Common Dodge Magnum Failures: Reliability, Problems And Solutions
When the Dodge Magnum arrived on the scene in 2005, it took the car market by storm. It was wide, like a transport vehicle, and fast, like a large car. The Dodge Magnum became the ideal daily driver for some people because of its roomy seats, large cargo space, and versatile engine options. Quite a dream car, but not everything is so perfect, since it is not absorbed in problems, here we bring you the common faults of the Dodge Magnum .
Is it a good time to buy a used Dodge Magnum? The worst years of depreciation for the Dodge Magnum are over, so the projected depreciation rate for a used 2008 example is right at 17% after five years.
How good is the Dodge Magnum?
The 2008 Dodge Magnum has a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0 , which is low. There have been five NHTSA recalls in the US for the Magnum.
The 2008 Dodge Magnum came with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a lifetime powertrain warranty on non-SRT trim, and a 5-year/100,000-mile rust warranty.
It’s certainly surprising how well used Dodge Magnums have held up over time. One user reported that he put up 50,000 miles on his 2008 Magnum SXT, with minimal problems.
Main common faults of the Dodge Magnum
Numerous problems plagued the Dodge Magnum over the years. This led to the massive calls and multiple lawsuits that effectively sealed the sport truck faith in 2008. Here are some of the more common Dodge Magnum failures to consider:
1- Problems with the gear lever
The shifter on some 2005 to 2008 Dodge Magnum models can get stuck in Park. When this happens, you will have to call a tow truck to drag your car to the garage. Chrysler hasn’t issued an official recall for this problem, so you’ll have to bear the cost for now.
There are several factors that can cause a sticky shifter . If your Dodge Magnum is parked on a hill, for example, the force of gravity can put pressure on the transmission lockup. A stuck shifter can also indicate that the shift lock solenoid is failing.
Some Dodge Magnum models allow you to override the shift lock solenoid so it can release your shifter.
Fixing a stuck shifter requires skill. You shouldn’t work on the piece yourself unless you know what you’re doing. In the meantime, you should hire a mechanic to fix it for you.
2- Failures in the kinematic chain
The Dodge Magnum has been recalled twice. The first recall covers 2008 models with missing torque retention crimps. The rear axle hubs on affected models may become loose as a result, allowing the axle shaft to disengage from the wheel hub. A loose rear axle hub can lift the vehicle off the ground and cause a collision.
The second recall affects the shifter cable and steering column mounting bracket on Dodge Magnum models built with the Police Package.
On these affected vehicles, the shifter cable may become unhooked from the steering column mounting bracket, which may result in an incorrect display of the shifter position. A problem with these components can cause the vehicle to move on its own , which can increase the likelihood of a crash.
Recalls of the Dodge Magnum’s powertrain are not to be taken lightly. If you notice anything unusual with your Magnum’s powertrain, you should take it to your dealer for a thorough check.
3- Problems with airbags that could explode when deployed
Chrysler Group has launched two mass airbag recalls for all model years of the Dodge Magnum. Takata air bags on some models could explode upon deployment , which could cause sharp pieces of metal and fragments to strike front seat occupants.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US believes that it is the result of a faulty seal. Moisture can get into a poorly sealed air bag inflator and degrade the propellant used to inflate the bag.
There are two possible outcomes when a degraded propellant activates: Either the airbag deploys too slowly, or the airbag explodes. In any case, a defective airbag will not keep you safe in the event of an accident .
Many other Dodge and Chrysler models have been affected by this recall. According to USA Today, the Takata airbag recall is the largest in US history. Japanese airbag supplier Takata has agreed to recall an additional 35 to 40 million inflators, on top of the 28 million it already recalled initially.
Chrysler dealers will replace the front air bag modules on affected models free of charge. Owners who have previously had their front airbags replaced are advised to take the airbag modules to their dealer to ensure the safety of their airbag system.
4- Misfiring
Certain Dodge Magnum models manufactured between May 23, 2007 and May 12, 2008 were recalled due to ignition problems. The ignition key (FOBIK) can get stuck between two operating modes or switch independently from one position to another.
If the ignition is turned to the ACCESSORY position while the vehicle is moving, the engine may shut off , along with safety systems such as air bags, power steering, and electric braking. Sudden loss of power can lead to accidents on the road.
The Dodge Magnum has a keyless ignition system with a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) that works like a traditional ignition switch. It has four modes of operation: LOCK , ACCESSORY , ON , and START .
The first three modes are locked, which means they do not change position once the ignition key is locked. Only the START position is spring loaded. When released from the START position , the ignition key should automatically return to the ON position .
The exact cause of this problem has not yet been determined. You can call Chrysler’s customer service number if you are concerned about your Dodge Magnum’s ignition.
In conclusion
The Dodge Magnum may not have as many problems as other vehicles with longer production runs, but its most serious problems can be decisive. There are security flaws in almost every year of the Magnum, so we suggest you do a little research before jumping into buying it.
