2005 Dodge Magnum: common problems and reliability

The 2005 Dodge Magnum has 637 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train. Owners most often flag chronic and severe electrical system failures — symptoms include intermittent gauge cluster failure (all gauges dying, all lights illuminating), accessory malfunctions (power outlets, interior lights, trunk release), no-crank conditions, and bizarre warning chimes. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2005 model year

637
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
22
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Dodge Magnum vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
130
power train
117
fuel/propulsion system
91
engine
84
electrical system
54

Recalls affecting the 2005 Magnum

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 16V352000

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 …

air bags

Campaign 14V770000

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles orig…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 15V313000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrys…

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 05V460000

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSI…

What owners say across generations

Owner sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on powertrain and maintenance history. The R/T and SRT8 models with V8 engines are generally viewed more favorably, described as "cool," "a dream car," and a unique American station wagon with available

  • Chronic and severe electrical system failures — symptoms include intermittent gauge cluster failure (all gauges dying, all lights illuminating), accessory malfunctions (power outlets, interior lights, trunk release), no-crank conditions, and bizarre warning chimes. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems — issues range from refusing to shift (stuck in first or second gear, "limp mode"), speed sensor failures (P0717, P0501 codes), and general reliability concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Persistent starting and fuel delivery issues — extended cranking times (2-10 seconds) due to lack of fuel pressure, intermittent no-start conditions, and lean fuel mixture codes (P0171/P0174). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine reliability concerns (V6 models) — the 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines are specifically cited as underpowered and problematic. The 5.9L Magnum V8 in trucks is noted for oil consumption and plenum gasket issues, but similar feedback on the 5.7L HEMI in the Magnum is not present in the data. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Overheating — recurring overheating at idle despite replacement of thermostat, fans, and coolant flushing, suggesting possible airflow or water pump issues. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Magnum.

Typical used price

Used Magnum listings typically run $5,449–$19,995 across 2005 to 2008 model years.

Full Dodge Magnum owner reportCompare against another car