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: engine
110 reports, newest first. Show all
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
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, 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).
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), 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
Engine, Aug 18, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER ON THE FREEWAY, THE RADIATOR FAN SHROUD BROKE INTO PIECES AND PUNCTURED MY RADIATOR. I LOST ALL ENGINE COOLING CAPABILITIES AND NEEDED TO DRIVE HOME TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. UNFORTUNATELY BY THE TIME I GOT HOME, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND SIEZED. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE MOTOR FOR $7,000. ANY HELP FROM THE MANUFACTURE POSSIBLE?
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 16, 2019
2008 DODGE CHARGER IS PRESENTLY IN DELAWARE BANKRUPTCY TRUST FUND. IN NOVEMBER 2018 THE VEHICLE SMELL OF GAS AND OVERHEATED TRAVELING THROUGH THE GATE OF HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, REPORTED TO FIRE MARSHAL IN ATLANTA GEORGIA, NHTSA, DELAWARE BANKRUPTCY COURT & TRUST FUND (MR. PETER KEANE, ATTY.) ECONOMIC LOST OF VEHICLE 2008 DODGE CHARGER. OVER THE PAST 8 MONTHS OBTAIN RENTAL CAR AT HERTZ IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,639.00.
Engine, Jul 10, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH EVIDENCE OF SMOKE THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED THE CAUSE WAS DAMAGE FROM A MELTED RADIATOR THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR CONDITION VENTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD WAS RAISED AND THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS POURING OUT OF THE BACK OF THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN MELTED AND PUNCTURED THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN AND THE RADIATOR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. AIRPORT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 5751 EAGLE VAIL DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL 32822, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AT (407) 541-6200 AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000. PIIR=Y. AH
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 7, 2019
STARTED SHAKING WHILE DRIVING FROM LONGVIEW TO KILGORE TEXAS AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHEN STOPPED ON A STOP LIGHT ENTERING HENDERSON TEXAS. HAD TO TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART BUT CONTINED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAD TO RETURN HOME BECAUSE IT FELT UNSAFE.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2019
TAMARA RECALL P60 IT CUT OFF WHILE I WAS GOING UP THE RAMP TO GET ON THE EXPRESS WAY
Engine, Feb 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE THE COOLANT FAN PUNCTURED THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
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
Engine, Dec 5, 2018
CAR STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES WITH HESITATION AND STARTUP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENLY. I SEEN ONLINE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING SIMINAR ISSUES BUT CANT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. I SEEN FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS, IACV, MISFIRING ETC. THE CAR THROWS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS BUT WHEN YOU PLUG THE CAR INTO A OBD 2 SCANNER IT SHOWS THE LONG TERM FUEL TRIM VERY HIGH AT 16.4 IN IDLE.
Engine, Oct 4, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. ALSO, THE RADIATOR FAN DETACHED AND ENTERED THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2018
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE IN CITY LIMITS AT 9:30PM AND OUR CAR SHUTDOWN ON HER SHE FELT A LITTLE PULL AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED. WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE CAR ON THE CAR SPUTTERS AND TURNS AS IF IT IS GOING TO START BUT NEVER DOES. IT PUT MY WHOLE FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER THE ROAD WHERE THIS HAPPEND IS NOT WELL LIT AND TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY . I TRIED TO PUT A VIDEO BUT IT WON'T LET ME DIE TO NO PROPER FORMAT FOR FILE WHICH IS NO GOOD SINCE MY CAR WON'T START AND I HAVE NO REAL WAY OF SHOWING YOU HOW MY CAR IS REACTING OR ACTING WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON
Engine, Jul 17, 2018
WE WERE DRIVING ON NORMAL ROAD GOING 35 MPH WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND AND STARTED TO LOSE POWER ON VEHICLE, WE PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AND INSPECTED ENGINE AND A BLADE ON THE RADIATOR FAN BROKE LOOSE AND BECAME LODGED INTO THE RADIATOR. AFTER DOING SEARCH ONLINE IT APPEARS THIS HAS HAPPENED QUITE FREQUENTLY WITH THIS MAKE MODEL YET THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN WHICH I FIND UNSATISFACTORY AND WILL BE REACHING OUT TO OUR LOCAL ATTORNEY IF I DO NOT HEARD ABOUT ABOUT THIS ISSUE SOON.
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
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 17, 2018
THE CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP, THE SPARK PLUGS, GOT SOME NEW RELAYS I DID EVERYTHING AND NOT EVEN A DEALER KNOWS WHY IT'S DOING THAT.
Power train, Engine, Dec 1, 2017
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE CHARGER 5.7 HEMI AND THE VALVE SEAT DROPPED AND CAUSE MY PISTON TO GET CHEWED UP WHICH NOW IT NEEDS A NEW MOTOR AND I DON'T HAVE MONEY FOR IT SO I HAD TOO SELL THE CAR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. EACH TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED ON, THE ENGINE SHOOK AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TRIANGLE DEALERS DEL OESTE (CARR. 2 AVE, EUGENIO MARIA DE HOSTOS # 301, MAYAGUES, 00680, PR, PHONE: (787) 805-3000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,175. *BF *TR
Engine, Sep 3, 2017
THE VALVE SEAT DROPPED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.
Engine, Jul 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK PROFUSELY. IN ADDITION, COOLANT BEGAN TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO LEAKING OIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE STAN MCNABD CHRYSLER CHEVROLET DODGE DEALER AND THE RADIATOR WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.