Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle approximately 30 minutes later flames were discovered coming from under the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000. Fire started without key in ignition and was not running. Main damage to the car was the front bumper to the windshield.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, then lurch and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine, ABS, and the throttle control warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was again exhibiting the same failure. Additionally, the failure was more frequent and that there were days when the contact could not keep the vehicle from stalling after starting the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while idling at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart on several occasions and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: U0100 and P0700 were retrieved. The dealer flashed the computer; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, were the same DTC were retrieved and the failure was related to a loss of communication with the PCM and the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,415.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to his destination. The failure recurred several times. The contact called and notified the local dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
I have a beautiful 2006 dodge daytona charger with 5.7L Hemi engine that has failed with 170,000 miles. It has been impeccably maintained with on time oil changes using Mobil 1 synthetic oil. The problem is the roller on the lifter for cylinder # 4 locked up and wiped the lobe off the camshaft...So now theres a misfire and the engine needs a rebuild! I know nothing lasts forever BUT.... most engines now a days make 200,000 no problem and most go well beyond that if maintained properly. I was expecting the same for this engine but This well-known problem finally struck me... I have had my lifetime warranty denied because the cost of the engine exceeds the value of the car so there lifetime warranty is a very mis leading and really an out rite lie!!! Chrysler/Stellantis knows all about these hemi engines failing but is leaveing its customers holding the bag! …
I've owned this car a little over a month. I filled up the gas tank today, after leaving the gas station the car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. thankfully no one was coming the opposite direction at the time before i could get the car restarted. at the next light it stalled again, and then was able to restart the car. i was able to pull into a parking lot to access any issues. nothing looked wrong visibly. while idling the car stalled again. i researched the issue and found other similar issues with this year and make of the car stalling after filling the tank. this is a huge safety issue as there was no warning and the car completely stalled and had no function. if cars were coming at me in the intersection or i was on the highway which was the next exit, it could have been worse for me and others on the road.
After filling up the car with fuel (93 octane) the car stalls after a couple of minutes. This has caused unsafe situations as the car has stalled in the middle of intersections and on the road. This has happened consistently after filling up. The car does not start immediately after stalling. After a couple of minutes post stall, I am able to restart the car. At times, the car studders while moving. This all happens after topping off with fuel. The vehicle has approximately 106,000 miles.
Valve in the top of the tank to release vapor through the purge system is stuck open allowing fuel in the system, is available for inspection. Car stalls while driving and at stops, stalled infront of ambulance. Has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer, but it has happened everytime i fully refuel the car. Has not been inspected. No symptoms or warnings prior to issue occurring.
PCM/ECM failure during driving. Caused entire vehicle to shut off during speeds as little as 20 or as high as 70 mph. Severe safety issue and potential for critical component damage to other parts of the vehicle! Warning tone and lamps do not appear until after the incident happens. And it has been confirmed by 3 consecutive car shops and dealers. Happens repeatedly, day to day.
I filled up my gas tank on way home from work in [redacted] . Once i got on on ramp to get on freeway my 2006 dodge charger stalled. I lost all power and barely was able to get to side of on ramp. I waited a couple minutes after shutting car off. Then it started up again for me to get home.
Engine complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 451 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Dodge Charger, 35% of the model year's 1,294 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Charger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Dodge Charger, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Charger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 6 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.