There is a rubber boot on the right side of the trunk lid that contains wires for the trunk release. After examing a few online forums about why the trunk lid wasn't releasing after the button was pushed on the dashboard, the forums said to look under the rubber boot for stretched and broken wires. Sure enough I pulled back the rubber boot and found the broken wires. It probably has something to do with the way the wires are being stretched when the trunk is opening and closing, I feel this can be an electrical and a fire hazard especially because the trunk release isn't fused at all in the fuse panel.
2008 Dodge Charger electrical complaints
Page 14 of 14: complaints 371 to 391 of 391, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that the wireless key failed. The contact was unable to start the vehicle because of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the wireless control module needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part was on back order until july. The failure and the current mileage was 75,000.
The car started to show problems weeks before breaking down. Sometimes the engine would start as soon as I turn the key on and other times I had to wait four to six second before the engine would start. One morning I tried to turn the car on but not even a click. I took the car to the dealer by recharging the battery to turn it on. The dealer diagnosed my car with wireless control module failure and consequently they had to program a new key. I purchased the extended warranty and was assured every part on the car was covered except for the usual; tires, brake pads etc. I ended up paying out of my pocket and the repair was not cheap. After doing some research I learned that there is a recall on the newer models for the same reason. Additionally, sometimes my stereo turns of, my windows do not roll down and turning signals go off. This car has too many problems. Current mileage is 38,458 miles.
After returning from the grocery store, the trunk release from the key, nor the inside dash release would open the trunk. We have been using the mechanical key. Driving home one night, I noticed the third brake light wasn't working. After testing all the fuses, and researching online, I discovered the problem was the wiring harness that feeds the break light and had broken. Where the wire feeds from under the back window deck into a rubber boot, then in to the trunk lid. Three of 6 wires are broken in half at the same location. This is all over forums online that this is a known issue and that the opening and closing of the trunk causes these wires to break since the radius is very tight when closing the trunk lid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started with the key. The contact could not start the vehicle after refueling at a gas station. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and the dealer stated that the malfunction was caused by wear and tear. The dealer reprogrammed a new set of keys for the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was the third occurrence of the keys malfunctioning. The failure mileage was 105,041.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal seized to the floorboard and caused vehicle speed to increase to 65 MPH. The contact shifted into neutral to slow the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the key had to be removed and placed back into the ignition several times to get the engine started. The contact also mentioned that the steering failed and caused the contact to crash into a vehicle while he attempted to park. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the ignition switch, tumbler, accelerator box, and the bushings had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,031 and the current mileage was 85,300.
2008 dodge charger. Driver was traveling in city at speeds <40 MPH. Radio started making crackling/popping sounds and vehicle started losing power at which time heavy white smoke began coming from hood. No sensor lights or warning signs given. Driver pulled over to side or road at which time vehicle quit running. Vehicle was towed to local dodge dealer where the technician diagnosed an electrical overheating/shortage problem that originated in the power distribution center.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that when shifting into park, the key fob would abnormally slide out of the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they advised the contact that the wireless mode and key fob would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact discovered a recall for the 2010 models under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v200000 (electrical system:ignition:module) but the 2008 models were not included in the recall. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 50,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed and the vehicle would not start. The key also could not be turned once inserted into the ignition switch. The contact was able to start the vehicle after playing around with the ignition switch for approximately thirty minutes. In addition, the contact stated that he had to leave the engine running at times in fear not being able to restart the vehicle after it was shut off. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the dealer advised that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The dealer did not advise of the cause of the ignition switch failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 41,000.
2008 dodge charger catches on fire while traveling on the interstate. No sensor lights or warning signs given. The fire apparently started at the front right side of the hood. In less than 10 minutes, the fire spread throughout the wiring system of the car which caused the entire car to engulf in flames. Fire department stated that it was an electrical fire. Chrysler was notified and decided to investigate the situation. Chrysler stated that they were unable to disclose any information about the cause of the fire. The only response we received from chrysler was an apology.
There is a delay in the car starting when you turn the key fobs to start it takes 3 or 4 seconds to start up.
My 2008 dodge charger has had multiple electrical issues. Two months ago the passenger window wouldn't roll down then it worked again a few days later, approx 2 weeks ago I was turning a corner and the car just shut off. It restarted without problems. Today, the stereo system wont come on and my warranty went out 9 days ago.
I have a 2008 dodge charger, which has had several electrical problems to occur since I purchased the vehicle in aug., 2008. 2 of the problems could have caused serious injury if I had wrecked when the sterring wheel locked or just the other day the fan blade motors locked up and bursted my radiaotr. This vehicle is too new to have so many defects, especiall linking to electrical matters that are not recognized by the power-train warranty, which I feel should have all been covered the the warranty. After reading http://www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com/, I wish this was brought to my attention before making the decision on this dodge vehicle. The car has several years before being paid off, but I am now terrified to continue driving this vehicle knowing anything, unplainable can happen at anytime. Something needs to be done about dodge, chrysler, jeep for putting people's lives in danger.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the computer would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 67,000.
This is a law enforcement vehicle the officer started it to let it warm up. The vehicle had been running for about 10 minutes when he noticed smoke coming from the windows. The fire originated in the instrument panel and destroyed the drivers side of the dash, head liner, steering wheel, seat and windshield. The rest of the interior has heavy smoke damage vehicle is a total loss.
My 2008 dodge charger will lose A/C, radio, turn signals and power steering while driving and sometimes stall out completely when this happens while driving. Have taken it to dealer 10 times for same problem - dealer has replaced steering column module 3 times but I am still having same problem. This started happening in may 2010 then more frequent in november 2010 and just happened again yesterday (12-15-2010). Dealer placed flight recorder in vehicle and while I was driving with that installed I lost A/C, radio and turn signals. Dealer could not figure out the problem so they sent results from flight recorder to chrysler - as of today I still have not heard back from the dealer. Needless to say I am feeling very uncomfortable driving this car (especially with my children inside) not knowing when the car will decide to lose all power and stall while driving ..
I purchased a 2008 dodge charger in the first month it was having electrical issues were I would loose power to the dash board and the lights then the car would just shut off. I took it in for repair and they replaced the relay. The car continued to have these issues not frequently enough were the dealership would let me bring it in. 12 months go buy and I bring it in to the dealership anyway and they said they could not regenerate the problem. 2 months later the car caught on fire from the trunk and burned to the ground. The fire marshall did not do a forensic investigation but said it obviously looks to have started with the battery and I agreed with the amount of electrical problems I had with this car. There was no after-market anything on this car it was all stock. Dodge will not help or release any info to me in regards to the problem. They wont even talk to me. 3 months later I moved to arizona and met a person who had the same problem.
After four attempts my 2008 dodge charger is still having complete electrical failure and will go back in the shop on tuesday while driving home at night the lights go out you loose complete electrical failure, to fix the problem come to a safe stop if you can, turn off the car and then turn the car back on..
We had purchased a 2008 dodge charger with 2 miles. Approximately 3-4 months after we had purchased the vehicle it had engine oil on crankshaft seal, speedometer was erratic it would go from 60-0 from cruising, it had a jolt pulling feeling. From that point on the air conditioner was not cooling properly, & had a foul smell, cruise control would cancel by itself. Then on 06/23/2008 it had engine oil leak. So we decided to do something that would just completely ruin our credit, we voluntarily turned in the car. As of today 02/26/2009 we have a balance as per chrysler of 7,500 dollars because they were only able to sell it for 17,000. I have invoices, to proof what our issues were, some were replaced, some tsb was and wasn't found. We had the vehicle for only 7-8 months. And for this to be such an issue with a brand new vehicle to me was just ridiculous. Since that was the main reason I had purchased a brand new car in the first place.
Cruise shuts off continually at random times...as short as 30 sec or as long as 15 minutes. Speedometer also will shut off and go to 0 MPH then kick back on.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. When applying pressure to the brakes, the vehicle vibrates excessively. The vehicle stalled twice when coming to a complete stop. While driving over 40 MPH, the speedometer dropped to zero. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the key module and RPM module; however, the failure remains. She filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 6 and current mileage was 25,970.
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