Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Magnum engine problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Magnum, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Magnum we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (10).
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
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 Magnum engine shows a pattern of catastrophic failures across multiple critical systems. Cooling fan blade disintegration stands out as the most severe recurring problem: owners report fans breaking apart during normal driving or idle, with blade fragments punching holes in radiators and causing severe coolant loss. One owner noted their vehicle had a sales code (NMCS) that excluded it from Chrysler's recall despite having identical cooling fan part numbers to recalled models. Another owner's fan disintegrated at a traffic light, destroying the radiator and stranding the vehicle.
Oil system failures include sludge buildup causing complete oil pump failure, resulting in engine knock and seizure with no restart.
Engine stalling and shutdown occur without warning on multiple occasions, often with no dashboard indication before failure. One owner reported repeated stalls even after two computer reflashes. Others describe complete engine seizure during highway driving—top of engine locking up—with dealers unable to diagnose the cause after multiple visits.
Secondary failures include water pump leaks requiring dealer replacement, catalytic converter failure at 89,000 miles, and isolated instances of ignition failure and undiagnosed warning lights that dealers could not repair. Owners report spending hundreds on towing and emergency repairs when systems fail without advance warning.
Same Dodge Magnum engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Cooling fan blade disintegration and radiator damage
Engine cooling fan blades broke apart or disintegrated during normal driving, piercing the radiator and causing severe coolant leaks. One owner reported a fan blade failure that damaged the radiator; another had a cooling fan assembly disintegrate while idling at a traffic light. Owners with sales codes outside the recall parameters (NMCS vs. NMS/XDL/XDK) reported failures despite being in warm climate states where the recall supposedly applied.
When: During normal driving or while idling at traffic lights; failures occurred on vehicles with various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or cracking noise from engine compartment; Rapid coolant leakage; Plastic pieces falling from under front assembly; Trail of fluid left while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Requires radiator replacement and cooling fan assembly replacement; one owner purchased 2 gallons of coolant in emergency attempt to reach mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued recall L08 for 2006-2008 model years with sales codes NMS, XDL, or XDK built through April 29, 2008; some owners with different sales codes (NMCS) were excluded despite having identical cooling fan part numbers across 2004-2014 models
Oil pump failure due to sludge buildup
Engine oil pump failed prematurely, causing loss of oil pressure and engine knock. Owner reported oil light illuminating, then engine knocking and failure to restart after attempting to continue driving with low oil.
When: Approximately 20 miles after adding oil to address low oil warning; vehicle inoperable after failure
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illumination; Engine knocking under acceleration; Loss of engine function
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed oil pump failure due to oil sludge accumulation
Unexpected engine stalling and shutdown
Engine shut off without warning during normal operation—while reversing, driving, or idling—with no dashboard warning lights preceding most incidents. One owner reported this happening multiple times after purchase, with computer reflashes not resolving the issue. Another owner experienced engine stalling at approximately 10 mph requiring restart.
When: Multiple occurrences; one owner reported repeated stalling events in early ownership (2010); another occurred during low-speed maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown without warning; No dashboard warning lights (most instances); Instrument panel gauges fluctuating before failure (one instance); Engine requires manual restart
Codes mentioned: Malfunction indicator light (one instance)
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reflashing performed twice on one vehicle without resolution
Engine seizure
Engine seized or locked up during driving at operating speeds. One owner reported top part of engine seizing at 57,000 miles; another reported seizure at 70 mph that briefly restarted, with cause undiagnosed across three dealer visits. Both vehicles became inoperable.
When: One at 57,000 miles; another at 130,000 miles during highway driving (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; Engine unable to restart; Engine seized or top portion locked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers could not determine cause in one case; vehicle inoperable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one instance
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter failed, triggering the service engine warning light on multiple occasions. Dealer diagnosed and repaired the failure.
When: At approximately 89,437 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine warning light illumination; Multiple recurrences before repair
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Water pump failure and coolant leak
Water pump failed, causing coolant leakage. Owner required dealer service in May 2010 to repair.
When: May 2010; vehicle purchased December 2008
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leakage
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement at dealer
Ignition failure
Vehicle would not start when owner attempted ignition, occurring once without warning or recurrence. No diagnosis or repair was performed.
When: At approximately 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Undiagnosed engine warning light illumination
Engine warning light illuminated during driving at 50 mph. Dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the underlying cause.
When: At approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge magnum. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The engine restarted. The vehicle was taken to three dealers, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge magnum. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the ignition failed without warning. The failure occurred once. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. The VIN was not available.
Had engine trouble with your 2008 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 engine problem on the 2008 Dodge Magnum?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 74,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 100,675. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/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.