2006 Dodge Magnum: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2006 Dodge Magnum
On the 2006 Dodge Magnum, the failure owners report most often is fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure, and the reports cluster around 80,000 miles. The earliest to appear is steering rack, gear or tie rod failure, reported by a median of 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 69 out of 100, high risk for a 2006.
High risk for a 2006 — 160th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. 454 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 47 named failure modes on the 2006 Dodge Magnum, and the three most-reported carry 39% of everything filed.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure leads with 76 reports, about 1.2 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 64k to 100,000 miles.
Other engine problem follows with 57 reports, usually reported between 55k to 97,500 miles.
Other fuel system problem follows with 46 reports, usually reported between 66k to 105,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into fuel (123), engine (100) and transmission (63).
When these failures get reported
367 of the reports on the 2006 Dodge Magnum came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 80,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 23% by 50,000 miles, 72% by 100,000 miles and 93% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 6 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 90,000 and 100,000 miles, which alone holds 12% of the dated reports.
13% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: steering rack, gear or tie rod failure around 25k, other electrical problem around 65k, stalling while driving around 76k and fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure around 80k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 47. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 6 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 22 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 13 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.30, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure at $250–$1,800, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
38% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 76 | 71 | 64k | 80k | 99k | 1.2 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 57 | 51 | 55k | 83k | 99k | 0.9 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 46 | 44 | 66k | 88k | 106k | 0.7 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 44 | 42 | 60k | 84k | 100k | 0.7 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 23 | 22 | 58k | 76k | 97k | 0.4 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 16 | 11 | 50k | 65k | 88k | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 14 | 1 | — | 101k | — | 0.2 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other steering problem | steering | 11 | 10 | 48k | 82k | 101k | 0.2 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 9 | 9 | 25k | 25k | 46k | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 8 | 7 | — | 91k | — | 0.1 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 8 | 4 | — | 80k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 8 | 7 | — | 78k | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 7 | 4 | — | 145k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 6 | 6 | — | 161k | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 6 | 3 | — | 28k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 5 | 4 | — | 90k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 5 | 4 | — | 70k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 5 | 5 | — | 45k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 5 | 3 | — | 104k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 4 | 4 | — | 84k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 4 | 4 | — | 105k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 4 | 4 | — | 107k | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 13k | — | 0.0 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 3 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 3 | 3 | — | 145k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 3 | 2 | — | 48k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 3 | 3 | — | 15k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Lifter, cam or cylinder-deactivation failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 31k | — | 0.0 | $1,800–$7,000 | High |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 2 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 0.0 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Cooling fan failure | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 61k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Transmission slipping | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 48k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$5,500 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 60k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 20 | — | 0.0 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 75k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 2 | 2 | — | 6k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| DPF, EGR or DEF system failure | emissions | 2 | 2 | — | 58k | — | 0.0 | $800–$5,000 | High |
| Engine knock or bearing noise | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 44k | — | 0.0 | $2,500–$9,000 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 5k | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 80k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Wheel, stud or lug nut failure | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 65k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,500 | Critical |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 152k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 35 | 10 | 92k | 114k | 152k | 0.5 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Dodge Magnum draws about 7.0 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 87th percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 64,559 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure
Failed fuel tank control valve has caused the gas to contaminate the vapor canister and purge valve. After every fill up when I pull out into traffic the car will die out in front of on coming cars.
V8 engine repeatedly and unpredictably stalls and loses power during driving and turning situations. Recovers after 1-2 seconds in some instances, stalls completely and is difficult to restart in others. Produces extremely hazardous and dangerous situations in traffic and at intersections. Local dodge dealer (hall dodge) has had car for six weeks+ and has failed to correctly diagnose & repair. This appears to be a common very dangerous problem involves fuel tank valve, as it is more prevalent (see many online posts of identical symptoms since 2005 and before) after full fuel fill and persists until unrestricted fuel appears to have been used to sufficient degree. Dealer has replaced unlikely items such as sunroof module and the ABS module in futile and inept attempts to skirt the real issue. Someone is going to die in one of these cars when it stalls --chrysler dodge is 100% knowledgeable of this defect in many of their cars, and will not acknowledge or make any attempt to correct it. We implore NHTSA to intervene immediately! Posted 27 feb 2013. *tr
Other engine problem
I have a 2005 dodge hemi magnum. Just recently everytime I drive it with the windows up or down you can smell an engulfing amount of exhaust fumes. I took it into underwood dodge (wooster, ohio), made them drive with me so they could smell it, and they did. They called today and said there is nothing wrong with it. Well that's nice I'm driving around with myself, my wife and kids. Are we someday going to arrive at our destination with someone dead from these fumes? When they smelled the smell how can they say there is nothing wrong? *jb
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the throttle control light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle did not stall, however the RPM's never exceeded 1800. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. The dealer determined the accelerator pedal sensor needed replaced. After the sensor was replaced, another problem arose. Driving at no specific speeds, a loud bang was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle in the exhaust system. The contact described the sound as a muffled explosion type noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership several times for inspection. However, the problem could not be duplicated and no repairs were made. The manufacturer was alerted and informed the contact the engineering department would investigate. Updated 03/03/06. *jb
Other fuel system problem
I had just filled the tank of my 2006 dodge magnum and drove about 20 miles into town. After making a quick stop at a local store I once again got into the car and began driving approx. 30 MPH. As I began to make a left hand turn all power was lost to the car; steering became nearly impossible, gas pedal did not work and I basically was dead in the road. I turned the key to off, placed the car in park and then restarted the engine. It started right up, began to drive and at the next light needed to take another left; with cars coming at me from the other direction I went to take the left when once again the entire car lost power..no steering, no gas power, check oil light came on. I was lucky that the oncoming cars did not hit me and that I had allowed enough space incase the same thing occurred or there would have been a collision for sure. This has happened a few other times without any reason but we are always able to start it back up and then it may or may not happen again. Been told it is the "roll over valve" failing $2 grand to fix!!!!! *tr
After refueling and filling up the tank, the car will shutdown under braking, cornering or at a stop. This happened so frequently I no longer fill the tank and stop at 3/4. There are several instances reported both here and in canada on the car forums. The fix has been either replacing the tank and/or the evap valve and pump. *tr
Recalls on the 2006 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2006 Dodge Magnum, affecting an estimated 160,674 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module, air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module, power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column and service brakes, hydraulic. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
4,648,270 vehicles 2016-05-24- Defect
- 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 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider…
- Consequence
- These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
4,077,169 vehicles 2015-05-26- Defect
- 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 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall…
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
20,283 vehicles 2008-11-06- Defect
- Chrysler is recalling 20,283 my 2006-2009 charger and magnum vehicles built with the police package and equipped with a column shifter. The gearshift cable may become disengaged from the steering column mounting bracket and cause an incorrect transmission gearshift position display.
- Consequence
- This could allow the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction startling the driver, and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a redundant locking mechanism to the gearshift cable at the mounting bracket to ensure proper retention and shift linkage function. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
44,367 vehicles 2006-05-03- Defect
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter engines and mk25e braking systems may exhibit inadequate clearance between the rear brake tubes and the exhaust gas recirculation tube. Contact between the brake tubes and exhaust gas recirculation tube over an extended period of time may cause the brake tubes to wear through and cause a brake fluid leak.
- Consequence
- This can result in a decrease of braking force and the potential for an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake tubes for damage and replace them free of charge. A clip will also be installed to secure the brake tubes to the right front shock tower to maintain proper clearance to the exhaust gas recirculation tube. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
256,409 vehicles 2005-10-06- Defect
- 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 position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
- Consequence
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2006 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2006 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2006 — 160th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 4 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 62 and 2005 worst at 73, with 2006 itself at 69.
If the model year is negotiable, 2008 scores lower than 2006 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2005–2009 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 62 and 2005 the weakest at 73.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2005-2009 generation, 2008 Dodge Magnum scores best at 62 and 2005 Dodge Magnum worst at 73.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: steering rack, gear or tie rod failure from about 25k, other steering problem from about 48k, other electrical problem from about 50k and other engine problem from about 55k.
On a 2006 Dodge Magnum with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether steering rack, gear or tie rod failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
The limits of complaint data
454 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 454 reports, 367 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 81% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Magnum?
The most-reported failures are fuel tank, filler or evap failure (76 reports, median 80,000 miles), other engine problem (57 reports, median 82,500 miles) and other fuel system problem (46 reports, median 87,500 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Magnum problems start?
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 25,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 25,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 80,000 miles.
Is the 2006 Dodge Magnum reliable?
It scores 69 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 160th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2006 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Dodge Magnum is best?
Within the 2005–2009 generation, 2008 scores best at 62 out of 100 and 2005 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed