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.
Steering, May 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED OR BEING SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED WITH AN ENTIRE FLEET OF DODGE CHARGERS THAT WERE BEING UTILIZED BY THE LANIER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 180,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM HAVING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *TR
Electrical system, May 8, 2013
THERE IS A RUBBER BOOT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUNK LID THAT CONTAINS WIRES FOR THE TRUNK RELEASE. AFTER EXAMING A FEW ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT WHY THE TRUNK LID WASN'T RELEASING AFTER THE BUTTON WAS PUSHED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE FORUMS SAID TO LOOK UNDER THE RUBBER BOOT FOR STRETCHED AND BROKEN WIRES. SURE ENOUGH I PULLED BACK THE RUBBER BOOT AND FOUND THE BROKEN WIRES. IT PROBABLY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WAY THE WIRES ARE BEING STRETCHED WHEN THE TRUNK IS OPENING AND CLOSING, I FEEL THIS CAN BE AN ELECTRICAL AND A FIRE HAZARD ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE TRUNK RELEASE ISN'T FUSED AT ALL IN THE FUSE PANEL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, May 8, 2013
THE TIE ROD ENDS IN THIS CAR HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND NOW IM GOING IN FOR A THIRD TIME. MY MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THESE CARS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR TIE ROD ENDS BREAKING. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO..I HAVE BEEN TO ONLINE FORUMS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ITS MENTIONED A LOT ON THERE TOO. IF A PART IS DEFECTIVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Electrical system, May 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRELESS KEY FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL JULY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. *TR
Electrical system, May 1, 2013
THE CAR STARTED TO SHOW PROBLEMS WEEKS BEFORE BREAKING DOWN. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WOULD START AS SOON AS I TURN THE KEY ON AND OTHER TIMES I HAD TO WAIT FOUR TO SIX SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD START. ONE MORNING I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON BUT NOT EVEN A CLICK. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BY RECHARGING THE BATTERY TO TURN IT ON. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED MY CAR WITH WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE AND CONSEQUENTLY THEY HAD TO PROGRAM A NEW KEY. I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS ASSURED EVERY PART ON THE CAR WAS COVERED EXCEPT FOR THE USUAL; TIRES, BRAKE PADS ETC. I ENDED UP PAYING OUT OF MY POCKET AND THE REPAIR WAS NOT CHEAP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE NEWER MODELS FOR THE SAME REASON. ADDITIONALLY, SOMETIMES MY STEREO TURNS OF, MY WINDOWS DO NOT ROLL DOWN AND TURNING SIGNALS GO OFF. THIS CAR HAS TOO MANY PROBLEMS. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,458 MILES. *TR
Steering, Apr 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL FUNCTION WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSED PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Engine, Apr 15, 2013
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. NO LIGHTS CAME ON PRIOR TO THIS. I PULLED OVER AND IT STARTED BACK. I WENT BACK TOWARD MY HOME (20 MILES) AND STOPPED AT A STORE AND WHEN I PULLED BACK ON THE ROAD IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. IT STARTED BACK BUT LEFT ME AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I SUSPECT IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FOBIK KEY TURNING BACK TO THE OFF POSITION ON ITS ON, BECAUSE SOMETIMES WHEN I START IT STICKS IN THE START POSITION AND DOES NOT SPRING BACK. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 10, 2013
AFTER RETURNING FROM THE GROCERY STORE, THE TRUNK RELEASE FROM THE KEY, NOR THE INSIDE DASH RELEASE WOULD OPEN THE TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN USING THE MECHANICAL KEY. DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT, I NOTICED THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WASN'T WORKING. AFTER TESTING ALL THE FUSES, AND RESEARCHING ONLINE, I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WAS THE WIRING HARNESS THAT FEEDS THE BREAK LIGHT AND HAD BROKEN. WHERE THE WIRE FEEDS FROM UNDER THE BACK WINDOW DECK INTO A RUBBER BOOT, THEN IN TO THE TRUNK LID. THREE OF 6 WIRES ARE BROKEN IN HALF AT THE SAME LOCATION. THIS IS ALL OVER FORUMS ONLINE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE TRUNK CAUSES THESE WIRES TO BREAK SINCE THE RADIUS IS VERY TIGHT WHEN CLOSING THE TRUNK LID. *TR
Engine, Apr 4, 2013
WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP LIGHT AND ENGINE STARTED TO HESITATE AND THEN HEARD VERY LOAD RATTLING/TICKING NOISE THAT IS NON STOP. CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF STREET. FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AGAIN. CAR DID MAKE IT HOME BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE TOO MUCH. AM NOW TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT ENGINE IS BLOWN AND NEED TO REPLACE IT. HAVE MAINTAINED THIS ENGINE AND REPLACED OIL REGULARLY. DRIVEN TO WORK AND HOME AND LITTLE ELSE. DRIVEN WELL, AND TAKEN CARE OF. PRIOR TO ME OWNING IT WAS OWNED BY MY MOMS COMPANY FOR AN EXECUTIVE CAR AND IT WAS MANAGED BY A FLEET MANAGER AND SERVICED AND MAINTAINED WELL. THEY WERE ORIGINAL OWNERS EVEN THOUGH TITLE SHOWS 2 CHANGES. IT MAY HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO A FLEET MANAGEMENT COMPANY AFTER THE INITIAL PURCHASE. I AM THE 2ND OWNER. I AM GIVEN A $4000 ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I AM STILL PAYING THE LOAN FOR THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT COULD NOT START THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING AT A GAS STATION. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION WAS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED A NEW SET OF KEYS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE OF THE KEYS MALFUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,041.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 7, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSED VEHICLE SPEED TO INCREASE TO 65 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE KEY HAD TO BE REMOVED AND PLACED BACK INTO THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE ENGINE STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, TUMBLER, ACCELERATOR BOX, AND THE BUSHINGS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,031 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,300.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 50 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS SHE COULD BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO TWO GATES AND A CURB. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND LEFT THIGH AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM CHEST PAINS. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PENDING AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 26, 2012
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24TH 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:45 IN THE AFTERNOON I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER ON A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER I HEARD THE LOUD NOISE, MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION NEARLY CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION MULTICAR ACCIDENT. A LOCAL POLICE OFFER CAME TO THE SCENE AND HELPED DIRECT TRAFFIC UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PHYSICALLY PUSH MY CAR OUT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD I NOTICED A LOT OF COOLANT POURING TO THE GROUND. I ALSO NOTICE THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE COOLANT DEPARTMENT. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEY WERE CLOSED DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS. LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO BRING MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER TO TIRE KINGDOM. THE MANAGER OF TIRE KINGDOM IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT MY COOLING FAN BROKE OFF CAUSING THE BROKEN PIECES OF THE FAN TO FLY INTO MY RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED MY RADIATOR DAMAGE AND LEFT A HOLE IN MY RADIATOR. ADDITIONALLY I HAD TO PAY $571.36 TO REPAIR MY 2008 DODGE CHARGER AND THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS ON TOP OF THAT. I HAVE FULL RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS AND I ALSO HAVE PICTURES OF THE BROKEN FAN AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. AFTER GOING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S WEBSITE WWW.NHTSA.GOV I DISCOVERED THAT DODGE HAD A TSBS OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEREFORE, THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT MY FAULT WHAT SO EVER. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2012
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CRANK SO HAD TOWED TO DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SO SENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS THE WIN MODULE. THE PROBLEM IS THERE ARE 400 ON BACK ORDER AND THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOT RECALL. THAT DOESN'T SOUND CORRECT JUST WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. [XXX] I AM STILL WAITING ON THE PART TO COME IN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Sep 5, 2012
DRIVER HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH ESP BAS LIGHT COMING ON ALONG WITH OCCASIONAL POPPING SOUNDS FROM STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING TURNS. ON DAY OF INCIDENT, DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A (LEFT) U-TURN IN A MEDIAN. STEERING WHEEL TURNED APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF ONE REVOLUTION AND WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER TO LEFT. DRIVER JERKED ON STEERING WHEEL A FEW TIMES WHICH 'BROKE LOOSE' LOCK AND TURN WAS ABLE TO BE COMPLETED. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO ONE DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND DRIVER WAS TOLD NO PROBLEMS COULD BE FOUND. UPON LEAVING DEALERSHIP, ESP BAS LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO A SECOND DODGE DEALERSHIP WHERE DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED A FAULTY STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND NO FURTHER PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED AT THIS TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 13, 2012, fire
2008 DODGE CHARGER. DRIVER WAS TRAVELING IN CITY AT SPEEDS <40 MPH. RADIO STARTED MAKING CRACKLING/POPPING SOUNDS AND VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER AT WHICH TIME HEAVY WHITE SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM HOOD. NO SENSOR LIGHTS OR WARNING SIGNS GIVEN. DRIVER PULLED OVER TO SIDE OR ROAD AT WHICH TIME VEHICLE QUIT RUNNING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DODGE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AN ELECTRICAL OVERHEATING/SHORTAGE PROBLEM THAT ORIGINATED IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jul 26, 2012
I DRIVING AND MERGED ONTO ROUTE 3 GOING SOUTH; I TURNED MY RIGHT BLINKER ON SINCE THE RAMP WAS ON THE RIGHT, IT SHUT OFF WHEN I GOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY. AUTOMATICALLY THE LEFT BLINKER CAME ON, EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT TURN IT ON. WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 60MPH WITH THREE KIDS IN THE CAR I HAD TO TRY TO TURN OFF THE BLINKER, WHICH WOULD NOT TURN OFF. IT WAS A SCARY SITUATION SINCE THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC; SO I WAS TRYING TO WATCH THE TRAFFIC (WHICH MAY THINK I WAS MERGING LEFT) AND FIX THE ISSUE AT THE SAME TIME. REPEATEDLY THE RIGHT BLINKER CAME ON, THEN THE LEFT AGAIN. THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TRIED TO FIX IT, AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THE BLINKER SHUT OFF. I GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AND EVERY TURN I MADE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I CALL AND EMAILED CHRYSLER DODGE. I WAS TOLD A SUPERVISOR WOULD RETURN MY CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS. THEY DID NOT. I REPEATEDLY EMAILED AND CALLED. IN THE INTERIM I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND BY SPEAKING TO MECHANICS AND SERVICE PEOPLE AT DODGE DEALERSHIPS. ACCORDING TO ALL OF THESE SOURCES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE CHARGERS. TODAY, JULY 26TH, I FINALLY TALKED TO A SUPERVISOR AFTER CALLING DODGE ANOTHER TWO TIMES. HE ([XXX]) SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PART (WHICH I FOUND OUT WAS A CLOCK SPRING FAILURE) AND THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP. I ASKED IF HE WOULD ALLOW ME TO TALK TO HIS SUPERIOR AND HE SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE ONE. HE THEN SAID HE DID BUT THEY WOULD TELL ME THE SAME THING. I ASKED IF THEY WERE GOING TO AT LEAST WARN OTHER OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE AND HE SAID NO, THAT THE CASE WAS CLOSED. I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE INFORMATION I HAD GAINED BY TALKING TO MECHANICS, SERVICE PEOPLE (INCLUDING THE ONE WHO FIXED MY CAR) AND ONLINE RESEARCH. I TOLD HIM I WOULD FAX IT TO HIM. EVEN WITH ALL OF THIS INFORMATION HE TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2012
THE COOLING SYSTEM FAN BLADES CAME APART AND THE SHROUDS OF THE FAN WENT THRU THE RADIATOR CAUSING IMMEDIATE LEAKAGE OF ALL COOLANT AND DESTROYING THE RADIATOR. *JS
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE KEY FOB WOULD ABNORMALLY SLIDE OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRELESS MODE AND KEY FOB WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE 2010 MODELS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V200000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) BUT THE 2008 MODELS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE KEY ALSO COULD NOT BE TURNED ONCE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER PLAYING AROUND WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNING AT TIMES IN FEAR NOT BEING ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT ADVISE OF THE CAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2012, fire
2008 DODGE CHARGER CATCHES ON FIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. NO SENSOR LIGHTS OR WARNING SIGNS GIVEN. THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED AT THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD. IN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES, THE FIRE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE WIRING SYSTEM OF THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE CAR TO ENGULF IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. CHRYSLER WAS NOTIFIED AND DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION. CHRYSLER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE ONLY RESPONSE WE RECEIVED FROM CHRYSLER WAS AN APOLOGY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,127.
Power train, Nov 16, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION AFTER HAVING FLUIDS DONE TWICE KEEPS LOCKING UP INTO 2ND GEAR HAVE TO TURN OFF CAR SHIFT IN PARK RESTART. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 21, 2011
EVERYTIME I CHECK MY OIL THERE IS NEVER ANY OIL IN THERE. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO PUT OIL IN MY CAR. THE OTHER NIGHT I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR JUST STARTED SHAKING. THE AIR AND HEAT STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A TUNE UP AND THAT MY #2 SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN. I THEN HAD THE TUNE UP AND #2 SPARK PLUG CHANGED AND MY CAR STILL IS NOT RUNNING RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO BASICALLY LAUGHED AT ME AND TOLD ME THE 2.7 ENGINE WERE HORRIBLE. HE TOLD ME I HAD OIL SLUDGE AND THAT I MIGHT AS WELL NOT EVEN BOTHER GETTING MY CAR FIXED. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THIS CAR A YEAR YET. DODGE NEEDS TO REPLACE ALL 2.7 ENGINES. *TR