Model year guide

2008 Dodge Challenger

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Dodge Challenger is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 15 on record.

2008 Dodge Challenger — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Dodge Challenger at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints10
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$27,949

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Dodge Challenger recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V352000 · 24/05/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 200…

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on…

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #15V444000 · 10/07/2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. C…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch NHTSA Campaign #08V458000 · 10/09/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PREVENTION." IF THE STOP/START BUTTON IS PRESSED AND HELD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE ELECTRONIC KEY CODE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS CAN OCCUR IN A TRANSMISSION OR…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE SO THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF WHEN THE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Dodge Challenger common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Dodge Challenger MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,050

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Dodge Challenger worth?

Low
$20,500
Typical price
$27,949
High
$33,975

From 15 comparable 2008 Dodge Challenger listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Dodge Challenger costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,250
Fuel only$25,250
Per mile$0.34

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Dodge Challenger trims & engines on record

Trims
SRT8
Engines
6.1L 8-cyl

2008 Dodge Challenger vehicles on record

Other Dodge Challenger model years

2008 Dodge Challenger — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Dodge Challenger have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Dodge Challenger. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Challenger?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Challenger get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Challenger at about 15 mpg combined (13 city / 18 highway).

How much is a 2008 Dodge Challenger worth?

Comparable 2008 Dodge Challenger listings run roughly $20,500–$33,975, typically around $27,949 (from 15 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.