KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Dodge Magnum electrical problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MAP SENSOR CAUSING DTC'S P0652, P0340, P2127 AND C121C.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Magnum's electrical architecture is fundamentally unreliable. The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fails catastrophically, disabling turn signals, wipers, horn, windows, and cruise control simultaneously—usually after a no-start condition. Dealership quotes run $1,000–$1,200 to replace it. Owners report this is documented as a known issue across Chrysler forums and is the subject of a lawsuit.
Engine stalling happens unpredictably during driving, turning, and traffic stops, with increased frequency after a full fuel fill. Some owners have had dealers in for six weeks without a correct diagnosis. The engine computer itself fails and forces shutdown while driving; when replaced, the replacement fails identically 14,000 miles later at $1,200 out of pocket.
Headlights and dashboard lights flicker or go completely dark for 10+ seconds on the highway. Dashboard gauges and all warning lights reset simultaneously, lasting about 2 seconds, then happen again—multiple times per trip. A dealer quoted $550 for a computer replacement to fix lighting issues alone.
Seat belts intermittently fail to retract despite module replacement. Seat belt warning lights and chimes activate continuously when a passenger is buckled in. Turn signals indicate the wrong direction. Mechanics and dealers report being unable to reproduce problems or offer solutions.
Same Dodge Magnum electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Failure
Complete loss of multiple electrical functions including turn signals, wipers, horn, cruise control, and front windows, often after a no-start condition that initially appears to be battery-related. Owners report this as a known defect with multiple complaints online and a lawsuit against Chrysler.
When: Various; one complaint at unspecified mileage; another under 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Initial no-start condition requiring jump-start; Turn signals non-functional; Windshield wipers inoperable; Horn non-functional; Cruise control disabled; Front windows non-functional; ESP/BAS light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,000–$1,200 to repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lawsuit filed against Chrysler for faulty TIPM parts without recall
Engine Stalling During Driving and Turning
Engine repeatedly and unpredictably stalls and loses power during normal driving and turning situations, with recovery occurring within 1–2 seconds in some cases or complete stall requiring difficult restart in others. Owners report this occurs more frequently after a full fuel fill and appears related to a fuel tank valve issue. Dealer has been unable to correctly diagnose despite six weeks of service.
When: Intermittent; more prevalent after full fuel fill
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls unpredictably during driving; Power loss during turning situations; Engine recovers after 1–2 seconds in some instances; Difficult restart in other instances; Hazardous stalling at intersections and in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has replaced sunroof module and ABS module without resolving the issue; owner suspects fuel tank valve defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states Chrysler/Dodge is aware of the defect but will not acknowledge or correct it
Dashboard Gauges and Warning Lights Reset
Dashboard gauges (speedometer, fuel level, temperature, RPM) suddenly drop to zero, all warning lights illuminate, and climate-control functions stop or reset, lasting approximately 2 seconds before returning to normal. Can occur once or multiple times in rapid succession.
When: Occurs in all seasons
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard gauges drop to zero (MPH, gas level, temperature, RPM); All warning/idiot lights illuminate simultaneously; Heater blower stops if operating; Heated seats shut off; Gauges reset after 2 seconds (heated seats require manual reset)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid $269 to dealership to disconnect aftermarket remote start without resolving the issue; dealer unable to reproduce problem during test drives despite it occurring on most normal drives
Headlights and Dashboard Lights Flickering/Failing
Lights flicker and flash intermittently while driving without driver input, with severity ranging from momentary flicker to complete loss lasting over 10 seconds on the highway. Mechanics have found no loose connections, and the issue is confirmed as electrical in nature. Multiple Dodge Magnum owners report identical symptoms online.
When: Occurs throughout use; can persist through entire trips
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights and dashboard lights flicker and flash spontaneously; Lights stay off for extended periods (10+ seconds) on highway; Lights suddenly come back on without input; Occurs throughout entire driving trip
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics have checked for and ruled out loose connections; issue identified as electrical
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer quoted $550 for computer replacement to address dashboard and headlight flickering
Seat Belt Retractor Malfunction
Driver's side seat belt fails to retract and secure properly, requiring the vehicle to be turned off and the belt manually manipulated before it will operate. Failure recurs multiple times even after dealership replaced the entire seat belt module. Manufacturer suggested the issue could be related to the vehicle's computer system.
When: Under 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt fails to retract when pulled; Seat belt fails to secure over body properly; Intermittent recurrence of failure after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced entire seat belt module; failure recurred despite replacement. Owner located Technical Service Bulletin for seat belt retractor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer suggested failure could be computer-related; dealer stated unable to correct the issue
Check Engine Light and Oxygen Sensor/Wire Harness Issue
Check engine light illuminates and returns repeatedly after clearing, with diagnostic code P2096 indicating a post-combustion system issue. Problem attributed to oxygen sensor and wire harness defect by owner after visiting multiple dealerships.
When: Early in ownership; reported at 20,000 miles on used vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Check engine light returns within a day or two after clearing
Codes mentioned: P2096
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership charged money but referred to outside shop; problem identified as oxygen sensor and wire harness
Electronic Stability Package (ESP) Throttle Locking During Wheel Slip
When ESP is engaged and tires slip during acceleration or pulling into traffic, the throttle becomes unresponsive and the vehicle loses power for 3–5 seconds, making it unsafe in traffic situations. Owner observed same system on Chrysler 300 recovers throttle within fractions of a second, suggesting abnormal behavior on Magnum.
When: When tires slip at low speeds (5 mph noted in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle unresponsive when tires slip; Vehicle loses power and will not accelerate; Throttle lock lasts 3–5 seconds; Prevents safe acceleration into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated this was normal; owner found behavior not normal on comparable Chrysler 300
Ignition Key Will Not Disengage
Key becomes stuck in the ignition and will not turn off or disengage from the ignition cylinder on multiple occasions.
When: At 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn off; Key will not disengage from ignition; Failure occurs on more than one occasion
Turn Signal Indicator Reversal
Turn signal indicates opposite direction intermittently (right signal indicates left and vice versa), with frequency increasing over time. Dangerous due to miscommunication with other drivers.
When: Intermittent, becoming more frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Right turn signal indicates left; Left turn signal indicates right; Intermittent occurrence, increasing in frequency
Intermittent Engine Stalling and Hard Restart
Engine stalls while stopped or at low cruising speeds, then becomes difficult to restart. After restart, vehicle will not shift into gear for an extended period.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while stopped; Engine stalls at low cruising speeds; Hard restart after stall; Vehicle will not shift into gear immediately after restart
Engine Computer (PCM) Failure and Reactivation
Engine computer fails and shuts off vehicle while driving. Replacement computer performs identically after 14,000 miles and two years, forcing owner to pay $1,200 for replacement rather than warranty coverage. Computer is not a wear item and should not require replacement.
When: 14,000 miles after initial replacement; two years later
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle randomly shuts off engine while driving at any speed; Risk of rear-end collision due to unexpected stall; Computer failure despite replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Initial computer replacement covered; second failure charged at $1,200; computer supposedly communicates with key to determine match
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refused to replace second computer as defective, instead charging customer $1,200
Engine Rough Running with Throttle and BAS Light Illumination
Engine runs rough on the highway when the throttle indicator light flashes and BAS light illuminates, with severe vibration nearly causing accidents. Occurs every time vehicle is driven and also at stop lights or signs, sometimes resulting in stalling or near-stalling.
When: Every time vehicle is driven
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough; Throttle indicator light flashes; BAS light illuminates; Severe vibration of vehicle; Stalling or near-stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects dirty EGR seals and/or dirty throttle body based on online research
Ignition System Failure (No-Start with Lights On)
Vehicle will not start despite lights turning on, indicating electrical power is present but the starter or ignition system is not engaging properly. New starter was installed as repair attempt.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Lights turn on but vehicle will not start; Starter does not crank engine
Repairs/costs cited: New starter installed
Passenger Seat Belt Warning Light and Dashboard Light Malfunction
When a passenger sits in the front passenger seat with the seat belt buckled, the seat belt warning light and chime blink and sound continuously. Additionally, all emergency lights on the dashboard blink simultaneously at intervals, suggesting a broader electrical control issue.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt warning light blinks continuously; Seat belt chime sounds continuously; All emergency dashboard lights blink simultaneously and periodically
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 Dodge Magnum?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2006 Dodge Magnum?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 46,000 and 88,800 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 88,800. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Dodge/Magnum.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.