Dodge Challenger Common Problems & Reliability Guide
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Overview
The Dodge Challenger is an American muscle car that was reintroduced in 2008 after a long hiatus. Available with V6, V8, and supercharged V8 engines, the Challenger is known for its retro styling and powerful performance. Common issues include HEMI lifter failures, transmission problems, electrical gremlins, and EVAP system leaks. Performance models with the 6.2L Hellcat engine face additional cooling and driveline stress.
Quick Summary
Most Serious Issues
- 5.7L HEMI Lifter and Camshaft Failure($2000-$5000)
- HEMI Lifter and Camshaft Failure (5.7L and 6.4L)($2500-$6000)
- Hellcat Supercharger Belt Tensioner Failure($500-$10000)
11 recalls documented across all generations
By Generation
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0456 | Very Common | Small EVAP leak extremely common on all engine variants, typically caused by purge valve failure, canister vent valve, or capless fuel filler seal deterioration. |
| P0128 | Very Common | Coolant thermostat malfunction, very common on 3.6L Pentastar and HEMI engines due to stuck-open thermostats causing slow engine warm-up. |
| P0520 | Common | Oil pressure sensor circuit malfunction, common on HEMI engines with faulty oil pressure sensor or wiring corrosion. |
| P0420 | Common | Catalyst efficiency below threshold, common after 80k miles especially on V8 models with performance driving or aftermarket modifications. |
| P0300 | Common | Random misfire detection, often caused by ignition coil failures on HEMI engines or carbon buildup on Pentastar engines. |
| P0171 | Common | System too lean Bank 1, typically caused by vacuum leaks, intake manifold gasket issues, or MAF sensor contamination. |
| P0121 | Occasional | Throttle position sensor performance problem, can occur with electronic throttle body carbon buildup or sensor drift. |
| P0442 | Occasional | EVAP leak detected, medium leak often accompanies P0456 with deteriorated EVAP system components. |
| P0868 | Occasional | Transmission fluid pressure low, appears on high-mileage 5-speed automatic transmissions with worn pump or internal leaks. |
Known Problems
The EVAP purge valve fails frequently, causing check engine lights with P0456 or P0442 codes. The valve sticks open or closed, preventing proper evaporative emissions control. This is one of the most common issues across all engine types.
Typical mileage: 40,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters on 5.7L HEMI engines are prone to failure, causing a characteristic ticking noise, rough idle, and misfires. Failed lifters can damage camshaft lobes, requiring expensive engine repairs. This is a well-documented issue affecting many Chrysler HEMI engines.
Typical mileage: 60,000-150,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairEngine thermostats stick open causing the engine to run too cool, triggering P0128 codes and poor fuel economy. This affects both V6 and V8 engines and is extremely common. The thermostat housing can also develop coolant leaks.
Typical mileage: 50,000-100,000 miles
The 5-speed automatic transmission (545RFE/65RFE) develops shudder during light acceleration and harsh shift quality. Torque converter clutch wear, valve body issues, and fluid degradation are common causes. The transmission may require rebuild or replacement in severe cases.
Typical mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe oil pressure sensor fails causing erratic oil pressure gauge readings or check engine lights. This is a common nuisance issue that can cause concern but is typically just a sensor failure rather than actual oil pressure problems.
Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairHEMI V8 engines experience premature ignition coil failures causing misfires, rough running, and reduced power. The coil-on-plug design is susceptible to heat damage. Replacing all coils preventatively is often recommended.
Typical mileage: 50,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairFront lower control arm bushings and ball joints wear prematurely, causing clunking noises over bumps and poor handling. This is particularly common on R/T and SRT models with larger wheels and performance suspension components.
Typical mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairPower window regulators, especially on the driver's side, fail causing windows to drop into the door or move slowly. The plastic components in the regulator mechanism break down over time, a common issue across many Chrysler products.
Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
Unsecured or improperly positioned floor mats may interfere with accelerator pedal operation, potentially causing unintended acceleration.
Occupant restraint control module may incorrectly assess crash severity, potentially causing airbags to deploy with more force than necessary.
Ignition switch may overheat, melt, or catch fire due to electrical overcurrent. Vehicles should be parked outside until repaired.
Fuel tank mounting straps may corrode in salt-belt states, potentially allowing fuel tank to separate from vehicle.
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0456 | Very Common | Small EVAP leak continues to be extremely common, often caused by canister vent valve, purge valve, or fuel tank pressure sensor failures. |
| P0128 | Very Common | Thermostat malfunction remains very common on all engines, particularly 2015-2018 models with early thermostat failures. |
| P0520 | Common | Oil pressure sensor issues persist on HEMI engines, often requiring sensor replacement or wiring repair. |
| P0300 | Common | Random misfire on HEMI engines from lifter failures or ignition coil issues, particularly common on 5.7L and 6.4L engines. |
| P0171 | Common | System lean on V6 and V8 engines, often from PCV system issues or intake manifold vacuum leaks. |
| P0420 | Common | Catalyst efficiency codes on high-mileage or modified vehicles, especially V8 models with aftermarket exhaust systems. |
| P0868 | Common | Transmission line pressure low on 8-speed automatic transmissions, can indicate fluid level issues or internal wear. |
| U0100 | Occasional | Lost communication with ECM/PCM, can occur with TIPM failures or wiring harness corrosion. |
| P0121 | Occasional | Throttle position sensor performance issues with electronic throttle body carbon buildup. |
| P0442 | Occasional | Medium EVAP leak often accompanies other EVAP codes with aged system components. |
Known Problems
The ZF 8HP transmission develops shudder during low-speed acceleration or light throttle cruising. This is caused by torque converter lockup clutch wear or fluid degradation. A TSB exists for software updates and special fluid changes, but some cases require torque converter replacement.
Typical mileage: 40,000-100,000 miles
MDS lifter failure remains a severe problem on 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines. Failed lifters cause ticking noise, rough idle, misfires, and can destroy camshaft lobes. Chrysler extended warranty coverage for some model years, but repairs are expensive. Many owners disable MDS to prevent failure.
Typical mileage: 50,000-120,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe supercharger belt tensioner on 6.2L Hellcat engines can fail catastrophically, causing belt failure and severe engine damage from loose belt components. This is a known issue with some catastrophic failures reported. Regular inspection and preventative replacement is recommended.
Typical mileage: 20,000-60,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairMultiple EVAP system components fail including the canister vent valve, purge valve, and fuel tank pressure sensor. These cause persistent check engine lights with P0456, P0442, and related codes. The fuel filler neck can also crack causing large leaks.
Typical mileage: 30,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe plastic thermostat housing develops coolant leaks and the thermostat itself sticks open causing P0128 codes. This is an extremely common issue across all engines requiring replacement of the entire housing assembly.
Typical mileage: 40,000-100,000 miles
The TIPM controls all electrical systems and can fail causing no-start conditions, intermittent electrical issues, fuel pump failures, and various warning lights. This is a known design flaw in Chrysler products with class-action lawsuits filed. Replacement is expensive.
Typical mileage: 60,000-150,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe rear differential pinion bearings wear prematurely on R/T and Scat Pack models, particularly those with performance use. A whining or howling noise that increases with speed is typical. Hard launches and burnouts accelerate wear. Complete differential rebuild may be required.
Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairModels with active exhaust systems experience exhaust valve motor failures causing check engine lights and stuck valves in open or closed position. The motors are exposed to extreme heat and moisture leading to premature failure.
Typical mileage: 40,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
Fuel pump relay in TIPM may fail causing engine stalling or no-start condition. Free TIPM replacement or relay repair provided.
Seatbelt pretensioners may not properly deploy in a crash due to manufacturing defects, reducing occupant protection.
Parking brake cable may separate from parking brake actuator on Hellcat and Demon models, potentially causing vehicle to roll away.
Front passenger seat occupant detection system may incorrectly classify occupant weight, potentially causing airbag non-deployment in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode sending metal fragments into cabin during deployment. Part of massive Takata airbag recall affecting millions of vehicles.
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0456 | Common | EVAP leak codes continue to appear on newer models, though potentially less frequent with updated components. |
| P0128 | Common | Thermostat issues persist on HEMI engines in earlier production years. |
| P0520 | Occasional | Oil pressure sensor failures still occur but may be less frequent on 2023+ production. |
| P0300 | Occasional | Random misfire less common on newer models but still appears with lifter issues on HEMI engines. |
| P0868 | Occasional | Transmission pressure codes appear occasionally on ZF 8-speed transmissions. |
Known Problems
The lifter and camshaft failure issue continues to affect 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines even in final production years. While some improvements may have been made, the fundamental MDS design remains susceptible to failure. Extended warranty coverage available for some model years.
Typical mileage: 50,000-100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairSome Last Call models experience transmission shift quality issues or hesitation with early production software calibrations. Dealer software updates typically resolve these concerns.
Typical mileage: Under 20,000 miles
As a final production run with special editions, some owners report minor quality control issues including paint defects, trim fitment problems, and electrical glitches. These are typically covered under warranty.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
Rearview camera may not display properly when shifting into reverse due to Uconnect software issue, violating federal safety requirements.
Driver seatbelt warning lamp may not illuminate when seatbelt is unbuckled, failing to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.