Dodge Magnum Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Magnum options? We analyzed 4 model years (2005–2008) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Magnum has 1,162 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2005–2008. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2008 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Magnum
- Model years analyzed
- 2005–2008 (4 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,162
- Safety recall campaigns
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 47
- Fire-related complaints
- 14
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2005 (638 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2008 (93 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Magnum: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE MAGNUM has 1,162 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 47 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,162 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 22 federal recall campaigns
- 47 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
22 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2008. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,162 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,162 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Son drove my car and lost control as it sprung out of control and he hit a tree. No airbags deployed during that impact. My insurance company totaled my car out but really didn’t give a reason as to why they didn’t deploy with such a hard hit. Police impounded my car and insurance company inspected my car for a settlement. I asked them why and I said I had to take it up with the manufacturer. He walked away with miner cuts. That could have resulted in his death.
My 2007 Dodge Magnum RT (5.7L Hemi) suffers from a dangerous engine stall immediately after refueling. The vehicle is equipped with the 19-Gallon Fuel Tank. When refueling, if the tank is filled to capacity, the engine stumbles and shuts off completely upon leaving the gas station. This stall occurs without warning in traffic, causing an immediate loss of power steering and power braking assistance, which creates a severe risk of a collision. This is the identical failure addressed in NHTSA Investigation PE13-016 and Chrysler Warranty Extension X53. The internal Multifunction Control Valve (MFCV) is defective; the float has swollen and remains stuck in the "open" position. This allows liquid fuel—not just vapor—to flood the EVAP system and the engine intake. I have already replaced the charcoal canister and purge valve, but the stalling persists, proving the defect is internal to the fuel tank assembly. Despite the 2007 models using the same defective tank design as the 2005-2006 models, Chrysler has excluded my year from the lifetime warranty extension. I am reporting this because it is a safety hazard.
Front passenger and driver airbag recall, stop driving recall. Called the FCA manufacturer to find my recall options, they claim the dealer I requested won’t tow to dealership?? Sounds absurd with the stop driving recall.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that while driving approximately 32 mph the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle causing severe damage to the front end but the front driver side air bag did not deploy and the front passenger-side airbag was partially deployed. The driver sustained head, neck, torso and back injuries and the front passenger sustained an injured right hand. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the incident. The failure mileage was 111,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BOOMING NOISE AND NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE COOLING FAN DAMAGED THE RADIATOR AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10041252. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
"TAKATA RECALL" I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY TRANSMISSION. IT GOES FROM 1ST TO 3RD WHILE DRIVING. IT STAYS IN HIGH GEAR UNTIL I BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP AND TURN IT OFF
Read 14 more owner reports
WHEN I PUT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT ON I'M UNABLE TO UNBUCKLE OR UNSNAP THE SEATBELT. I HAVE TO SLIDE OUT FROM UNDERNEATH IT TO GET OUT AND THE SENSOR KEEPS GOING OFF NOW. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND VERY DANGEROUS
GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY STUCK IN PARK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, AN AMBULANCE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (SOUTH COUNTY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP, 7127 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST LOUIS, MO) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH OCCUPANTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
THE THERMOSTAT CONTINUALLY STOPS WORKING PROPERLY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD IN COLINSVILLE, MISSISSIPPI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 183,000.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/30/17*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2017*JS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER INTER-LOCK LEVER AND THE WIN IGNITION MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,146. UPDATED 12/13/16*LJ *TR
PARKED CAR FOR 10 MINUTES, NO ISSUES AT ALL, AFTER RESTARTING THERE WERE A LOT OF NOISES AND I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE IS BROKEN AND THE FIXING COSTS ARE AROUND 12000$.
THE COMMON ISSUES OF MANY 2007 DODGE MAGNUM VEHICLES IS THAT MY SHIFTER WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION, THE SPRING WAS POORLY MADE AND THE JOB COST AT A LOCAL DODGE PLACE $280. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED WITH SEVERAL DODGE OWNERS AND ITS OUTRAGEOUS THAT IT NOT NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SIDE STREET AND AFTER WORK I WENT INTO MY CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS JAMMED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A DEALER'S TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO GET THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE MAGNUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V341000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Showing 20 of 1,162 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Magnum
These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Magnum, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Magnum has 1,162 complaints on record across 4 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Magnum has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 47 of the Dodge Magnum's 1,162 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Magnum vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Magnum vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Magnum has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Magnum stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Magnum by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Magnum.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Magnum reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Magnum reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Magnum has 1,162 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Magnum years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (638 complaints), 2006 (321 complaints), 2007 (110 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Magnum problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (235 complaints); AIR BAGS (221 complaints); ENGINE (194 complaints).
Does the Dodge Magnum have recalls?
Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Magnum. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.