Magnum (1st)
Engine Reliability Comparison
LF1
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
SMPI (DOHC 16V)
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L26
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC 16V Turbo
2.4L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
SRT HEMI SMPI
6.1L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC 24V
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
High Output 24 V MPI
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Dodge Magnum regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (13)
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.
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.
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.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7 LITER ENGINES AND MK25E BRAKING SYSTEMS MAY EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE. CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBES AND EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE TUBES TO WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE FASTENERS AT THE BULKHEAD STUD MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A SPOT WELDING OPERATION FOR THE REAR FLOORPAN REINFORCEMENT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum problems?
The 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum has accumulated 1,161 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Dodge Magnum engine is most reliable?
The 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum a good used car?
The 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,161 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum have?
The 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum has 1,161 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum?
There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Dodge Magnum?
Before buying a used Dodge Magnum, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,161 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.