1,199 of the
8,167 complaints filed about the Dodge Charger
are about the engine —
15% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have been but minutes until the engine completely seized up. The oil had spilled into the motor and all other nearby parts of the engine. This puts my safety and others safety at risk because the car showed no other signs of an issue other than the light coming on. Had i not checked it in time, the engine could have seized up at high speeds causing a catastrophic accident. The problem has been observed by the independent repair shop who expresses that they regularly replace these components so frequently they keep a supply in-stock, and are surprised they have not been subject to a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11752607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There has been numerous issues that affected my safety while driving and had to make costly repairs and replacements while on going. Alternator and serpentine belt broke out and all my coolant leaked out. had to stop in the middle of the street several Times by force having the abs, check engine light turn on having to turn the car off. Transmission shifter was so faulty I couldn’t pull out of park needing to replace it. Air leaks in the engine, electrical surges effecting headlights low beams I can’t see anything at night, dashboard and radio. The windows are has so much glare from sun light to other cars at night I almost cannot see ahead of me almost blinding me. The car constantly over heated. I’ve changed the battery, exhaust pipes, put breaks on it, ignition coils upper and lower intakes manifold but still proceeds to present me with a check engine light needing to unplug my battery to recent the car which turns off my eco system. Gas consumption is little to much at times The air bags light in the dashboard usually turn on constantly when adjusting the driver and passenger seat.
NHTSA complaint #11750982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 Dodge Charger SXT with approximately 26,000 miles has experienced multiple incidents where, while turning into traffic or accelerating from a stop, the vehicle loses the ability to continue driving and displays a message instructing me to shift into Park and then Drive. The electronic shifter becomes unresponsive, steering is affected, and I am left stranded in active traffic until I can restart the vehicle. The dealership has inspected the vehicle three times and has not repaired the condition. I have video evidence of the incidents. This is a recurring safety hazard that could result in a collision. Vehicle loses propulsion while turning or accelerating from a stop. Message displays ‘Shift to P then Drive.’ Steering and drivetrain responsiveness affected. Requires restart to regain function. Occurs intermittently in traffic
NHTSA complaint #11742209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. The defect creates a significant safety concern because the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate normally while operating in traffic and on freeways. When the condition occurs, the vehicle cannot exceed approximately 3,500 RPM stalls while driving, creating a risk of collision. The vehicle currently has approximately 21,000 miles and remains under manufacturer warranty. Despite multiple repair attempts, the defect has not been permanently corrected.
NHTSA complaint #11740951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed oil cooler. The contact was informed that all the oil had spilled into the coolant reservoir. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil cooler was made of plastic and was warped. The contact was informed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine in my vehicle (2007 Charger, 49,000 miles) has completely failed due to "Casting Sand Sludge". This issue has been acknowledged by FCA Stellantis; but only in much newer engines. The failure in my vehicle, from the "casting sand sludge" caused the vehicle to have engine heat issues, which could have started a fire or resulted in the complete seizure of the engine at speed, potentially leading to a catastrophic and fatal outcome. The fact that the issue is present in my vehicle strongly indicates that FCA Stellantis was aware of the Casting Sand Sludge issue far earlier than they have acknowledged. The Service center suspected a head gasket issue, so they began to address it; what they found was casting sand sludge throughout the engine block. An issue which is an inherent defect of manufacturing, which is unknowable to a unsuspecting owner - until a total failure occurs. This issue would also coincidentally constitute a breach of the "implied Warranty Of Merchantability", as the issue makes affected vehicles not fit for their intended purpose. The Service Center that found the defect is an Authorized FCA Stellantis Dealer/Service Provider. The Service Manager has had an "Conference Call" with an Area Service Manager & A Service Technical Advisor. The Service Manager has indicated that it is casting sand & has told me that if the manufacturer has him send them the engine that i what he is putting on the report. He has told me that he feels that the manufacturer likely will try to bury the issue by attempting a "Forced Buyout". Cursory, research by myself has found that Casting Sand in the presence of H.O.A.T or O.A.T. coolant & heat forms a sludge which over time {40,000 to 55,000 miles} renders an engine unusable, risking catastrophic failure or fire. LX Platform vehicles of the era 2005-2009 were considered "Durable for intended purpose for 150,000 to 300,000 miles". Casting Sand left in the engine block, during manufacture, violates that durability
NHTSA complaint #11729971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was also diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that this was a known issue and that several vehicles had been taken to the dealer for the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 131,300.
NHTSA complaint #11728919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I filled up my gas tank on way home from work in [XXX] . Once i got on on ramp to get on freeway my 2006 dodge charger stalled. I lost all power and barely was able to get to side of on ramp. I waited a couple minutes after shutting car off. Then it started up again for me to get home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I am driving the vehicle it shuts off and the key seems to be loose. It has shut off multiple times while operating driving down the highway making it unsafe to get to the side of the road
NHTSA complaint #11726589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dodge Charger, 2016, won't turn on a list. Key is in the cup holder. On the driver's side also there are many videos showing this same issue with many dodge, twenty sixteen chargers.
NHTSA complaint #11721420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently tried to get my oil changed and they told me that the oil filter housing was cracked. After doing research on this there is several sources saying that there is lots that has had the same malfunction. Surprised there isn't a recall on this part
NHTSA complaint #11711829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Theres a problem with the lifters.They are of the "MDS" type.If exposed to too much pressure while cold they appear to have a issue with the needle bearings failing.This problem was corrected on two other occasions and repaired.Its making the same noise again.Prior to this i had contacted the California Dispute Settlement Program as this purchase was from that state and had suggested they replace the cam and lifter setup to one of a non-MDS type and a high volume oil pump and Dodge denied my request.While the vehicle was repaired,they didnt provide documentation as to what was done although i was told the first time it was repaired they had indeed replaced lifters.
NHTSA complaint #11711892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On January 6, 2025, Countryside CDJR in Georgia performed internal engine repairs on my 2019 Dodge Charger R/T, including lifter and internal engine work. Only months later, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure while driving. The vehicle became disabled and had to be towed. This raises serious concerns of improper repair or a safety-related engine defect. The dealership denies responsibility and blames a single missed oil change. A single missed oil change does not cause sudden catastrophic engine failure so soon after dealership-performed internal work. This could be related to known 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft issues. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure for potential safety defect or incorrect repair contributing to engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11698261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
NHTSA complaint #11696128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact purchased the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken for the Emissions Test; however, the vehicle failed the Emissions Test. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that some unknown sensors had been replaced, and to allow for a week for the vehicle to adjust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stopped by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that in the evening, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a plastic burning odor and an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact requested that the vehicle have a full inspection, and the dealer refused. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #11690668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was heard coming from under the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing a front drive shaft replacement. The vehicle was previously repaired for the front passenger side bearing, and the other unknown repairs were made; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
shuts off while driving with no warning...Stalls at stop light/sign and when i try to accelerate it has barely goes.. sometimes it seems like it has no power at all and sometimes it seems like it has to much power without me accelerating. Its very dangerous this issue has almost made me get into several accidents
NHTSA complaint #11678128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. •This problem has persisted for nearly a year without resolution. At this point, I’m left with a vehicle that is unsafe to operate and a dealer network unwilling to take accountability. I’m requesting a formal investigation into this matter, as it may reflect a broader systemic or manufacturer-level issue affecting others as well. I can provide supporting documentation, service records, and recordings of diagnostic readouts as needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11677144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
since the purchase of my vehicle one year ago, my vehicle has consistently had codes that listed output to each headlamp, can bus code, it has also had engine control module code. This started a year ago and as of yesterday it still had codes. The code also include telematics and my infotainment system says fatal error. I have filed multiple complaints withFCA US LLC and have gone to the dealership multiple dealerships many of times. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT FROM HAS BASICALLY REFUSED TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH IT’S UNDER WARRANTY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH VOLTAGE AND THE COMMUNICATIONS IN THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. IT SEEMS NO ONE SYSTEM SHOWS. I HAVE RECALLS YET THERE SEEMS TO BE TWO ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO MY SOFTWARE ON THE VEHICLE IS AT STAGE NUMBER 24 AND IT SHOULD BE AT 39 AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO UPDATE IT
NHTSA complaint #11666172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.