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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2008 Dodge MagnumRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 93 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Magnum. Most complaints involve electrical system (67) and air bags (14). The EPA rates it 15–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
15–21mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
93
Top: electrical system
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

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Sep 17, 2014NHTSA 14V567000
See all 5 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

93 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2008 – Aug 2023
  1. Electrical system67
  2. Air bags14
  3. Engine13
  4. Power train6
  5. Steering5
  6. Engine and engine cooling5
  7. Fuel/propulsion system3
  8. Exterior lighting3
  9. Service brakes3

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
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

Electrical system

67 reports2 crashes
“Vehicle purchased pre-owned/used Sept.7th 2022 from dealership. Had 3 open recalls which were addressed. Said recall in question is 14v567000 ignition switch problem. I have had vehicle back at dealer now 3 times for continued problem of ignition sticking in the start mode as it keeps turning over & you have to physically turn ignition off or cycle it to stop the sticking problem. Dealer has changed the ignition module 3 times & problem still exist. 3 modules in less than a year. I do understand that this is not a dealer problem as they are only the repair facility. I have called Chrysler corporation with the issue & they keep sending me back to the dealer. This is a faulty/defective part that falls completely on Chrysler & there engineering, design, development, testing, & production that is clearly not being done or accomplished. Safety issue clearly needs to be addressed at the highest level. I have seen many complaints concerning this recall that appear to not have been fixed from repeated failures. 1st attempted fix recall Sept 2022, 2nd attempted fix, Oct 2022, 3rd attempted fix Aug 2023. I have just taken said vehicle back to the dealer to hopefully address this issue again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2023Electrical systemODI 11538375

Air bags

14 reports2 crashes
“CASE DESCRIPTION I HAD A RECALLS ON MY 2008 DODGE MAGNUM FOR AIRBAGS, AND IGNITION. HAD IT TOWED TO COMMINWEALTH DODGE CAUSE IT STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION, AND SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED AIRBAGS ALSO. THE IGNITION ALLOWED THE CAR TO THEN RESTART. HOWEVER WHEN I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP IT RAN REALLY BADLY, AND HAD ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE DASH ON. I CONFRONTED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS BEFORE EVEN LEAVING THE LOT. THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I TOWED IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS PULLED APART UNDER THE DASH. AFTER I PICKED THE CAR UP FROM THEM I'VE HAD THE WORST ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IMAGINABLE. I'VE BEEN STRANDED IN ELLENSBURG WA FOR 3 MONTHS, THE BATTERY DIED EVERY 3-4 WEEKS. FCA WILL NOT EVEN RETURN ANY OF MY CALLS, AND THE DEALERSHIP JUST TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW CAR WHEN I CONTACT THEM. PLEASE HELP”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2017Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedODI 11005555

Engine

13 reports1 crash
“MY CAR WILL EXCEED OVER 60 MPH AND KEEPS FLASHING LIGHTS ON THE DASH THE STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN AT TIMES AND MAKES A LOUD SCREECH WHEN I TRY STARTING THE CAR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 10, 2020Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11373955
All 2008 Magnum problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 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
172420$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
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.1 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 · 24 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
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.1 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $5,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
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 2008 Dodge Magnum as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 2645
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

2008 Magnum questions

How many recalls does the 2008 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 2008 Dodge Magnum problems?

Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (67), air bags (14), engine (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Dodge Magnum get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Magnum at 15–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026