Makes›Dodge›Charger›2008

2008 Dodge Charger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Dodge Charger
Pictured: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona RT, front 4.14.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan RWD R/T, 4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt, 4dr Sedan RWD Srt8
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.1L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
3,821–4,160 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2008 large car (18.2 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints476 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 125 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with 4 engines (2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.1L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,101 lb (4dr Sedan RWD R/T).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 15% better than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 476 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Charger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Charger →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan RWD R/T200 in74.4 in58.3 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in4,101 lb54/46
4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt200 in74.4 in58.3 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in3,821 lb54/46
4dr Sedan RWD Srt8200 in74.4 in57.9 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in4,160 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Charger2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+15%$3,200423
Charger3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+10%$3,350444
Charger3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+10%$3,350444
Charger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-1%$3,700494
Charger AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-1%$3,700494
Charger AWD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-1%$3,700494
Charger6.1L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-18%$5,500592
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.2 MPG2008 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Charger under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Dodge Charger (this car)21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated2
2008 Chevrolet Malibu27 MPGNot rated4
2008 Chrysler 30018 MPGNot rated3
2008 Toyota Avalon22 MPGNot rated5
2008 Nissan Maxima21 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

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.
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.
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 › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 26, 2015 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Sep 17, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V567000 · 292,798 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

476Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
16Involved a crash
17Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
102,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System326
Air Bags120
Engine67
Unknown Or Other28
Steering17
Power Train15
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)14
Service Brakes12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/11: 220/02: 120/03: 120/04: 220/05: 220/08: 120/09: 120/10: 320/11: 121/03: 121/05: 121/12: 122/02: 122/03: 122/09: 222/10: 122/11: 123/03: 123/08: 123/09: 125/04: 125/05: 125/06: 126/05: 119/1120/0420/0921/0322/0222/1023/0825/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 326 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 120 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Engine — 67 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Charger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Charger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Charger267 mi206.7 inNot rated10
2026 Charger20206.7 inNot rated15
2025 Charger308 mi206.7 inNot rated339
2024 Charger308 mi198.4 inNot rated324
2023 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★226
2022 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★316
2021 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★235
2020 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★358
2019 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★5120
2018 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★6122
2017 Charger23198.4 inNot rated4128
2016 Charger23198.4 inNot rated5182

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →