2008 Dodge Challenger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Launch year, SRT8-only with the premium-fuel 6.1L HEMI. Low complaint volume, but Takata airbag exposure and age apply; a collectible first-year muscle coupe to buy carefully. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2008 Dodge Challenger listed at $37,320 base MSRP (SRT8 trim, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Launch year, SRT8-only with the premium-fuel 6.1L HEMI. Low complaint volume, but Takata airbag exposure and age apply; a collectible first-year muscle coupe to buy carefully.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Known issues

Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on.

commonly reported · 106 NHTSA complaints · other

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Muscular HEMI V8 power (5.7L R/T and 6.1L SRT8).
Usable rear seat and large trunk for a two-door.
Iconic launch styling, the debut of the modern Challenger.

Cons

Thirsty V8s; the 2008 SRT8 requires premium fuel.
Heavy with limited rear visibility.
Dated interior materials.
Takata airbag recalls and a high early-model complaint volume.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SRT8	$37,320	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2008-dodge-challenger-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $650–700/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2008 Dodge Challenger have?

Documented issue patterns include: Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2008 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Launch year, SRT8-only with the premium-fuel 6.1L HEMI. Low complaint volume, but Takata airbag exposure and age apply; a collectible first-year muscle coupe to buy carefully.

How much did the 2008 Dodge Challenger cost new?

$37,320 base MSRP for the SRT8, before options and destination charges.

Is the Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.