PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2016 Dodge Charger Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated September 2026

648

complaints filed for the 2012 model year

2011–2016

Model years affected

$850 – $1,350

Typical repair cost, by problem

5.7L Hemi engine lifter seizures generating metal shavings lead to catastrophic engine failure around 100,000-170,000 miles — multiple owners independently describe it as a 'common issue' with this engine. Some owners report the same defects persisting after a dealership recall repair was supposedly completed.

Quick Scan: 16 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

5.7L Hemi engine lifter seizures

Metal shavings, catastrophic engine failure around 100,000-170,000 miles

Check engine light: On

5.7L Hemi engine lifter seizures generate metal shavings, leading to catastrophic engine failure — multiple owners independently describe it as a 'common issue' with this engine, and one report documents the same defect at an unusually low 35,000 miles.

$1,10035,000 – 170,000 mi

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Transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly at highway speed

Separately, an interlock switch failure prevents shifting out of park

Check engine light: On

The transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds; separately, a transmission interlock switch failure prevents shifting out of park.

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"Service power steering" warning triggers cascading electrical failure

Gauge cluster blank, A/C and headlights cutting out

Check engine light: On

A 'service power steering' warning triggers a cascading electrical failure — gauge cluster going blank, A/C and headlights cutting out intermittently.

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Defects persisting after a recall repair was completed

Suggests incomplete repairs or an unresolved underlying problem

Check engine light: On

Owners report the same defects persisting after a dealership recall repair was supposedly completed, suggesting incomplete repairs or an underlying problem the recall remedy did not resolve.

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Warranty coverage denied citing vehicle as "out of date"

Despite recent recall work on the same vehicle

Check engine light: On

The manufacturer reportedly refuses warranty coverage by citing vehicles as 'out of date,' despite recent recall work having been performed on the same vehicle.

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Dodge Charger Rough Idle and Shuddering Issues With Multiple Misfire Codes and Hesitation During Acceleration

Rough idle and shuddering issues occur with multiple misfire codes and hesitation during acceleration

Check engine light: On

Rough idle and shuddering issues occur with multiple misfire codes and hesitation during acceleration. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 136 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Thermostat

The check engine light comes on due to a failed thermostat

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a failed thermostat. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 123 owner reports on file.

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Cable Failure in Window Regulator or Motor May Cause Power Windows to Become Inoperative

Cable failure in the window regulator or motor may cause power windows to become inoperative

Check engine light: Off

Cable failure in the window regulator or motor may cause power windows to become inoperative. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 121 owner reports on file.

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Software Updates Will Solve Electrical/Lighting Problems

Software updates will solve electrical and lighting problems

Check engine light: Off

Software updates will solve electrical and lighting problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 118 owner reports on file.

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Lubricate/Replace Lower Seal on Steering Shaft if Squeak Is Heard While Turning

The lower seal on the steering shaft should be lubricated or replaced if a squeak is heard while turning

Check engine light: Off

The lower seal on the steering shaft should be lubricated or replaced if a squeak is heard while turning. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.

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Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System

A cleaner or disinfectant is issued to address a musty odor in the AC system

Check engine light: Off

A cleaner or disinfectant is issued to address a musty odor in the AC system. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 66 owner reports on file.

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The Fuel Tank Is Hard to Fill and/or the Fuel Fill Nozzle Shuts Off Repeatedly While Fueling

The fuel tank is hard to fill and/or the fuel fill nozzle shuts off repeatedly while fueling

Check engine light: Off

The fuel tank is hard to fill and/or the fuel fill nozzle shuts off repeatedly while fueling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 60 owner reports on file.

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Rear Differential/Axle Seals Are Prone to Leaks

The rear differential/axle seals are prone to leaks

Check engine light: Off

The rear differential/axle seals are prone to leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 39 owner reports on file.

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Leaks May Develop at Electrical Connector on Automatic Transmission

Leaks may develop at the electrical connector on the automatic transmission

Check engine light: Off

Leaks may develop at the electrical connector on the automatic transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 34 owner reports on file.

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ESP Warning Light May Flash and/or Noise From Pump

The ESP warning light may flash and/or noise may come from the pump

Check engine light: On

The ESP warning light may flash and/or noise may come from the pump. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.

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Revised Rear Rotors For Brake Squeal in Cold Weather

Revised rear rotors address brake squeal in cold weather

Check engine light: Off

Revised rear rotors address brake squeal in cold weather. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.

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Some owners report the same defects persisting after a dealership recall repair was supposedly completed, and separately report warranty coverage denied by citing the vehicle as 'out of date' despite recent recall work having been performed. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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