Dodge Charger Engine Problems

Owners have filed 1,206 complaints about engine & cooling problems with the Dodge Charger — 21% of all Charger complaints. The worst model years are 2006 (451), 2007 (125) and 2008 (110). Problems typically start around 81,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

1,206complaints
2006worst year
81ktypical miles
2related recalls
13crashes
54fires

Engine complaints by model year

’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’2345112511043668796526425282011116335
Engine complaints per model year, Dodge Charger.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2023519%—
2022319%—
202139%66,000 miles
2020610%50,000 miles
2019119%7,000 miles
2018119%8,000 miles
20172016%66,000 miles
20162815%42,000 miles
20152518%57,000 miles
20146419%65,000 miles
20135214%66,000 miles
20129615%80,000 miles
20118713%59,000 miles
20106628%78,000 miles
20094325%95,000 miles
200811018%93,000 miles
200712522%89,000 miles
200645135%87,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Exhaust system
    20
  • Engine
    19
  • Cooling system
    13
  • Cooling system › Radiator assembly
    4
  • Cooling system › Fan
    3
  • Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    2
  • Exhaust system › Emission control
    1
  • Engine › Crank/camshaft position sensor
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    11712%
  • 25k–50k
    12813%
  • 50k–75k
    17618%
  • 75k–100k
    22222%
  • 100k–150k
    25526%
  • 150k+
    9910%

What owners report

ting to formally report an ongoing and unresolved safety issue with my vehicle that poses a serious risk both to myself and others on the road. The core issue appears to involve high-voltage faults and CAN bus voltage exceeding threshold limits-likely tied to the vehicle's telematics system. Despite this, the vehicle is currently not communicating properly, and the diagnostics data are inconsistent or inaccessible. Here are the key concerns: The vehicle has shut down multiple times while in motion, creating a dangerous situation. It is only achieving ~10 MPG, a drastic drop from expected efficiency. I was explicitly told not to drive it until the problem is resolved due to safety concerns. The dealership has refused to repair the issue and has provided false information regarding diagnostic codes, which I've recorded for documentation. …

2023 Charger · Jul 2025

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures associated with diagnostic trouble code P06DD. When the condition occurs, the vehicle is unable to exceed approximately 3,500 RPM and experiences engine stalling and loss of power while driving. The issue is intermittent but has occurred repeatedly. The vehicle has been presented to authorized Dodge/Stellantis dealerships on five separate occasions for diagnosis and repair. The oil pump was previously replaced for this issue at approximately 5,000 miles, yet the condition continues to recur. Most recently, the dealership advised that the issue was resolved and returned the vehicle to me. Within approximately 30 minutes of leaving the dealership and driving on the freeway, the check engine light returned and the same stalling and loss-of-power condition immediately reappeared. …

2023 Charger · May 2026

We purchased this vehicle new. Over time it started to surge on mild acceleration in all gears and all speeds. Dealership reset the transmission and engine computers. It was better but still noticeable. Over time though it gets worse. Dealership just does the same thing and resets the engine and transmission. This last time though it was still quite noticeable and has gotten much worse. We contacted the dealership and they plan to just reset them again as there is no other fix. The surging is unsafe especially in parking lots where you might be giving a little throttle and the car isn't really moving so you push harder and then it takes off.

2022 Charger · Jan 2024

Intermittently the vehicle will jerk as if it looses power when driving, it has also happened when at a stop light and acceleration begins it jerks. It happens more often when at a complete stop and vehicle starts to accelerate. Vehicle was taken to melloy dodge in los lunas NM and they stated they were unable to find a problem

2022 Charger · Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic called an unknown local dealer, who informed him that the repair parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

2021 Charger · 66,000 miles · Jul 2024

During a recent tire change, I observed that the plastic cover beneath the engine had become dislodged, and several clips were broken. Additionally, a large round component had detached and fallen out. Following consultation with fellow Dodge Charger Scat Pack owners on social media, it appears that this issue is not an isolated incident and raises concerns about the reliability of the engine's internal components. As such, I believe it is crucial for the manufacturer to investigate and address this problem promptly.

2021 Charger · Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and the steering wheel would seize with no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle then the check engine warning light would be illuminated, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil temperature sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

2020 Charger · 50,000 miles · Jan 2025

While traveling on the highway at approx. 70mph at night the vehicle shutdown completely resulting in the loss of throttle, power steering and lights. This is an safety issue that can cause death or serious bodily harm to the driver and other drivers along a motorway as the vehicle is no longer able to be seen in low light situations and the vehicle is unable to be properly controlled due to the loss of power steering. Issue was deemed due to loose bolts for the power distribution center.

2020 Charger · Dec 2021

Related recalls (2)

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 17V-496 · Aug 8, 2017 · 1,207 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA recall 11V-487 · Sep 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, Dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and Jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from August 31, 2011, through September 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 18, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Charger years have engine problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (451), 2007 (125), 2008 (110), 2012 (96) and 2011 (87) model years. Engine complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 2006.

Is there a recall for Dodge Charger engine problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-496 (engine, Aug 8, 2017); 11V-487 (engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Dodge Charger engine problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the exhaust system (20 mentions), followed by the engine (19).

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.