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
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2011
IM SUBMITTING THIS STATEMENT FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD THE UNFORTUNATE PLEASURE OF OWNING A DODGE VEHICLE. ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER JUST DIED ON ME. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AS A RESULT OF OIL SLUDGE BUILDUP. I SUBMITTED ALL MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWING THAT I WAS GETTING MY MAINTENANCE DONE AND THEY CAME BACK DENYING MY WARRANTY CLAIM. I FEEL LIKE CHRYSLER IS JUST A BIG RIP-OFF WITH THEIR WARRANTIES CAUSE ITS FUNNY THE SERVICE LADY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NO OIL SHOWING ON THE DIPSTICK AND I HAD MY MECHANIC TO LOOK AT MY CAR A DAY BEFORE I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS 3QTS IN THERE SO SOMETHING SOUNDS FISHY TO ME. I'VE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND IM NOT ALONE AND THEY REALLY NEED TO CHECK INTO THIS PROBLEM BUT ITS VERY CONVENIENT FOR THEM TO DENY HAVING TO REPLACE THEIR DEFECTIVE ENGINES. I HAVE 2 DODGE CHARGERS AND WILL BE GETTING RID OF BOTH ASAP. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, May 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE CLEANING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE COOLING LINE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION AND EXHIBITED ABNORMAL WEARING. AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, THE HOSE SPLIT IN HALF, CAUSING COOLANT TO SPEW ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE HOSE SPLITTING, THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2011
DURING LOW SPEED TURNS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT (LESS THAN 30 MPH) DECELERATING NO BRAKES, THE CAR WILL STALL. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITH DIFFERENT DRIVERS. DEALERSHIPS CAN FIND NO DEFECTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE YET THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR REPAIRS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,942 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 68,600 UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ UPDATED 07/11/11
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE CHARGER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS WONDERING WHY. I TOOK THE CAR INTO AUTOZONE TO GET THE SCAN VIA OBDII, THE SCAN CAME UP WITH CODE P1004 WHICH IS A DEALER CODE. I IMMEDIATELY RESEARCHED THE CODE AND FOUND THAT IT WAS DUE TO MY "SHORT RUNNER VALVE" AND MY INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS ISSUE IS A WIDESPREAD EPIDEMIC AMONG CHRYSLER CARS; SEBRING, CHARGER, 300...MOSTLY 3.5 ENGINES. THE DEALERSHIP (DARCARS DODGE NEW CARROLLTON MD) TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS OUT OF HAND AND ALSO THAT THE FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS ALTHOUGH IT SEEMS TO BE LINKED TO EMISSIONS. THIS IS VERY CONFUSING TO ME AND ALSO BAFFLING. CHRYSLER TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED THE NEXT DAY AFTER THEY CALLED TO CONFIRM INFORMATION ON FRIDAY OCT.15. I NEVER RECEIVED THAT CALL. I DO NOT FEEL LIKE THE COMPANY REALLY CARES ABOUT IT'S CONSUMERS ONLY HOW MANY CARS THEY CAN SHOOT OFF THE LOT. EVEN WITH FURTHER RESEARCH IT IS A KNOWN FACT TO THE COMPANY THAT THEY RUSHED PRODUCTION ON THE 3.5L MOTORS, BUT WHY? ARE WE NOT CONSUMERS? I HAVE TWO OF CHRYSLER'S VEHICLES IN MY DRIVEWAY; 2007 CHRYSLER 300 AS WELL AS 2008 DODGE CHARGER, DO I NOT DESERVE BETTER? THIS REALLY SICKENS ME AND THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE FORUMS I FREQUENT!!!! WE AS CONSUMERS DO NOT ASK YOU GUYS FOR MUCH, BUT IF WE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS HAVE THE DECENCY TO MAKE SURE OUR FAMILIES ARE SAFE.... SINCERELY, DISAPPOINTED CONSUMER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE CHARGER WITH 24,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE MY CAR SERVICED AS REQUIRED AND YET THE ENGINE BLEW LASTNIGHT. OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS MY CAR WAS MAKING TICKING NOISES BUT IT WAS NOT CONSTANT,I LET IT GO. THEN 3 DAYS AGO I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND IT WASN'T TIME BUT I WAS WORRIED SO I DID. LASTNIGHT THE CAR ENGINE SOUNDED REALLY BAD LOTS OF CLUNKING SO I PULLED OVER AFRAID OF NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE DODGES LIFETIME DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. TODAY THEY CALLED AND TOLD ME THE ENGINE WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE OF SLUDGE BUILDUP. I TOLD THEM I DID ALL THE MAINTENANCE AND HAVE PROOF BUT THEY STILL INSIST IT IS MY FAULT.I AM AT A LOSS NOW OF WHERE TO TURN. $5-$7000.00 WILL GET IT RUNNING AGAIN OUT OF MY POCKET. PLEASE HELP AS I THOUGHT I WAS COVERED AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2009
EVERYDAY WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ATTEMPTING TO GO FASTER OR IF I AM KEEPING THE VEHICLE AT A STEADY SPEED, THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT WANTS TO HESITATE OR STALL OUT. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR PARK AND IT FEELS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL DROP OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DODGE DEALER, DRIVEN AND THEY STATED THAT THE HARD SHIFT WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN IN FOR THE HESITATION THIS WEEKEND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2009
PLASTIC RADIATOR COOLING FAN BROKE APART, SHATTERING THE FAN BLADES, FAN SHROUD AND MAKING NUMEROUS LARGE HOLES IN THE RADIATOR. VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. POLICE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 26, 2009
WE HAD PURCHASED A 2008 DODGE CHARGER WITH 2 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 3-4 MONTHS AFTER WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD ENGINE OIL ON CRANKSHAFT SEAL, SPEEDOMETER WAS ERRATIC IT WOULD GO FROM 60-0 FROM CRUISING, IT HAD A JOLT PULLING FEELING. FROM THAT POINT ON THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT COOLING PROPERLY, & HAD A FOUL SMELL, CRUISE CONTROL WOULD CANCEL BY ITSELF. THEN ON 06/23/2008 IT HAD ENGINE OIL LEAK. SO WE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING THAT WOULD JUST COMPLETELY RUIN OUR CREDIT, WE VOLUNTARILY TURNED IN THE CAR. AS OF TODAY 02/26/2009 WE HAVE A BALANCE AS PER CHRYSLER OF 7,500 DOLLARS BECAUSE THEY WERE ONLY ABLE TO SELL IT FOR 17,000. I HAVE INVOICES, TO PROOF WHAT OUR ISSUES WERE, SOME WERE REPLACED, SOME TSB WAS AND WASN'T FOUND. WE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ONLY 7-8 MONTHS. AND FOR THIS TO BE SUCH AN ISSUE WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE TO ME WAS JUST RIDICULOUS. SINCE THAT WAS THE MAIN REASON I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2008
THERE SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH DODGE CHARGERS (2006 - PRESENT). WHEN ACCELERATING AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL A "WHISTLE" SOUND CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE POWERTRAIN / ENGINE SECTION. THE SOUND ONLY OCCURS DURING STEADY ACCELERATION BETWEEN 40 - 65 MPH. IF THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED OR PRESSED HARDER THE SOUND GOES AWAY. MANY CHARGER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE ON THEIR VEHICLES (SE, SE+, SRT, R/T, ETC..) BUT THE SERVICE CENTERS AT THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS YET. THIS COULD BE AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF CHARGER VEHICLES AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR