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 2010 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the timing chain fractured. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the parts to perform the repair was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Drove on hwy no problem made it into town Smelled gas & seen smoke coming from hood briefly(tank was half full )Turned car off got out seen smoke from under the hood, opened the hood as best as i could and seen flames coming from under the hood.CALL fire Dept. dash have no warnings of anything only the smell and being observant saves my life
Got rear ended day later hears a winding noise and engine light came on then Battery light came on. When driving next day all lights on dash board came on and car died. Thought was battery changed it then restarted car. Next day bring to get diagnosed and said altnator was testing bad so had that replaced but Battery light stayed on. Took to collision center dodge and they said pcm was bad so had that replaced. The mechanic stated common problem when altnator dies it burns up the pm module. So I had to wait 2 months for it to get replaced and now changed still the check engine lights and battery light is on.
My 2010 Dodge Charger caught fire and exploded. I was sitting in it with the air conditioner running, waiting for my son. I smelled something burning, but not like plastic or the smell when it's overheating. I looked at my dash and the thermostat needle was straight up then I saw a little puff of smoke out of the corner of my eye. I popped the hood and flames shot across the windshield. I opened the door and rolled out because my seat was reclined. I could see fire under the hood, I reached back in and turned the engine off thinking maybe it would help. I grabbed my phone which was stuck to the dash with a magnet and I ran like hell!
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Charger. While driving 25 MPH, white smoke appeared from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the failure was possibly due to a cracked block or engine head. The contact was awaiting the vehicle to be inspected by the insurance company. The dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
There needs be a recall for the 2010 Dodge Charger sxt. While driving home on the interstate, just as I'm merging on to my exit, the car shuts completely down while in motion during traffic. I had no idea that it had completely stalled until I tried to give it gas and turn the steering wheel as I was going into to a curve with cars in front of me and behind. Had to fight like [redacted] to turn the wheel and use the brakes to bring the car to a complete stop. I tried to start the engine with no success. It kept turning over making a "ru rur rur rur rur" sound which was accompanied by the smell of wires burning and a red lightning bolt that appeared on the dash. Tried to start again, it became worse. Had to have the car towed to repair shop to see what the issue is. Have not heard anything yet. …
Bought my 2010 Charger in 2012. Slight engine ticking when cold from day one. Worse in winter, barely noticeable in summer. As time goes by, ticking is getting worse. Checked for engine codes and nothing. Checked for oil issue and nothing. Ticking is getting more obnoxious, especially when cold. When the car warms up it fades out somewhat. Took it to the dealership after doing some research and there's a known issue with 3.5ho engines. Rocker arm issue, pins shear off, etc. Dealer confirmed this is my issue. Bad rocker arm assembly, lash adjusters. Factory part numbers end with "aa" and the new replacement parts with "ac." this is also an indication of a known issue. Ticking is on startup, louder when engine is cool. It gets better when it is warm but as of recently, it's more constant. Rocker arm assemblies need replaced on both heads, and the estimated cost is $1100. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Charger. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The ABS indicator illuminated without warning and the vehicle completely lost power. The contact stated that the vehicle was also severely rusted and corroded underneath the steering wheel panel, which created an unbearable odor inside the vehicle. The odor created a breathing issue for the contact, which required medical attention. Jeep, Dodge, Ram of ontario, california was made aware of the failure and replaced the motor and alternator, but the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty coverage and the rust odor would not be covered. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the dealer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, there was a loud grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The failure was experience numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. The dealer replaced the front struts and brake. However, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and replaced the water pump, and alternator causing the engine not to start up. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic whom performed a diagnostic, which located the failure at the engine timing chain. The engine timing chain was replaced. However, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle stalled, while driving at 65 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure was 112,000.
Wife was driving Charger when the gauges, radio, ac went hay wire and a few seconds later the car just died in heavy traffic and would not start back. Had car was towed and very costly as she was far from home. From what I could find online it sounded like the battery or alternator, removed both and had them tested and both are in good working order. Charged battery up and car started right up so we test from it. While driving it only a few miles we noticed that there is a strange new whining noise coming from under there hood, ESP/ tration control lights came on and car died again charged battery again and it started right up again however we are reluctant to drive it again due to this issue. Sounds like alot of people in online forums are having this same issue, but yet no recalls or fix's for whatever the issue is
Engine complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Dodge Charger, 28% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Charger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Dodge Charger, though it has 6 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 2010 Dodge Charger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 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.