CarComplaints.com Notes: This is a classic example of why you should avoid the first model year of a new car. Sure, it's new and shiny but there's going to be some growing pains.

The 2005 Magnum has problems with the gear shifter getting stuck, a shaky and sometimes stalled engine and transmission failure at 75,000 miles.

Let someone else deal with those headaches.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,639 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Dodge Magnum electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Dodge Magnum Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Sep 012014

Magnum 6-cyl

  • 143,066 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum on Sept 1st 2014 as I was driving home the etc light came on the dash board, then moments later my car just died, shut completely down, I let it sit for a little bit then cranked it back up, but it kept shutting down with the etc light continuing to come on, I then took it to Napa auto care to get it looked at, after almost having someone rear end me in the middle of an intersection.... they said it was the throttle body, they replaced it and I paid $304, the next morning I go to get in my car and the light comes back on and same problem happens, I take it back to Napa they now say they must of gotten a faulty throttle body, changed it out again, next morning same thing happens, now they replace the main computer take it to Dodge get the computer reprogrammed and I pay $381, guess what next day it leaves me in the middle of a very busy highway, won't even stay cranked at this point I have it toad back to Napa demand them to put all my old parts back in and I'll take it to Dodge dealership. Now Dodge has my car and they replace a solenoid-throttle body, I pay them $476 after telling them the hole story they still replace the throttle body. Guess what the next morning I have my car towed back to Dodge dealership, doing the same thing.... they now replace the board and say it might be a wiring problem but they think they got it, the manager keeps my car over night just to make sure, and low and behold the car breaks down on him, now Dodge is calling the manufacture waiting on a call back from them, they have no idea what is wrong with my car, and now I've been without my car since Sept 2nd 2014....I am not sure if this is helping but I don't want another car I just want mine fixed, and it doesn't seem like anyone can find out or figure out what is going on....very frustrating I wish someone could help me....

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #22

May 142014

Magnum 8-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
Chrysler vehicles, Dodge Magnum, Dodge charger and Chrysler 300 have an issue that causes the shifter to get stuck in park, and will not shift. This leaves many drivers stranded causes them to need towing assistance to have the vehicle moved. I was stuck and needed a tow and the tow truck driver informed me that mine was the sixth one he had done that day. My insurance company informed me that this was a very common problem with the Chrysler vehicles. The issue happens to many vehicles most of which were not covered under Chrysler K39 recall. Chrysler did some maneuvering to get out of covering all the cars affected with the issue. The issue is for a faulty part in the shifter assembly of cars from 2005-2007. They got out of covering all of the cars by narrowing the recall to specific vehicles made in a specific location instead of covering all vehicles with the faulty part. Kind of like committing fraud. They seem to be able to get away with it because there are no child safety or death related issues.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #21

Mar 032014

Magnum 8-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The car is garage kept so temperature changes are not extreme especially in southern California. Usually on days where it is below 60 degrees outside and after a drive the rear hatch lock button will stick in the open position but will not allow the rear hatch to open. This happens almost every time under these conditions. To attempt to open the hatch I must enter the cargo area from the second row with a flat head screw driver and manually release the latch to open the hatch. What I am personally concerned about is that if we need to remove medical equipment from the rear as quickly as possible in case of an emergency.

- Carson, CA, USA

problem #20

Mar 122014

Magnum

  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated started the vehicle and approximately five minutes later, the vehicle was on fire. The fire spread rapidly and blew out the windshield, spread to the dashboard and melted the dashboard area. The fire department was present and performed and inspection on the vehicle, advising that the fire originated in the engine bay area due to an electrical failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 98,000.

- Hilton , NY, USA

problem #19

Jun 032013

Magnum 8-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
Without warning, the car shuts down. This first occurred at a red light. The car just shut off unexpectedly and I was able to turn the key and restart it without problems. The engine shuts off while at a stop, while driving at lower speeds, while driving at high speeds, in town driving, highway driving, when it's hot outside, when it's cool outside, when idling. There are no dashboard lights (engine, oil, etc). There are no sounds, no shuddering, no kicking. My only indication that the car has suddenly turned off is that the tach needle goes immediately to zero. I have been able to use the momentum of the vehicle to pull off the road at which time I turn the key to off, wait a moment, and turn it back on. It restarts without problems. If I try to restart too quickly, there seems to be a hesitation in starting. We have attempted to repair many parts on the vehicle but it has not cured the problem.

- Minneola, FL, USA

problem #18

May 222013

Magnum 8-cyl

  • 114,000 miles
After fueling up the vehicle to a full tank the car seems to want to stall when coming to a stop. This happened on three separate occasions within a span of 3 stop lights and when you go to restart the car it doesn't want to start right away leaving you vulnerable at a stop light just sitting there.

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #17

Feb 092013

Magnum 8-cyl

  • 121,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car started normally after sitting in a parking lot for 30 minutes. When the car was placed in reverse, the car lurched backwards and began accelerating on it's own. I quickly applied the brakes and stopped the car and put it in neutral but the engine continued to race from idle to 3000rpm. I repeatedly tried to restart the car and the same issue arose. Finally the car settled down and I was able to get it home. I took it to the dealer and was told the throttle body was bad and I replaced it. Same issue reappeared and I was then told it needed to be initialized to the new throttle body. The day after having the work done at the dealer the car began to accelerate on it's own in traffic. I contacted the dealer and was told there was a common problem with the PCM's in this particular car. I cannot believe that Chrysler has a car on the road that when the PCM fails, the car will accelerate on it's own. Chrysler says there is nothing they can do as it is out of warranty.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #16

May 242012

Magnum 6-cyl

  • 87,546 miles
I have not had a complete failure. Waiting on that to happen. I purchased a brand new 2005 Dodge Magnum SXT with V6, automatic transmission in 2005 from a dealership. It had approximately 36 miles on it. I have not had the pulling to the right everyone else had, but it does make a funny scrubbing sound while driving as if the tire was rubbing against the car on the right rear passenger side and several other problems that are common. I have depressed the brake and felt vibrations from pedal on several occasions. The car doesn't seem to be able to stop completely. I even got out to look, thinking I hit something. A few months ago, the power outlet located inside the astray stopped working. It blew a fuse, I replaced it. Then, two weeks ago, the power outlet in the console stopped working. Just two days ago, the battery went dead for the second time in three months. I replaced the battery again. Now all the sudden the ac/heater stopped working. You can hear it trying to come on, but the fan motor doesn't seem to be coming on. We've noticed that the headlights seem to surge at night. I will be taking our car in to the dealership, along with copies of complaints from other consumers.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #15

Apr 132005

Magnum 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that the warning lights would flash on and off without warning. In addition, the headlights failed. The dealer replaced the clock spring, reset the computer, replaced the engine control module and replaced the headlight switch to no avail. The failure persisted. The failure mileage was 5 and the current mileage was 105,000. Updated 04/26/12 updated 04/27/12

- Yelm, WA, USA

problem #14

Nov 242011

Magnum 6-cyl

  • 84,000 miles
While driving ~40mph when it was completely dark outside, without any indication or warning, my headlights briefly dimmed for ~5 seconds and then I had no lights whatsoever. Needless to say, this could have easily proved to be fatal. Fortunately I am ok. Thus, I am taking this opportunity to file a report. I haven't had the opportunity to take my vehicle to the dealer yet but intend to.

- Berlin, CT, USA

problem #13

Oct 142011

Magnum 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2005 Dodge Magnum accelerator pedal (P/N 04726004ab) fell off during a drive at highway speeds. I reached down to the floor to then operate the vehicle's fuel control by squeezing the pedal in my hand until I could safely park the vehicle. Upon closer inspection, the plastic mounting structure on the pedal assembly appears to have fatigue cracked at all three mounting locations resulting in this bazaar incident. The design appears to have high stress concentrations owing to its hard corners in the molded mounting part features.

- Chassell, MI, USA

problem #12

Jun 132011

Magnum

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. While driving approximately 5 mph, the contact noticed smoke escaping from the instrument panel. The contact parked and exited the vehicle as the interior began to fill with black smoke. The fire and police department were called and a report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle would have to be towed to the dealer for investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 04V334000 (electrical system:battery:cables) which could possibly have ben related to the failure but the manufacturer advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

- Lawrence Harbor, NJ, USA

problem #11

Feb 012011

Magnum 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,500 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contract stated that when driving at any speed, the electrical power and power steering would fail intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The manufacturer was also contacted but provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 106,000 and the failure mileage was 100,500. Updated 05/25/11 the consumer stated the vehicle would sometimes surge just prior to losing power. Updated 11/18/11

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #10

Jan 312011

Magnum

  • 77,000 miles
The 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T that I purchased Sunday January 30th 2011 has an issue. The very next day at 5:00am I became stranded on the side of the road. The esp bas and the check engine light illuminated and the brakes began grinding. I had an employee from chevron help me push it into the service station to be told there was not a drop of oil in it. I purchased oil and had the vehicle towed in. After missing a whole day of work and sitting in the service office I was told the bolt in the brake caliper had become loose. It was fixed and I left satisfied. I did not attempt to drive it again until the next morning and on my way to work (again at 5:00am) the car began jerking and the esp bas and check engine light illuminated. The car starts jerking and will not accelerate at low and high speeds. The car seems to start jerking almost immediately as soon as the seat warmers or the stereo is turned on, but still jerks when nothing is turned on too. Once the jerking starts the car will stall once it has come to a complete stop I.e. at a light or stop sign. It takes several cranks at the ignition to get it back on. This has happened every day since the car was purchased. My car has sat in my driveway since Tuesday February 1st. Today is Friday February 4th. The car is scheduled to be towed back in to dealership Monday February 7th.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 252010

Magnum 6-cyl

  • 982 miles
I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum and the first problem was the tachometer just stopped working, the second problem within 3 months time the engine light came on I took it to get the necessary maintenance the light went off for about one week then popped back on within two days off that now its stalling and shutting off wherever it wants.

- Springfield Gardens, NY, USA

problem #8

Oct 032009

Magnum

  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that the ECU unit failed which caused all of the warning lights to illuminate on the instrument panel. The engine also shut off and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The ECU unit was replaced. The mechanic test drove the vehicle and stated that it was operating normally. The contact was driving when the throttle opened which made it difficult for the contact to engage the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. He was forced to engage the emergency brake, force the vehicle in park in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, inspected, and the dealer advised the contact that the repair would cost $2300. The vehicle was being repaired; however, the contact refused to drive it. The failure mileage was 76,000. The consumer stated he didn't file a complaint about anything. Updated 01/21/10

- Redding , CA, USA

problem #7

Jan 152009

Magnum

  • 59,000 miles
I own the 2005 Dodge Magnum. Ion January 15, 2005 at approximately 5:20 P.M I was driving at a rate of 35 mph. I was about to come to a stoplight when I applied the brakes. The car did not respond and it accelerated in speed. I tried to apply emergency brakes but it sounded as if it was dragging tires.. I had to swerve in order not to hit the car in front of me. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road where I put my car in park, it then idled all the way up to the 5 mark. It steadily idled at this rate for about 5 minutes. I did not think it was going to stop so I shut the engine ff. I was very scared at that point and did not know I should continue to drive it. It felt like someone else took over my car. It was a very frightening incident. If I hadn't taken advanced drivers course I wouldn't have known what to do and could have seriously injured someone.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #6

Nov 132006

Magnum 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles
2005 Dodge Magnum 3.5 V6.all instrument panel gauges fail, no tac, no speedometer. No heat or defrost, emergency signal light will flash. Happens very often even on start up.turning key off will reset computers. Similar to Chrysler due Feb 2007 re: Glitch in brake electronics.

- Greely,On, Can K4p1c8, 00, USA

problem #5

Dec 142005

Magnum 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,316 miles
Recently bought a 05 dodger Magnum on Dec. 13, 2005 and have been back Dec. 14,22,23,26 for alignment my key transmitters gave out the rear window stopped operating at these times the car was serviced and problems still occur. Have been back to the shop Jan. 17 and a few more times since then for the same reasons only now my key still won't work but won't go in keyhole either the air bag light comes on while driving. It is in the shop now and has been there since Saturday I cannot continue to pay for a car that me and my children are not safe in. I have called the 1800 # for Dodge and am waiting for a response I am also making a complaint with the Texas attorney general and also the txdot motor vehicle board since the BBB didn't want anything to do with this complaint. These problems are recurring problems that the dealership will not acknowledge I have tried to give them a written complaint but they would not accept it as to there attorney did not write it I am not an attorney just a consumer why wouldn't they accept my letter I have it here along with all work orders and still no help. The letter was written on Dec. 26 and was supposed to be taken when the car was put in the shop so they can see I am not going to be pushed over to the side and that's what has happened the car salesman lied from day one come to find out after I made the complaint with BBB he was terminated for "drug use". great now we are buying cars from liars and the mangers of this car lot wont acknowledge me or my problem he sends a car salesman to me I don't want to discuss the problem with a salesman I want an owner a manager or even the manufacturer but no they hide. Thank you for letting me complain on this website maybe it will help others to not get a Magnum they are dangerous and Dodge doesn't care at our expense.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #4

Feb 072005

Magnum 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4 miles
My gauge lights and headlights flash and flicker every time they are turned on. The dealer where I purchased the car has said they would look at the car, and also bring in the regional service rep. After looking at the car, they (the dealership) agreed that there was an issue but no solution to the problem. I filed a complaint with the state, and used the lemon law asking for either a new car or a replacement. My requests directly to Dodge and using the state have been denied. The car is unsafe to drive at night, and I am stuck with a car that will not be fixed.

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

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