Common Dodge Charger Failures: Reliability And More!
If you’re looking for a dependable saloon, you can’t go wrong with a Dodge Charger. Both new and older models have something to offer you, from high safety ratings to excellent performance. If you are interested in a car of this model, read here the common faults of the Dodge Charger and find out.
Owning a Dodge Charger is like a rite of passage. It is an iconic muscle car with a long and rich history of performance, track dominance and rebellious personality. For those who have owned a Charger, whether in years gone by or currently parked in the garage, ownership of such a beloved classic car is rewarding.
How good are Dodge Chargers?
The resale value of the Dodge Charger is pretty good, only depreciating 56% over five years. The Dodge Charger enjoys average reliability, with some of its model years scoring better than others.
RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 10th out of 12 full-size vehicles in its category. Meanwhile, JD Power rated the Dodge Charger an 89/100. With proper handling and regular maintenance, a Charger can enjoy a long life.
Common Dodge Charger Failures
If owning a Dodge Charger is in your foreseeable future, there are some common complaints you should also be aware of. Charger owners share some of the problems they have encountered during their ownership experience, along with the repairs and remedies that have resolved their problems.
Although the Dodge Charger is a reliable sedan, it still has its fair share of problems. Here are the common Dodge failures reported for the different model years.
1- Problems with the brake system
Brake system related problems plague 2019 Dodge Chargers. Many car owners have complained that their service brakes suddenly exhibit erratic behavior and increased vibration.
Other frequently reported 2019 Dodge Charger problems include mismatched rear brake pads and broken rotors, which can make driving uncomfortable and dangerous.
Fortunately, it’s easy to buy a new set of brake pads to fix these faults. A game can cost you anywhere from $20 to $100 plus service fees.
2- Suspension failures
Many 2013 Dodge Charger owners have complained of hearing abnormal noises from their sedan and on some occasions suddenly losing control of the power steering . The cause varies from damaged tension struts and worn bushings to unstable flywheels. At least two of these problems have led to an accident.
Suspension parts typically last up to 100,000 miles, but faulty ones can fail prematurely. Have a mechanic check your Dodge Charger frequently to make sure your suspension system is in top shape.
3- Defective Airbags (Safety Airbags)
Defective airbags are among the most common failures on the 2012 Dodge Charger. Complaints typically involve a failed airbag module sensor and an activated airbag light.
Many owners of this model year also experienced stuck airbags and inadvertent deployment of side airbags . That’s why the 2012 Dodge Charger was one of Chrysler’s recalled model years in 2015.
4- Alternator failure and other electrical problems
Many 2011 Dodge Charger owners have reported alternator problems and burning rubber smell before their car shuts down completely. Many drivers also experienced seeing the ” Battery Power Saver ” warning in the message center before the other warning lights went haywire. To address these issues, Chrysler issued a recall in 2014.
Most of the time, alternator problems on this model year can be resolved by getting a new one. Fortunately, an OE (Original Equipment) grade alternator replacement only costs between $100 and $400 plus labor.
The 2011 Dodge Charger is also affected by total electrical failures and other performance problems . If you have this model, keep an eye on your alternator and its electrical components. Make sure they are in top condition. If you are considering buying this model, be sure to talk to your dealer about these issues.
5- Transmission problems
Dodge Charger transmission problems have been generational. Most of the complaints concern its sixth (2006-2010) and some of its seventh-generation (2011-present) models. Many owners have reported suffering from slippage, intermittent hard shifting and decreased acceleration.
Fortunately, Chrysler was able to quickly address the issue by updating the transmission control module software on affected models.
6- Software failures
Most sixth (2006-2010) and seventh generation (2011-present) Dodge Chargers have software issues. Many owners have complained about the difficulty in changing gears.
In some cases, the sedan even changed gears by itself. Fortunately, a PCM/TCM software update usually resolves this issue. If the software update does not resolve it, a powertrain control module replacement may be necessary.
7- Defective radiator fans
One of the most common 2007 Dodge Charger failures is the radiator fan. Many owners have reported that their radiator fan disintegrated without warning, destroying the radiator in the process.
To fix this problem, the radiator and fan blade had to be replaced. A new cooling fan assembly can cost between $100 and $400 plus labor.
8- Engine failures
Premature engine trouble is the most common 2006 Dodge Charger failure. Many owners have complained of a variety of engine problems, from misfiring to bad cylinders and valves . Not all of these issues triggered the model’s warning lights, so some sedans showed no signs of trouble until the engine stopped running.
A blown engine can shut down completely without warning, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Have your Charger checked by a mechanic frequently to immediately detect and fix engine problems. If you are thinking of buying this model, make sure that the Dodge Charger you are going to buy does not have engine problems.
9- Problems with the gear lever
Owners of the 2006 Dodge Charger have reported problems with the shifter, such as the shifter getting stuck in park . Some of them were able to solve the problem by replacing their sedan’s gear shifter, gearbox, or hatch gear interlock.
10- The electric windows stop working
A major issue for over 100 Dodge Charger owners is a failing power window regulator or motor. This complaint is not limited to one window specifically. The cable can fail, as well as the motor or regulator, requiring replacement of the entire assembly.
Repair costs are manageable, between $221 and $242, but having an inoperable window or two has been a nuisance for many. Model years affected were those Chargers within the 2006 and 2013 production years. Some encountered problems as early as 22,000 miles, while others did not experience window failure until well past 150,000 miles.
11- Reported PCM/TCM problems
One of the most common Dodge Charger failures involves jarring during shifting. The problem lies with the powertrain and transmission control modules (PCM/TCM). Software updates tend to resolve issues with both.
On different Dodge Charger model years between 2006 and 2017, this seems to happen more frequently. At the higher mileages, on average around 97,000, gear shift hesitation can be the result of mechanical failure , so proper diagnosis is recommended first.
12- Electrical and lighting failurs
Interior lights can go bad temporarily or all together for many Dodge Charger owners. Failing electrical components appear to affect model years 2006-2014 the most. A software update resolves the issue for most users by resetting the connections for the lights and interior features.
It’s hard to say when light issues can be expected as some experience failure early on and around 9,400 miles. Others passed the 200,000 mile mark before facing lighting issues.
In conclusion
If you’re in the market for a Dodge Charger, be prepared to take the good with the bad. As long as you know the common faults for the Dodge Charger, the specific year and model you’re planning to get, buying this vehicle should be low risk. Look up the most common problems affecting the model you are targeting and make sure the seller has cleared everything up before you take it home.
