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 ↗2008 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 32 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 32 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a powertrain with endemic issues across multiple systems. The most consistent complaint is transmission shifts hard or shudders from first to second gear, especially on cold mornings. Multiple owners took vehicles to dealerships multiple times; some were told Dodge had no fix, others were told the behavior was normal.
Transmission shifting problems extend beyond cold-start roughness: shifters get stuck in park, won't engage selected gears, or pop out of park into reverse unexpectedly. Police vehicles with steering-column-mounted shifters (recall 08V583000) continued failing after the recall work was performed. One civilian vehicle at 80,000 miles got stuck in reverse at a gas pump despite an applicable recall being available.
Engine stalling while driving—with no check engine light—is another recurring theme. Vehicles shut down at highway speeds and on city streets, causing loss of power steering. Owners replaced fuel pumps, spark plugs, and relays without fixing the issue; dealers couldn't diagnose the root cause.
Electrical failures are severe: ignition switches stick and won't turn off, draining batteries; wires, starters, and ignition switches have caught fire; fan and radiator electrical shorts caused fires that recurred even after dealer repairs. One owner's vehicle was related to recall 14V567000 (Electrical System), but the repair parts were unavailable.
PCM failures cause repeated diagnostic codes, limp mode, and acceleration limits. In one early-ownership case at 15,500 miles, the same code returned three times despite solenoid replacement, valve body service, and full PCM replacement—all within ten days.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Hard transmission shifts 1st-to-2nd gear
Transmission shudders, shakes, or shifts hard specifically from first to second gear, often on first shift of the day or during morning cold starts. Owners report loud enough to hear inside and outside the vehicle. Multiple owners report dealerships either cannot duplicate the issue, claim it is operating as designed, or state Dodge has no fix.
When: Early in vehicle ownership, recurring on cold starts and first gear engagement
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder or shutter during 1st-to-2nd shift; Hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear; Loud shifting noise; Power loss during shift; Vehicle acts like it wants to stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have attempted reprogramming transmission computer software; one owner reports all transmission seals were replaced without resolution. Multiple owners report dealerships claim no fix is available.
Transmission gear shift linkage / selector issues
Gear selector becomes stuck, does not engage intended gear, or shifts on its own without driver input. Vehicle may remain in neutral when shifted to drive or reverse, stick in park preventing shutdown, or pop out of park into reverse unexpectedly. Some cases involve steering-column-mounted shifter not engaging properly even after recall 08V583000 repair.
When: Various mileages; one case around 80,000 miles; police vehicles after recall work in Nov 2008
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in park, won't release; Gear does not engage when shifted; Vehicle remains in neutral instead of selected gear; Shifter pops out of park into reverse unexpectedly; Gear shifts independently without driver input; Shifter difficult to engage correct gear; requires pushing toward dash
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 08V583000 was issued for steering-column-mounted shifter on police vehicles; however, shift linkage or transmission solenoid replacements mentioned. Ohio State Highway Patrol found transmission shift cable detached from mounting bracket on police cruisers. Tow trucks required to recover stuck-in-reverse vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 08V583000 (steering column shifter) issued and performed Nov 2008 on police vehicles; however, the recall did not fully resolve the issue. Dealership indicated no recall applicable for civilian vehicles at ~80,000 miles with same symptom.
Engine stalling while driving
Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds with no warning and no check engine light illumination. Engine is difficult or takes multiple tries to restart. After restart, vehicle may not exceed 10 mph or may stall again. In one case, ignition switched off on its own.
When: Various mileages and times; one early ownership complaint at 15,500 miles during dealer repair loop
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering during stall; No warning lights illuminate prior to stall; Difficult restart, takes multiple tries; Stalling recurs after restart; Vehicle won't accelerate above 10 mph after stall; Ignition appears to shut off on its own
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports fuel pump replacement, spark plug replacement, and new relays installed by independent mechanic with no resolution. Dealer unable to diagnose cause. In early ownership case, PCM and ignition switch were diagnosed as failed by independent mechanic.
Electrical system faults (ignition switch, wireless ignition node, fan/radiator fire)
Ignition switch failures causing key to stick or seize, battery drain, inability to start vehicle, or loss of electrical function. Wireless ignition node failures prevent electrical engagement. In severe cases, wires, starter, ignition switch catch fire. Fan and radiator electrical shorts cause fires that recur even after dealer replacement. Related to NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 (Electrical System), but repair parts were not available at time of complaint.
When: Various mileages; electrical fire case at unspecified mileage; fan failure another incident; wireless node failures around 100,000-208,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key difficult to turn in ignition switch; Key seizes in ignition; won't turn off; Battery drains due to stuck ignition; Vehicle won't start / no power; Wires, starter, ignition switch on fire; Burning fumes emitted into cabin; Fan and radiator electrical failure / fire; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Vehicle stalls with electrical fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced radiator and fan after first fire; failure recurred months later. Ignition switch replacement performed but failure recurred intermittently. NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 parts were not available to complete repairs at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 14V567000 (Electrical System) issued; owners notified of recall but repair parts were unavailable. Manufacturer referred contacts to NHTSA Hotline for assistance.
Powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control failures
PCM programming failures or hardware failures causing repeated engine codes, limp mode, check engine light, inability to shift or accelerate properly. Vehicle enters reduced-power mode or limp mode (won't exceed 35 mph). In severe early-ownership case, same diagnostic code returned repeatedly despite three dealer service attempts including PCM reprogramming and replacement.
When: Early ownership (15,500 miles in one severe case); various other mileages up to 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Repeated engine diagnostic codes; Transmission won't shift gears; Vehicle limited to low speeds (10-35 mph max); Cannot accelerate above limp-mode threshold; Oxygen sensor indicator illuminated; Vehicle vibrates when stopping or slowing
Codes mentioned: Same code recurring (specific code not stated in narrative #1)
Repairs/costs cited: In severe early case: PCM reprogrammed, trans solenoid replaced, valve body RNR performed, PCM replaced entirely—same code kept returning and additional parts had to be ordered. Dealer in other case diagnosed faulty transmission needing full replacement but repair not completed. Independent mechanic in one case diagnosed PCM and ignition switch failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner filed lemon law claim (reference 18546683) with Chrysler after owner contacted Chrysler customer service during dealer repair loop. Manufacturer gave owner reference number and advised to wait a couple days.
Radiator fan blade separation and coolant leak
Radiator fan blade separates from hub, strikes and punctures radiator housing, causing coolant leak. Owner heard a loud noise while driving, discovered antifreeze pooling underneath vehicle.
When: Timing not specified; discovered during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise during driving; Antifreeze leak; Holes in radiator caused by separated fan blade; Fan blade separation from hub
Repairs/costs cited: Separated fan blade caused radiator damage. Repair would require radiator and fan replacement.
Electronic throttle control malfunction
Electronic throttle control warning light illuminates and remains on. RPM spikes to 3,000 when vehicle is restarted after turning off and back on. Manufacturer claims no solution exists.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic throttle control light illuminated; RPM spikes to 3,000 on restart; Light remains on and does not clear
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports manufacturer claims no solution available. Owner searched forums and found no documented fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no solution available for this defect.
Vehicle electrical power loss / no-start condition
Vehicle loses all electrical power—dash lights come on but radio, windows, and ignition do not function. In separate case, fuel gauge reads incorrectly, causing vehicle to run out of fuel unexpectedly on interstate.
When: One case after 15-minute parking; fuel gauge failure at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power; Dashboard lights illuminate but radio and windows inoperative; Fuel gauge reads incorrectly; Vehicle stalls mid-interstate due to incorrect fuel level reading; Lights go out during stall
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Transmission and engine mechanical failure (valve seat and piston damage)
Engine valve seat dropped, causing piston damage and requiring engine replacement. Owner unable to afford repair and sold vehicle.
When: Specific mileage not stated; occurred during ownership of 2008 model year vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine valve seat failure; Piston damage caused by dropped valve seat; Engine requires complete replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; owner could not afford repair cost and sold vehicle.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Driving my 08 charger sxt and its is shifting really hard from 1st to 2nd and acts like it wants to just stall out is this normal or no. *tr
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2008 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 46,000 and 104,105 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 104,105. 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/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.