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: electronic stability control (esc)
18 reports, newest first. Show all
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
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 23, 2020
IT WAS A REGULAR DAY I TURN MY CAR OFF WHEN INSIDE MY CAME OUT 15MINS LATER THE CAR WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH COMES ON BUT RADIO WON'T AND THE WINDOWS ALSO WON'T GO DOWN
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2019
I CAN PUT THE KEY IN THE STARTER I'M TURNING IT OVER NOVI TRUCK IS RUNNING TO MY GAS PUMP OR MY SPEEDOMETER OR MY RADIO
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 13, 2018
I DRIVE TO WORK EVERY DAY AND I CAN FEEL MY CAR SHACKING WHILE I HAVE THE CAR ON DRIVE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED MY VEHICLE SLIDING OF THE ROAD WITH OUT CONTROL. ALSO MY BREAKS HAS LOST CONTROL ON ME WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THESE ISSUES IM EXPERIENCING ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE AT ALL DRIVING MY VEHICLE EVEN IF IM DRIVING SLOW. THE LAST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED 9/12/18, BUT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THESE ISSUES ARE NOT REPORTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CONSIDERED AS A RECALL.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 19, 2018
ABS ESP LIGHT ON
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 26, 2018
THE ENGINE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF DURING DRIVING. I LOST POWER STEERING AND AUTOMATIC BRAKING. I TRIED TO RESTART BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE NOT DEAD. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WAS DEAD. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I THEN HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 18, 2018
WHILE DRIVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THE CAR SHUT OFF LOST POWER STEERING CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND IGNITION WAS STILL ON. TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TOOK SEVERAL TRIES TO RESTART CAR RESTARTED BUT WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 10 MPH AND CUT OFF 4 TIMES THEREAFTER. DROVE A WEEK LATER AND SAME PROBLEM RIGHT BEFORE I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THIS IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 28, 2017
MY CAR ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON ALONG WITH MY TRACTION LIGHT. IT STARTED DOING IT ONCE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THEN EVERY MONTH. AND NOW 2-5 TIMES A WEEK. IT HAPPENS EACH TIME I AM DRIVING, IT STARTS TO IDLE HARD. AND IF I DON'T PULL OVER THE CAR DIES. I SHUT MY CAR OFF. GIVE IT ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THEN RESTART IT AND GO ON. IT MAY TAKE 2-3 DAYS BUT THEN IT DOES IT AGAIN.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 30, 2016
TAKATA RECALL MY VEHICLE HAS A FEW RECALLS NOW FOR SOME 2 YEARS. OW I HAVE YET TO GET A CALL BACK OR CONTACT FROM THE DEALER AT ALL! I HAVE 2 CHILDREN THAT I DRIVE AROUND WITH EVERYDAY I WOULD REALLY LIKE THESE RECALLS TAKEN CARED OF ASAP EVERYTIME I CALL THE DEALER THEY GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND ABOUT A WAITING LIST OR PARTS WAITING TO BE RECEIVED. AS I SAID IT HAS BREEN 2 YEARS SINCE MY FIRST RECALL NOTICE AND I HAVE ABOUT 3 DIFFERENT RECALLS NOW WHICH NONE HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARED OF AT ALL.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH HOWEVER, THERE WAS A FEW MOMENTS OF A DELAYED RESPONSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. MOST RECENT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,783.
Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 26, 2015
THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING FOR UNKNOWN REASONS WHILE DRIVING. PHONE DODGE CHRYSLER IN CERRITOS REGARDING THE RECALL THAT IS AFFECTING MY VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE OR R25 AS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THE CURRENT TIME. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS THE VEHICLE IS CUTTING OFF FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. I WAS TOLD BY DIANE THAT ALL I COULD DO IS GET ON THE WAITING LIST THAT EXTENDS OVER TWO MONTHS AND I WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE PART IS AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Sep 3, 2015
UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON 01/31/2015 THE FIRST INCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE JUST CUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT HAPPENED ON 02/13/2015 AND THEN NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER THAT, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK THE CAR BACK UP AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, THAT THE VEHICLE ISNT RECEIVING POWER TO THE ENGINE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY ON 09/02/15. I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN AND THAT OF MY PATIENTS, MY JOB REQUIRES THAT I TRAVEL FROM CITY TO CITY RECEIVING PATIENT CARE, THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE AT THE MOMENT AND CANNOT AFFORD MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON ANOTHER VEHICLE. I ALSO REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP DEALERSHIP TO THE ONE HERE IN ENTERPRISE, AL AND TO THE ONE IN DOTHAN, AL AND THEY BOTH TOLD ME THAT I AM ON A WAITING LIST AND THEY WILL CALL ME AS SOON AS THE PARTS ARE IN. I CAN NO LONGER WAIT ITS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENT NOW.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 20, 2015
FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, AND MORE SO NOW IN THE COLDER WEATHER, THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL COMES ON EITHER AT START UP OR BETWEEN 10-35 MPH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, POWER IMMEDIATELY GOES TO NOTHING CAUSING THE CAR TO DIE. THE ABS LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE BAS LIGHT, ARE ALSO NOW ON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 24, 2014
1. THERE IS A LIGHTBOLT LIGHT THAT LIGHTS UP AND FLASHES ON MY DASHBOARD THE INSTANT WHEN I TURN ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DAY. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE ENGINE TO HEAT UP A LITTLE BEFORE I TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT AGAIN. 2. AS I DRIVE AND GO ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT ANYTIME THAT MY RPM REACHES 3, THE LIGHTBOLT LIGHT FLASHES AGAIN AND I LOOSE POWER IN THE ENGINE. THE CAR SLOWS DOWN ON ITS OWN DOWN TO AT LEAST 45 MPH, IF I GO OVER A BUMP DURING THIS CYCLE, THE VTC LIGHT ON DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP AND THE CAR FEELS UNSTABLE AS I PRESS ON THE BRAKES. I PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND RESTART THE CAR AND THE LIGHT SHUTS OFF. EVENTUALLY, IF THE LIGHTBOLT CONTINUES TO FLASH AND I AM STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE STARTS TO CHOKE AND EVENTUALLY SHUTS OFF. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 26, 2014
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT SIMILAR TO RECENT GM IGNITION RECALL. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT-OFF AT VARYING SPEEDS INCLUDING HIGHWAY 65MPH PLUS. COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN DEACTIVATES ALL ONBOARD SYSTEMS, INCLUDING POWER-STEERING, BREAKING, AND AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE SHUT DOWN OCCURS RANDOMLY. RE-OCCURRENCE HAS BEEN AS FREQUENTLY AS HOURS BETWEEN SIMILAR OCCURRENCE TO AS LONG AS 5,000 MILES BETWEEN OCCURRENCES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS TO DEALER WITHOUT DEALER ABLE TO RECREATE DEFECT. VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS WERE REPLACED WITHOUT SUCCESSFULLY CURING THE DEFECT. TWO SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS RECOMMENDED WIRELESS IGNITION (WIN) MODULE REPLACEMENT BUT CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO SEND THE PART. CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE STATES THAT WIN MODULE IS ONLY REPLACED WHEN VEHICLE FAILS TO START AT ALL TIMES. VEHICLE OWNER REQUESTED REPLACEMENT PART AS RECOMMENDED BY CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS BUT CHRYSLER WILL NOT RELEASE PART TO VIN ASSOCIATED VEHICLE. THEREFORE, VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000. IDENTICAL OCCURRENCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA UNDER ID NUMBERS: 10294768, 10369140, 10370988, 10386410, 10390065, 10396098, 10508333, 10520262, AND 10525632. VEHICLE DEFECT HAS SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR DEATH AND SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO PRODUCT FAILURE (AIRBAGS FAILING TO DEPLOY). *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 10, 2013
I TURNED ON THE CAR AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. IT DID NOT TURN OFF AND CONTINUED TO BE ON UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON. AND AS SOON AS YOU TURN IT BACK ON THE RPM'S ON THE CAR TOUCH 3000. THE COMPANY CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, I HAVE LOOKED ON FORUMS AND FOUND NO SOLUTION. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT WITHIN THE PRODUCT. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 15, 2013
1 SOLUTION 2008 DODGE CHARGER THE ESP/BAS LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN AND STAYS ON FOR A WHILE AND THE RESETS. THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING ISSUE. WAS TOLD BY DODGE THAT STEERING COLUMN MAY HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. (WAS THIS A RECALL FOR DODGE?). THE CAR SEEMS TO BE DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO THE CAR BEING VERY "LOOSE" AND FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS NOT ALIGNED BUT RECENTLY HAD NEW ALIGNMENT DONE. ALSO, LEFT REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT WORK. THE WINDOW WORKS FINE BUT THE DOOR LOCK HAS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH ROTORS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH ONLY 17 MILES ON IT. ROTORS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS EVEN TOLD THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED IN FACTOR INSTALLATION. *TR