Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 638 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Dodge Magnum, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 114 | 18% |
| Power train | 69 | 11% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 61 | 10% |
| Fuel system | 36 | 6% |
| Engine | 34 | 5% |
| Tires | 28 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 24 | 4% |
| Suspension | 22 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 19 | 3% |
| Engine | 16 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side air bag deployed without a crash. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The d
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to release and shift out of park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failu
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to shift into drive; however, the gear shifter remained stuck in park. No warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I have attempted to contact my local dealership several times to replace the airbags on this recall. They claimed months ago, stated “It’s on back order” and took my info claiming they’d contact me when the parts are i
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
I have an 05 Dodge Magnum RT 5.7L Hemi, that intermittently stalls after filling the gas tank, and continues to do this until gas goes down a little. After dealing with/living with this problem for a while, I finally too
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
All 4 tires is less then 4 years old made on same date one tire has separate completely around the bead the others has started doing the same thing this car was my late wife’s car and I gave it to my daughter and she rea
NHTSA complaint: Tires
Airbag lights suddenly always on. Unknown if they are working or about to deploy. Hesitation in transmission while shifting, not sure if working properly. I haven't had any recalls fixed on this vehicle. It showed reca
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The malfunction to report is after fueling the vehicle will stall out. There is the sign of the fuel sending unit and fuel pump cycling after the ignition is turned on. This only occurs after topping off the fuel. The sa
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2005 Dodge Magnum. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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, 2
Risk: 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 rup
Fix: 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.
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 originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high ab
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious inj
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii,
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, 2005-2
Risk: 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
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 DAIMLE
| Reliability raw | 52 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 64 | average |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 67 | good |
| Performance | 56 | average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 638 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and air bags is the most reported area with 114 of them (18%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 52/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 64/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.