Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Charger electrical problems
severe 367 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
367
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4crashes
13fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 367 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Dodge Charger we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 367.
Electrical accounts for 59% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
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 ↗SUBJECT: Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative SYMPTOM/CONDITION: The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Dodge Charger electrical problems cluster around a few interconnected failures. The ignition switch is the worst offender: it either won't turn, gets stuck in the accessory position so the key can't be removed, or requires constant jiggling and manipulation just to start the car. Some owners report the key stuck in the ignition for hours or until they restart the car. Multiple owners hit the same problem repeatedly—they'd get the switch replaced under recall, and it would fail within months the same way.
The second major issue is stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speed. Owners lose power steering and brakes when it happens, which is genuinely dangerous. The car usually restarts after you coast to the shoulder and turn the key off and back on, but not always. One owner had a fire erupt under the hood and in the trunk simultaneously while driving 45 mph.
Owners also report losing power to critical systems—A/C, radio, turn signals, power seats, dashboard lights—sometimes all at once. The dealer diagnosis ping-ponged between relay failures, steering column module problems, and TIPM replacements, but nothing stuck. One owner took the car in ten separate times for the same symptom.
The recall (14V567000) was announced in August 2014, but parts never materialized. Owners called dealerships repeatedly and got told "on back-order" for months, then over a year. One owner waited 13 months for a recall repair. Dealers couldn't schedule work without parts, and Chrysler wouldn't commit to a delivery date. Some owners paid out of pocket because they couldn't wait any longer.
Same Dodge Charger electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch stuck in accessory position; key won't turn off or be removed
Key becomes stuck in the accessory position and cannot be turned to the off position or removed from the ignition switch. The switch locks in the on or accessory position, leaving the key stranded in the ignition.
When: After 60,000 miles on affected units; issue manifests early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot turn to off position; Key stuck in accessory position; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Battery drained from prolonged accessory power draw; Vehicle theft risk when key cannot be removed; Clicking sounds when key finally releases after extended wait (up to 3 hours reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge service bulletin identifies WIN (Wireless Ignition Node) module or ESM (Electronic Shift Module) as fault; WIN module replacement often unsuccessful; ESM module not available for separate purchase, requiring full steering column replacement (~$2,400 per owner accounts); dealer credit offered instead of warranty refund in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued; WIN module replacement; ESM module replacement (entire steering column); recall 14V567000 announced but parts frequently on national back-order for months
Ignition switch fails to turn or engage; vehicle won't start or cranks with difficulty
Key either won't turn in the ignition switch, or switch requires excessive manipulation (jiggling, moving the key up/down/sideways, or tapping) to engage. Starting becomes intermittent and unreliable.
When: Starts after 2-3 years of ownership; progressively worsens; some failures occur at low mileage (16,000-50,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Key won't turn in ignition or turns with significant resistance; Requires jiggling, wiggling, or tapping key to get car to start; Engine fails to crank or cranks sluggishly; Starting failures become more frequent over time (from days apart to multiple times per day); Key sometimes turns back to the left while engine running, killing the car; Multiple restart attempts needed before engine catches
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement ignition switch or relay performed multiple times; replacement parts often fail within 6 months; some owners paid $450+ for out-of-warranty repairs; temporary fixes cited at ~$700; repeated replacements ineffective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000; replacement parts consistently on back-order for extended periods (13 months reported); no permanent solution offered; some dealers installed incorrect parts; recall notification delays
Vehicle stalls while driving; loss of engine power at speed
Engine suddenly loses power and shuts down completely while vehicle is in motion at speeds ranging from 5 to 70 mph. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable (loss of power steering, power brakes) and owner must coast to shoulder.
When: Occurs intermittently after months to years of ownership; happens on highway and local roads; multiple occurrences reported within single day
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Loss of power steering when stalling occurs; Loss of power brakes when stalling occurs; Vehicle coasts to side of road; Engine restarts after being shut off and key restarted (usually); Dashboard lights and electrical components lose power; Stalling at various speeds (5 mph to 70 mph); Stalling over bumpy railroad tracks and level roadway without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed fuse box relay failure, ignition module failure, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) replacement; some vehicles required multiple repairs of same component; parts frequently unavailable; no lasting resolution achieved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000 issued; parts unavailable for extended periods; manufacturer could not provide estimated repair timeline; some owners left vehicles untouched rather than chase repairs
Failure to start; no crank, no electrical response
Vehicle refuses to start when key is turned. May show no warning lights, no dashboard illumination, and no engine cranking at all. Battery and electrical system appear dead or unresponsive.
When: Intermittent at first; becomes more frequent; some cases report no history before sudden complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: No engine crank when key turned; No dashboard lights; No electrical response; No clicking sounds from starter; Requires multiple key turn attempts before engine responds; Battery drain leaves owner stranded; Vehicle sits in driveway unable to start
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement ineffective; WIN module replacement performed; TIPM replacement; some owners paid out of pocket when warranty denied; vehicles sometimes required to sit at dealership weeks waiting for parts; $200+ deductibles charged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000; parts on national back-order; some owners told vehicle excluded from recall despite symptoms matching; dealer reimbursement for pre-recall repairs refused; no loaner vehicle offered
Loss of accessory functions while driving; dashboard lights cut out; electrical dropout
While driving, vehicle loses power to specific electrical systems: A/C, radio, turn signals, dashboard lights, power seats, or automatic locks. May occur intermittently or persistently. In some cases, all lights and electronics shut down simultaneously.
When: Intermittent failures beginning months into ownership; some failures triggered by bumpy roads or specific driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of A/C or heating while driving; Radio turns off unexpectedly; Turn signals go off while driving; Dashboard lights dim or extinguish; Power seats stop working; Power windows fail; Automatic door locks stop working; Engine may continue running but steering wheel and brakes lose assist; Lights flash on and off
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column module replacement performed 3+ times with no lasting fix; relay replacement; fuse replacement; wiring harness inspection; melted fuses and wiring noted in fuse box; dealer diagnostics inconclusive; flight recorder installed to capture intermittent failures; dealership unable to solve problem after 10+ visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Results sent to Chrysler engineering; no response received; no permanent solution offered; problem persists after dealer visits
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module and key fob failures
Key fob fails to function reliably for locking, unlocking, and starting. Remote functions intermittent or non-functional. After recall repairs, replacement fobs made by Chrysler (not Dodge) fail to work properly. Key fob won't start car; new fob requires reprogramming multiple times.
When: Occurs years into ownership; some issues emerge after recall repair installation
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob won't reliably unlock doors; Key fob won't reliably lock doors; Key fob won't start car from remote; Fob only opens driver's side door randomly; Cannot access trunk with electronic release; Requires replacement keys to be reprogrammed; Reprogrammed key works briefly then fails with same symptoms; Same issue recurs 6 months after new key programmed
Repairs/costs cited: WIN module replacement; key reprogramming; replacement key FOB required; owner replaced battery in key; owner replaced entire key; Chrysler-branded replacement fobs provided; re-programming performed multiple times without lasting fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000; WIN module identified as defective; new fobs provided after recall; defects recur in replacement parts; wrong ignition switch installed on first recall attempt; correct part still unavailable
Wiring harness melting and electrical fires
Wires in the fuse box, under dashboard, or in rear trunk wiring harness melt together or catch fire. One vehicle caught fire completely while parked; another experienced flames in front and rear simultaneously while driving. Fire originated near fuse box relay for wireless ignition system and battery area.
When: After some months of ownership in one case; at 115,000 miles in another; one fire during driving at 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Smell of smoke in vehicle; Visible fire under hood; Visible fire in trunk area; Melted wires in fuse box; Fuses bent from improper removal with pliers; PDC (Power Distribution Center) fuse melted; Wiring harness to rear tail lights melted
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement quoted at $4,500; fuse box relay replacement; when owner refused payment for harness replacement, dealer 'unfixed' the vehicle; vehicle became complete loss when fire occurred; fire marshal suspected battery origin; no forensic investigation performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refused to discuss problem or release technical information; no recall issued for electrical fire hazard; dealership service advisor allegedly suggested fraudulent insurance claim
Electronic Shift Module (ESM) malfunction causing ignition failure
Electronic Shift Module (located on steering column) fails, causing ignition switch to malfunction. ESM cannot be purchased separately; entire steering column replacement required as only repair option.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (60,000 miles); shortly after WIN module replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Same symptoms as WIN module failure (key stuck, won't turn off, can't be removed); Ignition switch won't engage properly after WIN replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Entire steering column replacement required at approximately $2,400; ESM module not available as standalone part; only option is full column assembly replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued describing problem; ESM identified as alternate cause when WIN module not at fault; part unavailable for separate sale
Alternator failure and electrical shorts in wiring
Alternator fails completely, leaving vehicle dead. Shorts in wiring harness traced as root cause. Battery drain occurs even with alternator replacement if root short not found.
When: After several months of intermittent start failures; at 74,300 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start; No electrical power; Battery drains completely; Engine light illuminated; Repeated failure to start even after battery charge
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement performed with $200 deductible under warranty; short in wiring harness identified as cause after $1,200+ diagnostic fee; battery found in good condition despite complete drain
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered repair minus deductible; recall parts still unavailable after repair; failure to start recurred days after repair completion
Multiple electrical component failures; unreliable engine restart after stall
Vehicle exhibits pattern of electrical degradation: loses power to critical systems, engine shuts down while driving, then fails to restart or requires multiple attempts. Becomes progressively worse over time.
When: After 2-5 years of ownership; escalates from occasional to frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical components cut out intermittently; Engine shuts down with no warning; Dashboard warning lights illuminate; Steering wheel lock-up when stalling occurs; Multiple restart attempts needed; Check engine light comes on; Anti-theft light illuminates inappropriately; All dashboard lights turn on simultaneously despite no fault codes
Codes mentioned: anti-theft system code
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement; receiver replacement; diagnostic tests show no fault codes yet failures continue; no root cause found despite multiple dealer visits; one vehicle required $1,800 engine rebuild due to cracked head gaskets caused by previous stall event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000 issued but parts unavailable; no response to multiple service bulletins sent to Chrysler engineering; recalls exist for ignition and airbags but parts remain on back-order
Key fob programming and recognition failures
Vehicle fails to recognize that key fob is in ignition, preventing start. Happens intermittently and becomes worse over time. Takes increasingly longer for vehicle to recognize key presence.
When: After 2+ years of ownership; progressively worsens
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle doesn't register key is in ignition; Car won't start when key fob inserted; Time to recognition increases over weeks/months (5 minutes → 10 minutes → 20 minutes → 45 minutes); Must wait several minutes for vehicle to recognize key before attempting start; Key stuck in ignition for extended periods waiting for recognition signal
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob battery replacement; entire key replacement; reprogramming performed; no lasting fix; same issue recurs with replacement fob after 6 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000; no replacement part available; no timeline given for fix
Trunk release failure; broken wiring harness at trunk hinge
Trunk cannot be opened using key fob release or interior dashboard release. Wires in the harness that runs through the trunk hinge break from repeated opening/closing due to tight radius on hinge design. Three of six wires broken at the same location.
When: After some months of normal trunk use
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk fob release doesn't work; Interior trunk release doesn't work; Mechanical key release must be used; Brake lights malfunction (third brake light out); Multiple broken wires at trunk hinge connection point
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness repair required; identified as known issue on online forums; tight hinge radius design creates break point
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; known issue reported across multiple vehicles online
Recall parts unavailable; prolonged back-order status
NHTSA Recall 14V567000 announced but replacement parts consistently unavailable for months. Dealerships cannot schedule repairs; owners left stranded with defective vehicles. Manufacture never delivers promised delivery dates.
When: Recall issued August 2014; parts still unavailable through 2015-2016; some owners waited 13+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received; Parts listed as on national back-order; No estimated delivery date provided; Multiple calls to dealership yield no updates; Manufacturer cannot commit to repair timeframe; Dealerships left without parts or direction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair possible without parts; owners told to call when parts available; vehicles sit disabled in driveways/dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V567000 (and secondary 15V313000 for airbags) issued but parts distribution failed; manufacturer failed to supply parts to dealerships within reasonable timeframe; no alternative solutions offered; no loaner vehicles provided; owners told to wait indefinitely
Synthesized from 367 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but was able to be restarted. The failure recurred on several occasions. The contact received notification that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14v567000 (electrical system) and stated that the part was not available. The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the part would…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The contact also stated that the radio failed to shut off and the display screen did not illuminate. In addition, the fog lights failed to activate on two occasions. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system) but the part was not available to repair…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14b567000(electrical system) was received in november of 2014 and NHTSA campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags) was received in may of 2015. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v567000 (electrical system). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure. The VIN…
The vehicle tends to fail electrically when driving. All dashboard indicator lights go on, power steering and power brakes seem to fail, lights go out and wipers stop functioning. I've been caught in the rain at night on more than one occasion and suddenly without lights, wipers, the ability to check my speed direction etc. I believe there's an outstanding recall to address this 14v-567 but…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on several occasions. On one occasion, the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and control of the vehicle was lost causing the contact to crash into a stop sign. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained minor cuts and bruises that…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wireless ignition node module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system) and the dealer indicated that the parts were not available to schedule the recall repair for several months. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The contact later experienced the key not turning to start the vehicle. In addition,…
I was driving when the car suddenly stalled out. A few months later there was a recall notice for a faulty ignition switch. A couple of months after that, the car suddenly lost power as I was driving down the road. I took it to the repair shop, and they still can't figure out what the problem is. I'm requesting a loaner vehicle until the recall problem is fixed, before an accident happens. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2008 Dodge Charger?
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 2008 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 367 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 224 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 74,300 and 128,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,300; a quarter make it past 128,000. 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 $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/2008/Dodge/Charger.
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.