Vehicle safety record

2008 Dodge Challenger Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (4) and the electrical system (4). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 fire. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2016 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2009 has 133.

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NHTSA data checked yesterday

90/100Safety Index

AFar fewer problems than a typical Challenger year, for its age

#249 most complained-about 2008 vehicle

Complaints: 10
Recalls: 3
Crashes: 1
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Deaths: 0

Most common 2008 Dodge Challenger problems

Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2008 Dodge Challenger recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

16V352000May 24, 20164,648,270 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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.

Air bags: inflator module

15V444000Jul 10, 201588,460 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.

Power train: park / neutral start interlock switch

08V458000Sep 10, 20086,636 vehicles affected

The problem: Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft prevention." If the stop/start button is pressed and held and the engine turns off, the electronic key code is removed from the vehicle. Since this can occur in a transmission or gear selector position other than "park," and the transmission or gear selector does not become locked in "park" as a direct result of key removal, it was determined that a noncompliance may exist.
The risk: This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on september 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners say

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10 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

My throttle got stuck open four times and the last time I almost lost my life and was in an accident. This is a known issue on the dodge forums but dodge refuses to call this defective and make it a recall. This is dangerous it could have killed me and others. There were no warning the throttle was going to go on its own.

Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the starter, crankshaft and crankshaft sensor was replaced previously. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufactured was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Engine & coolingFuel system

Exiting the freeway via off ramp the car suddenly stalled and just as quick as it stall it started back up. The whole time it was in gear and I never touched anything. About a mile prior on the freeway I smelt gas but only for a minute and never again. I was approximately 8 miles from home and didn't have anymore problems or the gas smell. I check my menu for any problems but the system said ok but after I got home and turned the car off and then back on the system said warning contact dealer. This is dangerous...

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to have a call stall suddenly. I did see on the web that nhtsa has noted there is problems with srt8 (v8) and a warranty issue with the gas tank needing to be replace. Does our car fall under this?

Electrical systemAirbagsDriver assistance

Taking recall this car was bought in november less than 100 miles was put on it ran hot then door locks widows stopped working air bag and engine light stayed on 3 mechanics no-one can figure it out then it just stopped working want crank or anything bought for my daughter who is leaving for college and no vehicle 7000 in the whole and no-one will work on it . So I need information on vehicle and what do I do.

Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v444000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel systemFire

I purchased a new 2008 dodge challenger srt-8 in 2008 and every since have had problems. Chrysler would fix every time something would have problems. After the first motor went out (due to engineering of the 6.1L hemi) chrysler agreed to repair. The 2nd motor that went out in less the 6k miles also started an electric fire with my family inside, chrysler replaced motor. The 3rd motor was replaced once more at about 9k miles by an independent shop and the car on cruise control up speeds. Since the car was purchased,...

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the smell of fuel is still apparent when full. Called chris at 855-778-8326 (chrysler corp) and asked for a complete history of repairs and was not offered much help. He encouraged me to write nhtsa.

Electrical system

Ignition lock works erratically and binds. Intermittent operation of door locks, windows and panel lights. Some time it will not start, some time when the key is removed the chime will stay on after with no indication of any issues, lights off doors and trunk properly closed. Because it is a coupe my main concern right now windows must work for doors to open. This is at a stop. I start noticing issues when lights did not function when driving. Vehicle is garage kept and has 33,000 miles. *Js

Airbags

Takata recall: tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v444000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

Failure to perform recall notice by my local dealer. *Tr

Dodge Challenger: every year compared

'70 '71 '78 '79 '80 '81 10'08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22 '23

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2012	253	6	11	8	Electrical system	F
2011	193	6	5	8	Electrical system	F
2010	299	7	10	4	Engine & cooling	F
2009	133	7	8	4	Airbags	D
2008	10	3	1	1	Airbags	A

All Challenger years

2008 Dodge Challenger vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2008 Dodge Challenger	10	3	1	A
2008 Dodge Charger	624	5	24	F	Compare
2008 Volkswagen GTI	67	1	3	F	Compare
2008 Subaru WRX	65	7	0	D	Compare
2008 Ford Mustang	0	8	0	D	Compare
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan	1,293	8	23	F	Compare
2008 Dodge Avenger	845	6	38	F	Compare
2008 Dodge Ram 1500	579	8	44	F	Compare
2008 Dodge Nitro	393	3	17	F	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2008 Dodge Challenger

Does the 2008 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Challenger: inflator module (May 2016); inflator module (July 2015); park / neutral start interlock switch (September 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Challenger?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (4), electrical system (4), engine & cooling (3).

How many complaints has the 2008 Dodge Challenger had?

10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 31, 2009 and the latest on March 8, 2023. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2008 Dodge Challenger a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 90 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Challenger year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Challenger years have the most complaints?

2010 (299), 2012 (253), 2011 (193). See every Dodge Challenger year compared.

What should I do if my 2008 Dodge Challenger has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked yesterday. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2008 Dodge Challenger Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2008 Dodge Challenger problems

2008 Dodge Challenger recalls 3

What owners say

10 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger: every year compared

2008 Dodge Challenger vs rivals

Own a 2008 Dodge Challenger? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2008 Dodge Challenger