Dodge Charger: common faults & what to check

Which Dodge Charger are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Engine not documented

2 variants documented

2006–2011LX2006–2011LXEngine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues0 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

2011–2023LD2011–2023LDEngine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues5 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Dodge Charger

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Dodge Charger before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Ask for proof the alternator recall has been done (a dealer invoice or recall record).

  See why

  Alternator diode failure, stalling and fire risk recall (3.6 Pentastar V6 and 5.7 Hemi V8, LD Charger 2011-2014)

  On 2011 to 2014 LD Charger models with the 3.6 Pentastar V6 or 5.7 Hemi V8 and electro-hydraulic power steering, the diodes inside the alternator can crack from heat, so charging voltage drops. That can switch off ABS and stability control, stall the engine while driving, and in some cases the failing alternator can overheat and catch fire. It was recalled in the US (14V-634, then 17V-435, FCA campaign T36). Chargers were not sold new in Australia or New Zealand, so NZ cars are US imports and the recall follows the VIN. The fix is a free alternator replacement, so check that the recall work has been done.

  What you would notice

  • Battery or charging warning light
  • ABS or stability control warning lights
  • Heavy steering at low speed
  • Engine stalls or will not restart
  • Burning smell from the engine bay

  Typically $0–$1,500 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Start the engine from cold and listen at idle for a ticking or uneven beat; a healthy Pentastar idles smoothly.

  See why

  Left cylinder head valve seat and guide wear, misfire (3.6 Pentastar V6, LD Charger 2011-2013)

  Early 3.6 Pentastar V6 engines (sales code ERB) in 2011 to 2013 LD Charger models can wear the valve guides and valve seats in the left cylinder head, so cylinders 2, 4 or 6 lose compression and misfire. Chrysler admitted the problem: in the US it extended the warranty on the left head to 10 years or 150,000 miles (warranty bulletin D-14-12) and told dealers to leak test the cylinders and replace the head (service bulletin 09-002-14). These Chargers were never sold new in Australia or New Zealand, so NZ cars are US imports; the extended warranty was a US program and will not help here, but the fault itself travels with the car. Left alone it gets worse and the cure is a replacement head.

  What you would notice

  • Check engine light, sometimes flashing
  • Rough idle or shake, worse when cold
  • Ticking or tapping from one side of the engine
  • Loss of power

  Typically $2,500–$5,000 to put right.

Dodge Charger service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Dodge Charger. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Other Dodge models