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2008 Chrysler Aspen Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unintended 4WD transfer case engagement.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Chrysler Aspen.

Reported to NHTSA

Unintended 4WD transfer case engagement

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2024-10

“THIS VEHICLE HAS AWD AND ELECTRONIC SHIFTING OF THE TRANSFER CASE. THE MOTOR FOR THE TRANSFER CASE ENGAGES AND SHIFTS THE TRANSMISSION INTO 4WD LOCK DURING LOW SPEED TURNS AND WHILE PARKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10891604
“THE 4WD STARTED TO ENGAGE WITHOUT BEING SWITCHED AND WITH NO INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENTATION PANEL. VEHICLE GOES INTO 4X4 ON ITS OWN. WHEN WE MAKE A SHARP TURN GOING FORWARD OR BACKING...THE REAR TIRES LOCK UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588801
“WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SLIPPED INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE LOW. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECAME HARD TO STEER/MOVE IN THIS CONDITION, DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS THE VEHICLE'S HANDLING COULD CHANGE AT ANY MOMENT... AT ANY SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11046951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel spit-back during refueling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

48 NHTSA complaints · 2009-12 → 2021-07

“FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, OUR 2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN WITH 37,000 MILES HAS BEEN SPILLING FUEL AT THE END OF EACH REFUELING. THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AS IT SHOULD, AND THEN FUEL SPILLS OUT. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT APPROXIMATELY 5-7 OUNCES OF FUEL SPILL OUT EACH TIME THIS OCCURS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10297252
“MY 2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN HAS A FUEL TANK PROBLEM. WHEN I FILL THE TANK AT A GAS STATION-THE STATION PUMP WILL SHUT OFF AND GAS WILL COME SPEWING OUT 2-3 FEET OUT OF THE TANK. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I HAD IT LOOKED AT IT HAS TO DO WITH SOME TANK VENTING ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10442489
“I WAS REFILLING THE GAS TANK AT A GAS STATION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE GAS HOSE "CLICKED OFF" (WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL), A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS GUSHED OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK PAST THE HOSE NOZZLE, BACK-FLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564911

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling after refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2024-05

“ENGINE STALLS CONSISTENTLY WITH FULL TANK OF GAS. SAME PROBLEM OTHER CHRYSLERS HAVE WITH EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10632108
“VEHICLE STALLS REPEATEDLY AFTER FILLING UP THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE GIVES NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR PROVIDES ANY OBD CODES TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316117
“AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK, THE MOTOR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT USED TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU GO PAST THE FIRST "CLICK" OF THE GAS PUMP. TODAY IT DID IT BY JUST FILLING THE TANK TO FIRST SHUT OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10926778

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

30 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2017-05

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN 4X4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10734035
“TAKATA RECALL: IT TOOK OVER 2 YEARS FOR MY LOCAL (ONLY DEALER WITHIN 100 MILES) TO REPAIR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL (REPAIRED 8/19/16). THE DRIVER AIRBAG REMAINS DEFECTIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897324
“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE R25/NHTSA 15V-313: AIR INFLATOR HOUSING IN VEHICLE MAY RUPTURE; REPAIR PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, FCA WILL NOTIFY WHEN AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10746821

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential pinion nut failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2011-04 → 2018-11

“REAR PINION NUT BACKED OFF CAUSING LOST OF FLUID FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL TO LEAKED OUT. TALKED TO CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THIS MODEL WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH THE DESCRIPTION FITS TO THE LETTER ON WHAT HAS HAPPEN ON THOSE COVERED ON THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10633514
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN. TWO YEARS AGO, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION NUT WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10960337
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND THE REAR AXLE FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10395297

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front tie rod and ball joint fracture

STEERING, SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2019-02

“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND ONCE THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10424317
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE FRONT, LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD ENDS HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10414975
“WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174601

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2019-09

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF THE GARAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564829
“SUDDENLY ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPEN 4 TIMES WHILE BRAKING. MAJOR DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10437974
“ON THIS DATE AND AT LEAST A FEW OTHERS OUR ASPEN UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. IT USUALLY ACCELERATES FROM A DEAD STOP AFTER THE SUV IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520717

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

21 crashes 1990–2024

How the 21 occupant deaths break down

15

driver deaths

6

passenger deaths

21

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Chrysler Aspen reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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