control light still light up on the car sometimes cannot find the issue or what's going on
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2022
Accelerating on highway at around 45mph my Dodge Charger gave a small spurt of powder then immediately after i lost complete power and shut down. I had to move to shoulder of highway where i turned the key to off position and took key out. I tried to restart the car and it wouldnt even try turning over. The cluster lights of PRND38 (ive never seen an 8 on there before)… showed up with boxes around each letter which was not normal along with the lightning bolt light and battery light. We changed new charged battery still no turn over. Tried to connect a snap on code scanner and it wouldn’t link. I also changed throttle pedal as well as throttle body because the lightning bolb light was on When can shut down while driving it.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2022
The gas gage on the dash is not reading properly my car said I had 1/8 of a tank and then driving down the interstate my car dies in the middle of the road lights went out power steering
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2022
My air bag light is on and im having problems with high idle after replacing map sensors, and replacing the Throttle Body, and replacing the fuel pump my car is running horrible
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 21, 2022
Need keyfobs reprogramed my car won't start unless I hold down on door lock and lock on keyfob at the same time and to the point where it won't start at all security light keeps coming on before starting. My car shutdown while driving in traffic. It happens a lot. Please recall these parts. I'm afraid of wrecking when breaking down in rush hour traffic? My Name is [XXX] ph number is [XXX] My address is [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Dec 8, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2008 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while a female was driving the vehicle at an unknown speed with the contact's boyfriend and his older cousin as passengers in the vehicle, the driver crashed the vehicle into a wall. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's boyfriend and his cousin were unconscious and were transported to two separate hospitals by ambulance. The contact's boyfriend sustained injuries to his neck, hip, and back. The contact was not aware of the injuries sustained by her boyfriend's cousin but stated that prior to the collision, his cousin had surgery regarding a pacemaker. The female driver did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical system, May 12, 2021
THE CAR IS IN DRIVE, WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR SIMPLY LOOSES POWER, SHUTS DOWN IMMEDIATELY ON THE FREEWAY, IN TRAFFIC, ANYWHERE INCLUDING ON A SHORT DRIVE; THE CAR LOOSES POWER, THE MPH DROPS TO 0, THE CAR COASTS TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT LOOSES POWER STEERING, THE KEY FOB IS STILL IN IGNITION, LIGHTS GO OFF, AND I HAVE TO RESTART CAR; FORMER ALLEN SAMUELS DODGE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT IT WAS NOT DOING THIS UNTIL THEY CHANGED THE KEY FOB AND RESET THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR THE NEW FOB IN 2014, IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED US TO BE RUN OVER SEVERAL TIMES WITH GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR BY 18 WHEELERS ON THE HWY, SO WE HAVE HAD AUTONATION RUN DIAGNOSIS AND SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WHEN CLEARLY IT IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG - HELP, MY NEPHEWS DODGE CHARGER DOES THE SAME THING
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 31, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CEASED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. ADDITIONALLY, THE GEAR SHIFTER COULD NOT BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Structure, Nov 21, 2020
SINCE 2015 THE CLEAR COATING ON THE DRIVER SIDE FROM THE FRONT TO BACK IS PEELING IT HAS BUBBLES JUST LATELY IT'S NOW ON THE BACK BUMPER IT APPEARS IT'S GOING AROUND THE WHOLE CAR .I CAN'T WASH IT AT CAR WASH I HAVE TO WATCH HOW I SPRAY IT WITH WATER I HAVE SEEN OTHER CARS LIKE MINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.I HAVE MORE PICTURES THEN I'M SHOWING .
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2020
THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY FOB IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND WILL NOT START. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A LOSS OF FUNCTIONALITY.
Suspension, Oct 18, 2020
THE CAR IS POORLY WINTERIZED, CAUSING MY ENTIRE FRAME TO RUST AND COMPLETELY FALL, THEREFORE LEAVING MY MOTOR SITTING ON TOP OF MY RATCH AND PINION AND ALMOST RESULTING IN MY DEATH. THIS CAR ISN'T OLD ENOUGH TO BE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS OR THE AMOUNT OF PARTS THAT RUST OUT OF IT.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2020
PROBLEMS STARTING THE SWITCH GETS STUCK AFTER I TRY STARTING IT AND NO MY CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL DOESN'T EVEN TURN OVER LIGHTS AND FINGERS ALL ARE WORKING BUT WON'T CRANK
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2020
MY CAR WAS WORKING FINE THEN I WENT TO START IT AND THERE IS A SOLID RED DOT UNDER THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE CAR DOESN'T TURN ON
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Aug 15, 2020
MY STEREO, AND FRONT CHARGER PORT SHUTS OFF AND ON. MY ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE AND SADLY A MECHANIC CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE, THE AC IS BLOWING COLD ON DRIVER SIDE AND HOT ON PASSENGER AND BACK SEAT. I BELIEVE MY FRONT TO WHEEL HUBS HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY AND MAKE NOISES I HIT BUMPS. AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER STARTED STICKING
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 26, 2020
IGNITION START. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, May 13, 2020
I REPLACED THE LIFTERS ON THE ENGINE AND IT'S GOT A KNOCKING NOISE DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT NOW A RED LIGHTENING BOLT COMES ACROSS THE DASH AND I HAVE SCAN IT FOR CODES BUT NOTHING COMES UP. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2020
I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO GET SOME GAS. I WAS ON A CITY STREET IN ANAHIEM, CA. I PUT IN 25.00, BUT IT ONLY TOOK 21.78 WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR IT WOULD NOT START. I SAT IN MY VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST THIRTY MINUTES TRYING TO START IT. I ENDED UP CONTACTING TRIPLE A FOR A TOW TO MY RESIDENCE.