Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Dodge Magnum powertrain problems
moderate 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 60 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Magnum, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 60 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Engine Stall Immediately Following Fuel Tank Fill-Up (X53 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience an engine stall condition just after filling the fuel tank. The integral mulit-functional control valve may allow liquid fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system causing a rich fuel condition when the purge system is initiated..
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NEW 42RLE VARIABLE LINE PRESSURE TRANSMISSION (VLP).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Dodge Magnum powertrain complaints reveal a pattern of serious defects affecting the transmission, shifter, fuel system, and engine controls. The most common issue is shifter interlock failure—the plastic spring hook breaks, leaving the vehicle stuck in Park. Multiple owners report being stranded, and a recall (Campaign 08V583000) was issued but many VINs remain excluded from coverage despite identical symptoms.
Stalling after refueling is persistent: the vehicle stalls repeatedly when the fuel tank is full, losing power steering and brakes, then resolves as the tank drains. No TSB has been issued. Transmission jerking and shuddering during shifts also recur across complaints, sometimes immediately after routine service work. Some owners report delayed engagement or the transmission refusing to downshift, trapping the vehicle in high gear and blocking acceleration into traffic.
A critical failure involved a drive shaft breaking off at moderate speed while the vehicle was in motion—a hazard dealers initially dismissed as impossible. One owner experienced complete electrical power loss while driving, losing steering and throttle response at 30 mph during a turn. Engine stalling without warning, especially at low speeds and intersections, occurs frequently and sometimes repeatedly on short drives.
Owners note that dealers acknowledge these are "common" problems but provide no recall or warranty coverage, forcing out-of-pocket repairs. Multiple owners reference identical defects appearing on Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models, suggesting a design or manufacturing issue affecting the entire platform.
Same Dodge Magnum powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Shifter Interlock Spring Hook / Pawl Failure
Transmission shifter gets stuck in Park and cannot be moved to other gears. Owners report the interlock return spring hook, interlock pawl, or column shift mechanism fails, leaving the vehicle stranded. Some owners report the defective plastic component breaks. The part is an inexpensive plastic piece that functions to prevent shifting from Park unless the key is in the ignition and brake is depressed.
When: 50,000–158,000 miles, most commonly reported in 2006–2007 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in Park position and will not move; Unable to shift to Drive, Reverse, or Neutral; Vehicle stranded and requires towing; Manual workaround required: remove plate around gear shift and use screwdriver to move wire extending to shifter
Repairs/costs cited: $100–$400 to replace shifter assembly or interlock pawl; some dealers charged $360 plus tax; owners report towing fees
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 08V583000 and 05V460000 issued for column shift and automatic transmission issues, but many affected VINs not included in recall coverage; some owners denied reimbursement despite part failure matching recall description
Transmission Jerking, Shuddering, and Hard Shifting
Transmission exhibits erratic shifting behavior, jerking, shuddering, and momentary stalling during gear changes. Owners report a loud 'thump' feel and loss of acceleration response. Problem often occurs between 2nd and 3rd gear at low-to-medium speeds. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate the issue in many cases.
When: 40,000–123,000 miles, some occurring immediately after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears; Loud thumping or shaking between 2nd and 3rd gear; Momentary stalling accompanied by jerking; Check Engine light illuminates intermittently; Loss of acceleration response; Transmission will not downshift at stops; stuck in high gear
Repairs/costs cited: $1,600 for torque converter replacement (one owner); throttle body replaced twice on one vehicle; transmission fluid may have been contaminated with water during service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls noted for this specific symptom; Chrysler acknowledged similar problems on multiple models but offered no TSB; dealers unable to repeat issue or provide lasting repairs
Stalling and No-Start After Refueling or at Full Tank
Vehicle stalls randomly and repeatedly after filling the gas tank or when fuel tank is full. Stalling occurs at various speeds (idle, at stop lights, during turns, on highway). Engine restarts but problem recurs until fuel level drops to 10–15 miles of driving. Loss of power steering and power brakes during stalls creates hazard. Issue appears related to fuel tank venting system or emissions.
When: Occurs immediately after fuel fill-up and persists for approximately 7–10 days or 10–15 miles of driving until tank level drops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls randomly and without warning after refueling; Multiple stalls on same short drive (3–5 times in 10 miles reported); Stalls occur at stops, intersections, during turns, and at highway speeds; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stall; Difficult to restart; transmission does not engage for 10–15 seconds after restart; Problem resolves as fuel tank level decreases; Check Oil light illuminates during stall
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported quote of $2,000 to replace 'roll over valve'; no repairs completed in most complaint narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall identified; issue occurs on Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger as well; suspected emissions/fuel system design flaw but no manufacturer action noted
Transmission Will Not Engage or Delayed Engagement
After engine restart (especially after a stall), transmission will not engage into Drive or Reverse for 10–20 seconds. Vehicle remains in Neutral, leaving driver stranded in traffic or at intersections. Problem occurs intermittently.
When: Occurs after engine stall or cold start, particularly after refueling or when transmission has been serviced
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not engage into Drive after restart; Vehicle stuck in Neutral for 10–20 seconds; Delayed transmission engagement at intersections or during traffic flow; Repeated stalling while waiting for transmission to engage
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; owner noted stalling occurs 'every day for the past 2 months'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer attributed problem to bad ignition coils and replaced them, but problem persisted; no further assistance offered
Engine Surging and RPM Hunting
Engine surges and hunts between 1,500–3,500 RPM at idle and during driving. Problem occurs intermittently and is often accompanied by transmission shifting issues. Transmission may not downshift at stops and gets stuck in high gear, creating acceleration hazard when pulling into traffic.
When: Intermittent, occurring over 15,000+ miles of complaint history
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges between 1,500–3,500 RPM; Surging at idle and while driving; Transmission does not downshift properly at stops; Transmission stuck in high gear causing poor acceleration; Unable to accelerate properly when pulling into traffic; No diagnostic trouble codes retrieved
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has attempted repairs 6–7 times with no resolution; owner cited as unable to identify cause due to lack of fault codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall noted; dealer states no diagnostic codes present so repairs cannot be completed
Acceleration Limitation or Limp Mode
Vehicle will not accelerate beyond a certain RPM or speed (typically 55 MPH). Problem feels like 'dragging an anchor' when pressing gas pedal to floor. Vehicle enters a limp-mode condition. Owner suspects transmission programming issue, possibly related to one specific transmission variant used in the model.
When: Occurs when vehicle reaches proper operating temperature
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate above 55 MPH; Pressing gas pedal to floor produces minimal acceleration; Feels like 'dragging an anchor'; Problem resolves temporarily when vehicle is restarted; Limited acceleration when entering traffic
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner suggests transmission reprogramming would resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler owner reports Chrysler unwilling to provide TSB or reprogramming assistance despite suspicion that issue is software-related and easily correctable
Automatic Transmission Shift-to-Neutral Failure
While driving at highway or moderate speed, transmission automatically and unexpectedly shifts into Neutral without driver input. Vehicle loses propulsion while in motion.
When: 100,000 miles (documented occurrence)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to Neutral without warning while driving; Loss of vehicle propulsion at 45 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shifter identified as defective; no repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 08V583000 exists for column shift defects, but affected VIN not included in recall
Drive Shaft Separation or Failure
Drive shaft broke off or separated from the differential while vehicle was in motion. Separation occurred with 'great force' after vehicle was stopped and restarted. Dealers initially misdiagnosed as no leak was present, though owner reported fluid leak prior to failure.
When: Approximately 59,000 miles; fluid leak first reported at 23-point inspection on 2/7/2015, failure on subsequent drive between 30–45 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shaking toward rear wheels while driving 30–45 MPH; Drive shaft breaks off or separates from differential; Fluid leak prior to failure (not identified during inspection); Transmission unable to be diagnosed at initial inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Drive shaft separated from differential; owner had to pay for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 'this does not happen with the Dodge Magnum' and characterized failure as 'an odd occurrence' despite safety hazard
Complete Powertrain Electrical Failure (Loss of All Power)
All electrical power to the vehicle is lost suddenly while driving. Steering becomes very difficult, gas pedal does not respond, and vehicle becomes essentially dead on the road. Power can be restored by turning key off, shifting to Park, and restarting engine. Issue recurs unpredictably.
When: After short drives (20 miles) and at various speeds (approximately 30 MPH in reported case)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Steering becomes nearly impossible; Gas pedal unresponsive; Vehicle unresponsive to driver input; Power loss occurs during turns (left turns specifically mentioned); Check Oil light illuminates during power loss event; Power restored by turning key off and restarting; Hazard due to oncoming traffic and inability to steer
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported quote of $2,000 to replace 'roll over valve'; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Transmission Failure (Complete Loss of Function)
Transmission fails completely while driving on highway, leaving vehicle unable to move. Problem occurs after months of erratic shifting symptoms (rough reverse engagement, loss of power sensation at RPM increases). Owner was towed after traveling half mile on shoulder.
When: After 5 months of ownership (May–October 2006), after routine maintenance scheduled
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails completely while on busy highway at 75 MPH; Vehicle unable to move after failure; Preceding symptoms: rough shifting into Reverse, sensation of not firing on all cylinders at higher RPMs; Bluetooth system quit functioning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission failure at highway speeds; vehicle required towing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty service appointment scheduled but failure occurred before appointment; no post-failure response documented
Intermittent Engine Stalling (General)
Engine stalls intermittently at low speeds, at stops, and during turns. Stalling can occur multiple times on short drives. No warning prior to stall. After restart, transmission may not engage for several seconds or vehicle may stall again before moving. Problem is progressive and frequent.
When: Occurs at low speeds, stops, and turn maneuvers; can happen 3–5 times in 10 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at random times without warning; Stalls at stop signs, red lights, intersections; Stalls during turn maneuvers in either direction; Stalls while pulling away from stops with oncoming traffic; Multiple stalls on same short drive; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stalls; Transmission will not engage for 10–15 seconds after restart; Problem is progressive and worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports coils were replaced by dealer; problem persisted; vehicle now sits unused due to safety concern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer changed ignition coils but problem continued; no further diagnosis or assistance offered
Transmission Jerking and Failure to Shift (Intermittent Electronic Malfunction)
Transmission jerks continuously and fails to shift gears properly while driving at moderate speeds. Warning indicators illuminate on dashboard. Problem persists even after throttle body replacement (twice), ignition coil replacement, and ECM verification. Problem occurs repeatedly on every driving occasion.
When: At 123,000 miles; problem recurs whenever vehicle is in operation
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks continuously while driving; Transmission fails to shift gears properly; Unknown warning indicator illuminates; Problem recurs after repairs are made; Problem occurs during every driving session
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replaced twice; ignition coil replaced once; ECM verified as functional; repairs did not resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented
Dashboard Warning Lights and Autonomous Shutdown Attempts
Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate (all lights reported on in one case). Vehicle independently attempts to shut down. Battery Save Mode indicator illuminates. Vehicle jerks and speed reduces drastically. Head lamps short out several times. Vehicle must be driven cautiously with hazard lights.
When: At 65,000–103,000 miles (failure mileage 65,000)
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle attempts to shut down autonomously; Vehicle jerks unexpectedly; Speed reduces drastically; Battery Save Mode indicator illuminates; BAC and Skid Control indicators intermittently illuminate; Head lamps short out; Transmission slips and makes loud noise as if dropping out; Vehicle attempts to stall when turning in either direction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was taken to independent mechanic for diagnostic testing but not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance; vehicle was not repaired
Transmission Will Not Downshift at Stops (Electronic Control Issue)
At stop lights or when decelerating, transmission will not downshift to lower gears as it normally should. Vehicle becomes stuck in high gear. When driver accelerates again, vehicle is in high gear, preventing proper acceleration for merging or pulling into traffic, creating hazard.
When: Intermittent, occurring over extended driving period
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to downshift at stops; Vehicle stuck in high gear after stop; Poor acceleration when pulling into traffic from high gear; Creates safety hazard during traffic merging
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Transmission Control Module / Trans Axle Control Module Failure
Failure in transmission control electronics or trans axle control module causes transmission to malfunction. Vehicle cannot accelerate properly, and failure is suspected to be 'shortage or circuit within the trans axle control module'.
When: At 91,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate over 55 MPH; Failure resolves temporarily when vehicle is restarted; Control module malfunction suspected
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed by local mechanic; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated VIN does not apply to NHTSA Recall Campaign 05V460000
Forward Gear Selection Failure (Transmission Does Not Shift to Lower Gears)
Transmission intermittently will not shift into forward gears. Only 'D' indicator shows on dash; transmission will not shift to gears 4, 3, 2, or 1. Vehicle cannot accelerate properly, limiting RPM to below 3,000 and preventing lower gear selection. Problem resolves temporarily when vehicle is shut off and restarted. Creates serious acceleration hazard when entering traffic.
When: Intermittent, occurring without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not reach RPM above 3,000; Transmission forward gear selection does not work; Only 'D' indicator illuminated on dashboard selector; Transmission will not shift to lower gears (4, 3, 2, 1); Problem resolves when vehicle is shut off and restarted; Poor acceleration when entering traffic; Occurs intermittently and unpredictably, creating hazard
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Miscommunication Between Engine and Transmission Control Systems
Vehicle experiences stalling at various speeds without warning due to miscommunication between engine and transmission electronic control systems. Vehicle stalls repeatedly during driving.
When: At 118,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stalls without warning at various speeds; Stalls occur on numerous occasions; Diagnosed as miscommunication between engine and transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure
Timing Belt Failure (Recalled Item)
Timing belt snaps while driving. No warning indicators alert driver to overheating before complete failure. Vehicle shuts down unexpectedly while driving. Engine becomes undrivable after failure.
When: After approximately 2 months of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Timing belt snaps while driving; No warning indicators for overheating; Vehicle shuts down unexpectedly while in motion; Engine overheats with no advance warning; Vehicle left stranded on roadside with child passenger
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt replacement required; vehicle recalled for this issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge issued timing belt recall for this component
Valve Seat Failure in 5.7L HEMI Engine (Catastrophic Engine Damage)
Valve seat in 5.7L HEMI engine drops and damages engine internally while driving. No warning indicators alert driver. Engine runs rough or will not start after failure. Vehicle becomes undrivable. Owner reports feeling like 'car was gonna blow up.'
When: No mileage specified; failure occurred while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Valve seat drops in engine; Engine overheats without warning; Engine runs rough after failure; Engine will not start after failure; No Check Engine light or warning before failure; Vehicle becomes undrivable; Owner felt car would 'blow up'
Repairs/costs cited: Engine damage; vehicle undrivable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
To start this complaint I wanted to first say that my vehicle was parked (not in motion) when this safety issue took place. The issue in question is in regards to recall k39. The transmission gear shift lever interlock return spring hook on my vehicle broke. This broken interlock return spring hook resulted in the inability to move the gear shift lever out of the 'park' position. This in turn…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2006 Dodge Magnum?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 60 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 59,463 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,463; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.