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2008 Dodge Charger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

393 reports with mileage · 216 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 391 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports22 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

609 reports
125,000 miles · Oct 5, 2013
Electrical System

PARKED MY CAR AT A SUPERMARKET AND WENT IN FOR APPROX. 10MIN. RETURNED TO MY VEHICLE, GOT IN AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AND HEARD A LOUD BANG IN THE TRUNK AREA. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DODGE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY EXPLODED IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10546837

186,000 miles · Sep 24, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED IN A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND SHOULDER INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM AND LEG AND THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED IN A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND SHOULDER INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM AND LEG AND THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

NHTSA ODI #10545161

61,400 miles · Sep 4, 2013
Electrical System

THIS PROBLEM BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED (IN 2010) THIS 60,000 MILE ONE-OWNER CAR A 2008 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L RWD POLICE PACKAGE. THE KEY FAILS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION KEY SWITCH. THE KEY SWITCH CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION TO BE REMOVED AND STAYS STUCK IN THE "ACCESSORY" POSITION. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE…

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THIS PROBLEM BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED (IN 2010) THIS 60,000 MILE ONE-OWNER CAR A 2008 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L RWD POLICE PACKAGE. THE KEY FAILS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION KEY SWITCH. THE KEY SWITCH CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION TO BE REMOVED AND STAYS STUCK IN THE "ACCESSORY" POSITION. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE KEY MUST BE LEFT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH OPENING THE POSSIBILITY TO VEHICLE THEFT OR ANY CHILD OR OTHER PASSERBY MAKING ENTRY INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTING & DRIVING AWAY. LEAVING THE KEY "ON" IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION SUBSEQUENTLY DRAINS THE BATTERY, AFTER ONLY A MATTER OF HOURS THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND LEAVES THE OWNER REPEATEDLY STRANDED. LEAVING THE ACCESSORY CIRCUITS ENERGIZED FOR LONG PERIODS ALSO INCREASES THE CHANCES OF A VEHICLE FIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DODGE DEALER IN LUMBERTON NJ, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A DEFECTIVE WIN MODULE. I PAID FOR THE REMOVAL & INSTALLATION OF A NEW WIN MODULE AND THE CAR EXHIBITS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS BEFORE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT VERIFIED THAT IT'S STILL OCCURRING AND HAD TO ARGUE WITH THEM FOR A REFUND ONLY TO BE GIVEN DEALER CREDIT. THE DEALER THEN SHOWED ME A DODGE ENGINEER'S SERVICE BULLETIN DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE PERFECTLY. OFTEN THESE SYMPTOMS ARE SYMPTOMATIC OF A WIN MODULE BUT IF THE WIN IS NOT AT FAULT, DODGE STATES THAT THE "ESM" MODULE (ELECTRONIC SHIFT MODULE) IS AT FAULT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ESM IS LOCATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN IN A 2008 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L RWD POLICE PACKAGE CAR AND IS CONNECTED TO THE COLUMN SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR. THE DODGE DEALER STATES THE ESM MODULE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO THE PART NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE SEPARATELY. EVERY OTHER MODULE FOR THE CHARGER IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE EXCEPT THE ESM AND DODGE SERVICE WANTS $2400 TO NEEDLESSLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE COLUMN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541947

99,000 miles · Aug 27, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE IGNITION MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; THE IGNITION MODULE U…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE IGNITION MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; THE IGNITION MODULE UNABLE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #10537509

90,000 miles · Aug 2, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

VEHICLE STALLS AFTER FILLING WITH GAS IF FILLED ALL THE WAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533171

89,000 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Electrical System

CAR FAILS TO START DUE TO DEFECTIVE WIRELESS IGNITION MODULE PART #5026296AF.SINCE MAY 10,2013, CHRYSLER CORP CLAIMS THE PART HAS BEEN BACK ORDERED NATIONALLY WITH NO DATE WHEN PART IS DUE AS OF 7/18/13. THE PART COULD ALSO FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. CHRYSLER WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY IN…

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CAR FAILS TO START DUE TO DEFECTIVE WIRELESS IGNITION MODULE PART #5026296AF.SINCE MAY 10,2013, CHRYSLER CORP CLAIMS THE PART HAS BEEN BACK ORDERED NATIONALLY WITH NO DATE WHEN PART IS DUE AS OF 7/18/13. THE PART COULD ALSO FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. CHRYSLER WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION OTHER THAN THE PART IS BACK ORDERED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525632

101,368 miles · Jul 15, 2013
Electrical System

THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. SAME THING KEPT HAPPENING AGAIN!!! IT SOUNDED LIKE A TAPE WAS LOADING IN A TAPE DECK. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, THE RECEIVER WAS REPLACED BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STAY CRUNK. SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TIPM…

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THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. SAME THING KEPT HAPPENING AGAIN!!! IT SOUNDED LIKE A TAPE WAS LOADING IN A TAPE DECK. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, THE RECEIVER WAS REPLACED BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STAY CRUNK. SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TIPM IN IT. I COULD NOT GET OUT OF IT, BUT NOW I AM FINANCIALLY STRAPPED FOR CASH, BECAUSE I LOST MY JOB AT THE END OF MAY. I AM UNABLE TO GET MY CAR BACK BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL NOT RELEASE MY CAR UNTIL IT'S PAID IN FULL. I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH CHARGERS AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525041

99,386 miles · Jul 15, 2013
Electrical System

I HAD JUST GOTTEN THE CAR BACK AFTER HAVING THE CAR REPROGRAMMED WITH THE KEY FOB. THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT SOUNDED LIKE A TAPE DECK WAS LOADING. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN TO HAVE THE STARTER REPLACED! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY COULD NOT FIND …

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I HAD JUST GOTTEN THE CAR BACK AFTER HAVING THE CAR REPROGRAMMED WITH THE KEY FOB. THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT SOUNDED LIKE A TAPE DECK WAS LOADING. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN TO HAVE THE STARTER REPLACED! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY COULD NOT FIND THIS OUT WHEN IT WAS THERE THE FIRST TIME??? THIS ENDED UP COSTING ME $353.27!!! LUCKILY I HAD JUST GOTTEN MY INCOME TAX REFUND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525040

99,300 miles · Jul 15, 2013
Electrical System

KEY FOB AND CAR HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED, SO I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS DONE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I HAD TO PAY $124 FOR THE KEY FOB AND ANOTHER $49.50 FOR THE REPROGRAMMING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525038

79,500 miles · Jul 7, 2013
Engine

I STOPPED MY DODGE CHARGER IN THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I JUST FINISHED WASHING MY CHARGER AND WAS ON MY WAY TO A CAR SHOW. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE PEOPLE IN MY GROUP. MY GIRLFRIEND EXITED HER VEHICLE AND GOT INTO MY CAR. I STARTED MY CAR BACK UP TO RUN THE A/C. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS OF STARTIN…

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I STOPPED MY DODGE CHARGER IN THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I JUST FINISHED WASHING MY CHARGER AND WAS ON MY WAY TO A CAR SHOW. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE PEOPLE IN MY GROUP. MY GIRLFRIEND EXITED HER VEHICLE AND GOT INTO MY CAR. I STARTED MY CAR BACK UP TO RUN THE A/C. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS OF STARTING MY CAR UP, I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED MY CAR OFF AND EXITED MY VEHICLE. AS I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE, I OBSERVED A SMALL STREAM OF GREEN FLUID (ANTIFREEZE) RUNNING BENEATH MY VEHICLE. I POPPED MY HOOD AND OBSERVED MY RADIATOR WAS DAMAGED AGAIN. I ALSO OBSERVED THAT MY COOLING FAN WAS IN PIECES AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME IT WAS MY PASSENGER SIDE COOLING FAN. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE SAME BODY SHOP AS LAST YEAR AND THE MECHANIC THERE ADVISED ME TO LOOK INTO AN RECALLS INVOLVING THE COOLING SYSTEM OF MY CAR. HE EXPLAINED THAT IT OCCURRED THE SAME WAY AS THE OTHER FAN DID A YEAR AGO. AT THAT TIME I SAW A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION L08 THAT INVOLVED DODGE CHARGERS 2006-2008. I READ THE NOTIFICATION AND LEARNED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY THIS NOTIFICATION. MY DODGE CHARGER WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN FLORIDA AND I BOUGHT IT IN FLORIDA. MY CHARGER WAS MANUFACTURED ON 10/10/2007 AND MY CHARGER IS A 2008. I FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS COVERED BY THIS NOTIFICATION IN SEVERAL WAYS. BUT CHRYSLER CLAIMS THAT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE SALES CODE, EVEN THOUGH THE DEFECT THE NOTIFICATION MENTIONED WAS PRECISELY THE SAME. *TR (TWO REALTED VOQS FROM SAME COMPLAINANT: 1023591, 10523589)

NHTSA ODI #10523591

Official recalls

5

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

15V313000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 26, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

14V567000 · Electrical System:ignition

Sep 17, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

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.

08V583000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Nov 6, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION STARTLING THE DRIVER, AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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 CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V295000 · Power Train:axle Hubs

Jul 2, 2008

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 THE NUTS TO LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE HALFSHAFT TO DISENGAGE FROM THE WHEEL HUB.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

PE08052 · Prndl Misalignment

Opened Sep 2, 2008 · Closed Nov 10, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

IN A NOVEMBER 5, 2008 LETTER, CHRYSLER SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT DESCRIBING A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN PRNDL MISALIGNMENT (I.E., INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION) IN APPROXIMATELY 20,300 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2006 THROUGH 2009 DODGE CHARGER AND MAGNUM POLICE VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 17, 2005 THROUGH OCTOBER 21, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-583, CHRYSLER RECALL H37).ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER, THE GEARSHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET AND CAUSE AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT POSITION DISPLAY.THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION BY INSTALLING A REDUNDANT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE GEARSHIFT CABLE AND THE MOUNTING BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER RETENTION AND SHIFT LINKAGE FUNCTION. CHRYSLER USES A UNIQUE COLUMN SHIFTER IN THESE POLICE VEHICLES.AFTER PE08-052 WAS OPENED, CHRYSLER INSPECTED A MY 2009 POLICE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THOUGH THE GEARSHIFT CABLE APPEARED FULLY SEATED INTO THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET, THE CABLE RETENTION FEATURE (LOCKING PIN) WAS NOT FULLY SEATED.CHRYSLER SUBSEQUENTLY DETERMINED THAT IF THE RETENTION FEATURE IS NOT FULLY SEATED, THE CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET, RESULTING IN THE SHIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING TO DESIGN INTENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR INCORRECT GEAR POSITION INDICATION VIA THE PRNDL DISPLAY.CHYSLER'S INSPECTION OF 59 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER AND MAGNUM POLICE VEHICLES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER FOUND 30 WHERE THE GEARSHIFT CABLE WAS NOT FULLY ENGAGED TO THE MOUNTING BRACKET.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE DEFECT CONDITION TO DATE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.