VehicleVerdict

2005 Dodge Magnum problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2005 Dodge Magnum carries two red flags at once: 852 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 6.3× the Magnum norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Magnum years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 46 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (141), airbags (130), and transmission (118), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

852

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

4

Investigations · 2 open

32

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

46

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Magnum years?

Magnum NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted852 complaints2003: 2 complaints2005: 852 complaints2006: 454 complaints2007: 140 complaints2008: 130 complaints2009: 1 complaints
Magnum NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Magnum years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Dodge Magnum problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System14117%
Airbags13015%
Transmission11814%
Engine11213%
Electrical System678%
Suspension506%
Steering506%
Tires & Wheels465%
Other253%
Body & Structure253%
Brakes162%
Speed Control162%
Lighting152%
Latches & Locks121%
Visibility & Wipers101%
Seat Belts81%
Seats51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)40%
Driver Assistance20%

Does the 2005 Dodge Magnum have recalls?

7 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.

14V770000AirbagsDecember 3, 2014 · 250,896 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.

05V460000TransmissionOctober 6, 2005 · 256,409 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V334000Electrical SystemJuly 9, 2004 · 20,060 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE FASTENERS AT THE BULKHEAD STUD MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

A LOOSE FASTENER CAN CAUSE AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE BULKHEAD STUD BATTERY CABLE FASTENERS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V333000Seat BeltsJuly 8, 2004 · 21 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A SPOT WELDING OPERATION FOR THE REAR FLOORPAN REINFORCEMENT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORS AND/OR THE CHILD SEAT ANCHORS TO SEPARATE IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO REAR SEAT PASSENGERS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR FLOORPAN REINFORCEMENT FOR MISSING WELDS AND INSTALL STRUCTURAL RIVETS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V335000Seat BeltsJuly 8, 2004 · 12,211 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE SHOULDER BELT SEPARATION IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE SHOULDER BELT ADJUSTER TURNING LOOP BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER 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.

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CAR WILL STALL EVERY TIME AFTER I FILL UP THE GAS. IT 'S VERY SCARY BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL DIE ON ME WHEN I'M ON THE ROAD AND CARS ARE BEHIND ME AND JUST VERY AFRAID OF SOMEONE IS GOING TO HIT ME FROM BEHIND WHEN MY CAR DIES ON ME SUDDENLY. YESTERDAY I WENT TO FILL UP THE TANK (…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 9, 2014 · crash

“I HAVE A NEW OR HAD A NEW DODGE MAGNUM I HAD A FRONT END COLLISION THAT DESTROYED THE COMPLETE FRONT OF THE CAR RIGHT UP TO THE FRONT DOORS AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED PASSENGER OR DRIVERS SIDE, ALL FOUR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS EXTENSIVE AND MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 4, 2005 · crash

“THE CAR, AFTER FILLING WITH GAS, SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, RESTART IT, PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, WAIT 2 SECONDS OR SO FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO RE-ENGAGE, AND THEN I COULD MOVE AGAIN. A TRUCK SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 9, 2012 · crash

“THE CAR WILL STALL EVERY TIME AFTER I FILL UP THE GAS. IT 'S VERY SCARY BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL DIE ON ME WHEN I'M ON THE ROAD AND CARS ARE BEHIND ME AND JUST VERY AFRAID OF SOMEONE IS GOING TO HIT ME FROM BEHIND WHEN MY CAR DIES ON ME SUDDENLY. YESTERDAY I WENT TO FILL UP THE TANK (…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 9, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE MAGNUM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 11, 2014 · fire

2005 Dodge Magnum — common questions

Is the 2005 Dodge Magnum reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 852 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 6 Magnum years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Magnum years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Magnum problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (141 complaints), airbags (130 complaints), transmission (118 complaints).

Does the 2005 Dodge Magnum have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Dodge Magnum. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Dodge Magnum under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Magnum years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Magnum years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Magnum years belongs to 2009.

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.