2008 Dodge Charger
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1293 |
| 2007 | 554 |
| 2008 | 609 |
| 2009 | 174 |
| 2010 | 232 |
| 2011 | 692 |
| 2012 | 648 |
| 2013 | 358 |
| 2014 | 342 |
| 2015 | 135 |
| 2016 | 182 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 122 |
| 2019 | 118 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
62% of complaints: electrical system — 380 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120813
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power
NHTSA ODI report, 20250426
20% of complaints: air bags — 122 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS PLANNING TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THE TWO AIRBAG RECALLS FIXED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200406
15% of complaints: engine — 89 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190710
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181004
Hesitation when starting car
NHTSA ODI report, 20230914
5% of complaints: steering — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power
NHTSA ODI report, 20250426
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 08V295000 — check if this car was fixed
PRNDL MISALIGNMENT
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 COL
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
Campaign 08V583000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V313000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 14V567000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V352000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Dodge Charger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (380 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (122 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V295000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V583000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V313000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V567000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V352000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Dodge Charger reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Dodge Charger is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Charger?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Charger have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.