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 2013 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that the vehicle was driven to his place of business; however, upon arrival the vehicle was smoking with an abnormally strong fuel odor. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the fuel pump was dry, and fuel was leaking onto the ground from the side of the fuel tank. The contact stated that upon removal of the exhaust, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that when the muffler was removed, there was fuel pouring out of the muffler. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a hole in the heat shield and the fuel tank. The contact stated that the vehicle had two mufflers and no resonators installed. …
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced bucking, surging, hesitation, loss of power, and an engine misfire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to premature wear of internal components within the engine and that the rocker arms, lifters, and camshaft were faulty. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the lifters were making an abnormal tapping sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The mechanic determined that the tapping sound was due to the lifters, which were causing excessed wear on the camshaft. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
While driving on the interstate at a high rate of speed the MDS engaged and suddenly, the engine dies. I am unable to accelerate and have to coast across 3 lanes of traffic to reach the emergency lane. The timing chain tensioner and timing chain guides had broken into multiple pieces and the timing chain was also broken. The failure of the timing components resulted in warped values, bent push rods and catastrophic engine failure. This left me sitting in my car on the side of the interstate for several hours in the dark. There were no warning lamps or any problems with how the engine had operated before it suddenly died. All parts that have been removed from the car have been kept for inspection. There is a recall for the same OEM timing components failing and causing sudden engine failure for 2009-2012 Dodge Chargers. …
Engine shut off while driving on the street. My safety was at risk as cars behind me almost rear end me and just avoid me as i did not break myself . so i did not have break lights on because engine just shut off not yet made an appointment to have it check not yet , need it to be check by dealer no light no warnings at all
The "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents and injuries. It's a standard safety feature in most modern vehicles, including the Dodge Charger. Here's what it's intended to do: When the vehicle is shifted out of Park (P) and the transmission is not fully engaged, the system will display a "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message on the dashboard. This message is triggered by the vehicle's Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which monitors the vehicle's gear position and transmission status. The purpose of this warning is to alert the driver that the vehicle is not properly secured and may roll or move unexpectedly, potentially causing an accident or injury. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While driving 10 MPH, the contact heard a whining noise and the ABS, traction, and battery saver indicators illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle home at a slow rate of speed. While pulling into the driveway, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact parked, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw smoke. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact called the dealer (larry h. Miller Dodge Ram havana, 2727 s havana st, denver, co 80014 [phone]) to inquire about an alternator recall because his previous Dodge Charger was included in a recall for the alternator. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,900.
The alternator diodes experienced a rapid failure resulting in a complete shutdown while driving on a city street at 50mph. Low battery indicator light came on and within 1-2 minutes lost all car functions including antilock breaking, electronic stability control, and power steering. Upon coming to a complete stop, could not put the car in park. Car eventually reset and put itself in park. Experienced a burning/melting smell. Had car battery jumped and car appeared fine. Resumed driving, but experienced a complete repeat of events within just a few minutes. Had car towed to dealership for repair. This appears to be the same problem as stated in recall p60/ NHTSA 14v-634. Upon researching on the web, it is obvious that many others with the 180amp engine are experiencing the same issue; however, it is unclear as to why the recall was only for the 160amp. …
Hello my 2013 Dodge Charger 3.6 while I was driving the vehicle has just shut down with no warnings and I had to get it towed to a Dodge shop u waited on my vehicle for days and they said it was a blown fuse but I'm in the technology field and it seems to me that someone has access or remotely access to my vehicle now I have issues with my fuel which I'm getting 10 miles a gallon, and my vehicle is getting to a point to wear I have to pull over because it's getting overheated something is seriously wrong and I feel unsafe anytime your vehicle shuts off where you don't have control of it it's a hazard to everyone my Uconnect radio ask for a anti theft code but it was before I took it to auto nation Dodge it really needs to be looked at I've parked the vehicle it has 67000 miles and I just bought it in October of last year also the windows roll down by there selfs the vehicle was going …
When I first purchased the vehicle it had a tick I asked the dealership what was that they told me it was a (Hemi tick) that all chargers had that sound so I drove it to around 100, 000 miles and while driving down the road it begin to make this loud noise sounding like a truck . I took it to the shop and they told me my number 3 plug or whatever it's called was misfiring took it to crown Dodge and they told me that it was going to cost me 8,599 to fix this probkem that I always had. Now I took it to another dealership and they told me before looking at it what was wrong come to find out I have the same vehicle as every sheriff in our town and he has fixed everyone of their vehicles with the exact same problem this sounds like a problem that is going on with a lot of these chargers and this is just weird to me it's no coincidence that I have talked to at least 20 other people with the …
Engine complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Dodge Charger, 14% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Charger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Dodge Charger, though it has 8 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 2013 Dodge Charger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire 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.