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: other or unspecified
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2015
I CURRENTLY HAVE 2 OPEN RECALLS FOR AIR BAG AND IGNITION, MY PROBLEM IS THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. ONE OF THESE RECALLS IS QUITE OLD IN MY OPINION. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO SPEED UP THE MANUFACTURERS REPAIRING THESE PROBLEMS?
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2015
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY COOLING SYSTEM FAN HAS BROKEN THE PLASTIC PIECES BROKE OFF AND WENT INTO MY RADIATOR AND BROKEN FAN BELT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ALMOST HAVE A HEAD-ON COLLISION.SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY NOW I MUST PAY SOMEONE OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2015
IGNITION ISSUE, WOULDN'T START. DODGE REPLACED THE MODULE, IGNITION AND ADDITIONAL FOB'S. I PAID $806.21 TO PAY FOR REPAIR. IN DECEMBER 2014 I RECEIVED A RECALL P57/NHTSA 14V-567 STATING RECALL OF A FOBIK. IT SAYS I CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL PARTS COME IN BUT IF I ALREADY HAD IT REPAIRED I THINK I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2014
COOLING FAN HIT FAN SHROUD BREAKING OFF A PIECE THAT HIT THE RADIATOR. . THIS CAUSED LOSS OF RADIATOR COOLANT. FANS AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH COOLANT. ACCORDING TO DODGE FORUM THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SOME SAME VEHICLES (2008 CHARGERS) BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR NOTIFIED THAT THIS COULD OCCUR. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS AT IDLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NO INJURY OCCURRED. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT OR PART FAILURE AND OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR TOWING AND REPAIR. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2014
MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER SE PLUS STARTED TO OVERHEAT. I PULLED OVER, POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW 3 OF THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES BROKEN OFF AND STUCK IN THE RADIATOR. I GOOGLED THE ISSUE AND FOUND MANY OTHER DODGE CHARGER OWNERS THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND THAT IN 2011 CHRYSLER ISSUED "CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTIFICATION L08" FOR 52,000 2006-2008 MODELS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND DISCOVERED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT ON THAT LIST SO THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP WITH "MY" PROBLEM. I ALSO QUICKLY BECAME AWARE THAT MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WERE MADE WITH THE SAME ISSUE AS MINE WITH CHRYSLER EXCLUDING THEIR VEHICLES FROM ANY RECALL OR CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTIFICATION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THE CSN L08 NEEDS TO INCLUDE A WIDER RANGE OF VEHICLES. *JS
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2009
2008 DODGE CHARGER A DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HIGHWAY PATROL VEHICLE WAS ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE TO STOP SOMEONE FOR A SPEEDING VIOLATION WHEN THE LIGHT BAR ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR BECAME DISMOUNTED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ROOF. *KB ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE OFFICER FOUND THE MOUNTING BOLT ON THE RIGHT SIDE HAD BROKEN INTO TWO PIECES WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT BAR TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM ITS MOUNT. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0584-89