Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 Dodge MagnumRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 321 owner complaints for the 2006 Dodge Magnum. Most complaints involve engine (85) and power train (67). The EPA rates it 15–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–21mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
321
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Air bagsReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V352000

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Air bagsReported May 27, 2015NHTSA 15V313000

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Nov 6, 2008NHTSA 08V583000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

321 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2005 – Jan 2025
  1. Engine85
  2. Power train67
  3. Fuel/propulsion system62
  4. Fuel system, gasoline51
  5. Air bags48
  6. Electrical system31
  7. Steering21
  8. Engine and engine cooling21
  9. Suspension10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Magnum model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2005638
2006321
2007110
200893
Crashes reported
16
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
14
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

85 reports1 crash1 fire
“vehicle engine codes were all corrected properly in hopes of fixing the stalling issues. the vehicle was seemingly better for a few days. upon driving the vehicle on the highway at normal highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began flickering and shutting off and on. the vehicle would shut off and on rapidly. each time the vehicle turned back on it would accelerate causing the vehicle to jolt forward and stop rapidly. the car would not allow me to brake safely. the vehicle behind was within inches of a collision but their quick response to slam on their brakes and swerved to the shoulder thankfully missed. this is not an isolated event. speaking to other hemi 5.7 vehicle owners this is a very common issue. I had a baby in a carseat in the backseat who was jolted around slamming the back of his head into his car seat. this is so dangerously unsafe. not dealership can find the problem even after replacing every part possible on these vehicles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025Unknown or other, Service brakes, EngineODI 11639532

Power train

67 reports2 crashes
“Unable to shift car stuck in park gear shifter (shift interlock latch) and Steering Module .year ,make and model included my Vin excluded from recall .Dodge Magnum SRT8 2006 4 door.safety put at risk by not being able to shift gears in an emergency.problem confirmed see invoice.inspected by dodge see invoice.no warning”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2023Steering, Power trainODI 11502048

Fuel/propulsion system

62 reports1 crash
“This is the second time I have been stuck on the side of the road showing that my car has a quarter tank of gas and it just dies on me. I was rescued with some fuel and it started right back up again. Upon checking for recalls for this issue, I came across some 2005 to 2006 Dodge magnums or chargers with fuel tank recalls. I called Chrysler and they are saying my vin does not apply to the fuel tank recall. How is it, I am having the same exact issue as those vin’s affected by this recall. I think it is something to look into. I have gone on Dodge forums and read people’s stories about the same issue as I am having and I am sure they are unaware of the steps they can take with the NHTSA to file a complaint where an investigation could be imminent. Please advise. This has happened more than once so now I consider an empty tank when I am at a quarter tank reading on my gas meter.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2024Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11610165
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 6.1L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Magnum
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050423
Magnum
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200444
Magnum
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200444
Magnum
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152318$3,550494
Magnum AWD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152218$3,550494
Magnum AWD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152218$3,550494
Magnum AWD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, FFS · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152218$3,550494
Magnum
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.10 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131815$5,300592
  • Magnum
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 23 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum AWD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum AWD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum AWD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, FFS
    15 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Magnum
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.10 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $5,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Dodge Magnum as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 1713
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Magnum questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Dodge Magnum have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Dodge Magnum problems?

Owners filed 321 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (85), power train (67), fuel/propulsion system (62). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Dodge Magnum get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Dodge Magnum at 15–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026