The 2008 Dodge Charger lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine failures and steering issues. At $5,053 to $11,201, it’s a lot of money for a sedan that will break down often.
Is the 2008 Dodge Charger a Good Used Car?
- No, 2008 is not a good year for the Charger. Owner reviews complain about A/C issues, poor turning radius, and a lot of cheap parts used in the engine.
- Interior quality is okay for a sedan, but there is a lot of cheap plastic used on the dash and the seat material doesn’t hold up well. Technology is also a bit outdated for a 2008.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Avoid models from 2006-2008 and go with a 2009–2010 model where there are fewer issues.
- Performance is poor with the base V6 engine, but the larger V8 engines offer more horsepower than other sedans on the market.
- The Charger is a safe car, getting a perfect 5-star rating overall in government crash tests, but only a 4-star rating in the driver side impact crash test.
- Fuel economy is downright bad for a sedan, at only up to 21 MPG, and owners can expect to get about 399 miles of range from the 19 gallon fuel tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Charger?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 Charger is a very unrefined and clunky car, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Charger a 4.6/5 and praises the affordable price for power, but doesn’t like the heavy overall weight.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Charger 4.6/5 and enjoy the practical cabin space, but dislike the mechanical problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Dodge Charger Have?
The most common problems found on the 2008 Dodge Charger include engine failures, locked-up steering wheels, and ignition system issues. Overall, these problems are more serious than issues found on other cars from 2008.
Engine failures are the most widespread problem reported by owners at around 90,000 miles. The water pump fails suddenly and causes the entire engine to break, and is most common on the 3.5L V6 version. Replacing the engine is an expensive project, costing nearly $5,000.
Locked up steering wheels show up on a lot of Charger models at around 60,000 miles. A failed clock spring in the steering wheel is the source of the problem, and costs about $450 to replace depending on local labor rates.
Ignition system issues are another frequent problem reported by owners at around 80,000 miles. The starter motor is the most common source of the problem, costing about $800 to replace. In rare cases it’s caused by the totally integrated power module (TIPM) which is $1,200 to change.
There are currently 5 recalls on the 2008 Charger, which is average for a sports car from 2008. The most serious recall is for the ignition switch, which can turn off suddenly, and increase the risk of a crash.
How Long Will the 2008 Dodge Charger Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Dodge Charger may last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top rated large sedans like the Toyota Avalon. Regular annual maintenance costs are also higher than rivals, according to data from Repair Pal, at $509 per year.
Since most 2008 Charger models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the timing chain for $1,200, the catalytic converter costing $1,800, and the radiator fan assembly, which costs $400.
Yes, the car is over 10 years old and I only need to do regular maintenance like oil changes and minor things.
I think it is reliable. I have only owned mine for about 5 months and I haven't had very many problems with it.
No problems at all. Was mechanically sound. Body held up well in adverse conditions, transmission never failed, suspension excellent.
It has absolutely no problems at so far so good... I cannot complain other than minor issues with the vehicle.
Dodge has always put good running engines in their cars. No complaints from me but the only it does burn a lot of oil when you are on the pedal a lot.
The 2008 charger is very reliable. There are no major problems with it. Have had a few minor repairs done. It is to be expected as it is 11 years old.
Yes very much so, but I have replaced the brakes, suspension, and alternator on it. I haven't had a lot of other major repairs
No never had any problems except for one time I needed a intake manifold other then that it rides good
How Much Is the 2008 Dodge Charger Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,053 to $11,201, since the SRT8 model offers more power, which makes it similar in price to other large sedans including the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300. When new, the price range was $22,510 to $37,215. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Dodge Charger?
There are four versions of the Dodge Charger available for the 2008 model year. The sixth generation of the Charger was launched in 2006 and the seventh generation was released for the 2011 model year.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
SXT is a step up, adding:
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Folding Rear Seats
- 6-Speaker Boston Acoustics Stereo System
R/T is next in the lineup and adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Xenon Headlights
- Remote Start System
SRT8 is the high-performance version and has:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Sets
- Larger Brakes
- Sport Suspension
- Kicker Premium Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Dodge Charger?
- The base engine is a very weak 2.7L V6 which only makes 178 horsepower and gets up to 21 MPG combined.
- A step up is the average 3.5L V6 which produces 250 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined.
- Next in the lineup is the stronger 5.7L V8, which has 340 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine is the 6.1L V8 producing 425 horsepower and getting up to 15 MPG combined. Performance is fantastic, taking 4.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Dodge Charger Come In?
How Big Is the Dodge Charger?
The 2008 Dodge Charger is a large sedan, similar in size to the Chrysler 300, and Chevrolet Impala. Passenger room is very good throughout the cabin, with plenty of legroom for adults in the backseats.
Cargo space is smaller than average for a sedan its size with 16.2 cubic feet of room in the trunk. That’s enough space for 4-5 suitcases.
How Does the Dodge Charger Compare to the Competition?
The Dodge Charger scores poorly compared to both large sedans, and sports cars from the same year with a lot of mechanical problems.
The Dodge Challenger is a competitor which costs about $2,000 more. Both the Dodge Charger and Challenger share the same engines, but the Challenger is just the 2-door version of the Charger. We don’t recommend the Dodge Challenger or Charger for 2008, since they both share the same problems.
The Ford Mustang is a rival, which costs about $1,000 more. Performance is better in the Ford Mustang, but the Dodge Charger offers more passenger and cargo space. We recommend the Ford Mustang since they last longer, and have fewer serious mechanical issues.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Charger?
Yes. It is a great vehicle for the summer. It has a good acceleration, is very reliable and safe. The rear wheel traction makes it not so great in the winter though.
Yes, it has satisfied my needs. I love the speed. I love how well it handles. The only thing I do not care for is the gas mileage.
Yes very roomy head and leg room excellent handles great, trunk space excellent, strong engine, no repair issues and it serves me very well.
Yes it is I love it.. I love how fast it is.. It has the semi engine in it.. I would like to own an up to date model of it.
It's not the best for a v8 but does get the job done. I use mine for daily driver does use up a lot of gas. It's a fun car to play with when behind the wheel. The charger rt will come in a rear- wheel drive making it not so good for snow.
It is a great vehicle. Fun to drive. It has not had any major issues. The only thing I do not like about it is the battery is in the trunk behind the seats. My exploded one time. The dealership said that is very unusual as they should never need water added. The cells in mine had gone dry.
Yeah and very reliable too. I've had it almost 10 years and the only real repair I've done on it is a new suspension, brakes, and alternator
Yes I love my charger it’s fully loaded candy painted red with rims it was a ex police charger I had for 3 years