Most common 2008 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Challenger complaints by model year
Best Challenger years: 2008, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →
2008 Dodge Challenger recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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…
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Dodge Challenger:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
What 2008 Dodge Challenger owners say
Electrical system
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, the smell of fuel is still apparent when full. Called chris at [phone] (Chrysler corp) and asked for a complete history of repairs and was not offered much help. He encouraged me to write NHTSA.
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.
Air bags
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.
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.
Engine & cooling
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, the smell of fuel is still apparent when full. Called chris at [phone] (Chrysler corp) and asked for a complete history of repairs and was not offered much help. He encouraged me to write NHTSA.
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 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?
2008 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Challenger rates better than average: 93% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Challenger at the same age. It is one of the best Challenger years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Challenger?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Challenger have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from May 24, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Challenger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2022 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2011. See the full Dodge Challenger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.