VehicleVerdict

2008 Dodge Charger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2008 Dodge Charger carries two red flags at once: 835 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 52.2× the Charger norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Charger years to avoid. Complainants reported 29 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 49% of all reports (410 of 835), far ahead of airbags at 124.

835

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

32

Crash-involved

33

Fires reported

29

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Charger years?

Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted1,904 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 13 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints2001: 4 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1,904 complaints2007: 678 complaints2008: 835 complaints2009: 229 complaints2010: 303 complaints2011: 1,037 complaints2012: 957 complaints2013: 489 complaints2014: 529 complaints2015: 196 complaints2016: 264 complaints2017: 194 complaints2018: 167 complaints2019: 161 complaints2020: 74 complaints2021: 41 complaints2022: 19 complaints2023: 46 complaints2024: 19 complaints2025: 38 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Charger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Charger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System41049%
Airbags12415%
Engine10613%
Transmission344%
Other304%
Steering304%
Brakes172%
Suspension132%
Fuel System132%
Visibility & Wipers121%
Speed Control121%
Body & Structure91%
Tires & Wheels91%
Lighting91%
Seat Belts30%
Seats20%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2008 Dodge Charger have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V352000AirbagsMay 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

15V313000AirbagsMay 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

14V567000Electrical SystemSeptember 17, 2014 · 292,798 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

08V583000TransmissionNovember 6, 2008 · 20,283 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION STARTLING THE DRIVER, AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

08V295000TransmissionJuly 2, 2008 · 5,509 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE HUB NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THIS IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE THE OFFICER STARTED IT TO LET IT WARM UP. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WINDOWS. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DESTROYED THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE DASH, HEAD LINER, STEERING WHEEL, SEAT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 17, 2011 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 30, 2015 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 3, 2018 · fire

“2008 DODGE CHARGER. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO RECALL. CONSUMER REQUESTS ASSISTANCE. *TA CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD UPDATED 02/23/15. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 27, 2013 · crash

“ALL THE ELECTRICAL FROM THE CAR WENT OUT INCLUDING LIGHTS, RADIO, ODOMETER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF, ELECTRICAL WINDOWS WERE NOT WORKING. THEN MADE THE CAR GO AS FAR AS 100 FT. WHEN IT SHUT DOWN COMPLETLY. I GOT OFF THE CAR AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THE FUSE BOX WAS ON FIRE I CALLED THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 4, 2015 · fire

2008 Dodge Charger — common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Charger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 835 complaints put the 2008 model at #4 of 40 Charger years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Charger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Charger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (410 complaints), airbags (124 complaints), engine (106 complaints).

Does the 2008 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Dodge Charger under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Charger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Charger years to avoid are 2006, 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2016, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2021, 2025, 2005. The cleanest record among Charger years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.