The Dodge Charger is a fun car to drive, but some model years are more trouble than they’re worth.
If you’re looking at a 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2010 Charger, be ready for problems like engine failures, transmission issues, and electrical system glitches.
These years are known for expensive repairs and frequent trips to the mechanic.
Knowing which years to avoid can save you a lot of time and money, making your Charger ownership much smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t buy 2006-2008 Dodge Chargers because of engine and transmission problems.
- The 2010 Dodge Charger has major electrical issues.
- The 2011 and 2012 Dodge Chargers often have electrical and transmission problems.
- The 2014 Dodge Charger has a rough and unreliable transmission.
- Many years, including 2006, 2011, and 2012, have Takata airbag recalls.
Common Dodge Charger Issues
When looking at the Dodge Charger, it’s important to know about some common problems, especially with the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 models.
The transmission tends to be a big issue, with many owners dealing with rough shifting and early failures. These problems can be expensive to fix and make the car less reliable. Signs of trouble include delayed gear changes, slipping, and unexpected downshifting. In the worst cases, you might even need to replace the whole transmission.
Knowing these potential issues can help you make a better choice and maybe steer clear of these particular years, leading to fewer problems and more predictable maintenance costs.
2006 Dodge Charger Problems
Let’s look at some common problems that have affected Dodge Charger models over the years. First, the 2006 Charger often has issues with the engine failing too soon.
The 2007 and 2011 models have problems with rough shifting in the transmission.
The 2012 Charger often faces electrical problems, especially with the charging system.
For the 2011 Charger, many owners report that the alternator fails early, which hurts the car’s reliability.
The 2007 model has issues with the gear selector getting stuck in park.
Lastly, the 2006 model is known for having both engine and transmission problems, making it a year to steer clear of.
Understanding these six issues is crucial for knowing which Dodge Charger years to be cautious about.
2007 Dodge Charger Concerns
Several common issues have affected Dodge Charger models, especially certain years. Owners have reported various problems that can seriously impact the car’s reliability and performance.
One of the biggest complaints is about the transmission, which can shift roughly and fail early.
There are also frequent reports of engine troubles and electrical system failures.
Transmission problems: Rough shifting and early failure
Engine issues: Early engine failure and performance problems
Electrical problems: Frequent electronic malfunctions
Recalls: Multiple recalls affecting safety and reliability
Reliability concerns: Ongoing issues with various parts
Evaluating the 2008 Charger
Looking at the 2008 Dodge Charger, you can see it has a lot of problems, especially with the transmission and engine. Many owners talk about the engine failing early, which leads to expensive repairs. The transmission also has issues, causing unpredictable shifting and sometimes total failure.
Compared to other Chargers, the 2008 model has lower reliability ratings, meaning it often needs more maintenance. Electrical problems and drivetrain issues add to the hassle, requiring a lot of troubleshooting.
Because of these problems, the 2008 Charger isn’t the best choice. If you want a Dodge Charger, it’s better to avoid the 2008 model year for a more reliable and smoother experience.
Issues With 2010 Charger
The 2010 Dodge Charger has a lot of problems with its electrical system and transmission. Owners often notice jerky shifting and engine failures starting around 94,950 miles.
Updating the transmission control module can help with some of the shifting issues, but overall, this year’s model has a lot of problems.
Electrical System Failures
The 2010 Dodge Charger is known for having a lot of electrical problems. These issues affect the power windows, locks, and dashboard lights, causing many owners to complain and spend a lot on repairs. The main causes are bad wiring, faulty control modules, and poor grounding. This leads to erratic electronic systems, sudden power loss, and random warning lights on the dashboard.
Common problems include:
- Power windows not working properly
- Locks not working consistently
- Dashboard light issues
- Sudden loss of electrical power
- Frequent warning lights
These ongoing electrical problems make the 2010 Charger less dependable. Fixing these issues can be tough and expensive, which can really hurt the car’s reliability and how happy you’re with it.
Transmission Performance Issues
The 2010 Dodge Charger has some notable transmission issues, like rough shifting and jerky transitions. Many owners have complained about these problems, which affect how the car drives.
Common issues include delayed gear changes, unpredictable shifting, and general transmission troubles. These problems can lead to worries about the car’s reliability and potential repair costs.
It’s crucial to keep up with regular maintenance and address any signs of transmission trouble right away to avoid bigger problems.
The transmission issues with the 2010 Charger highlight the need to stay on top of performance concerns to prevent expensive repairs and ensure a smoother driving experience.
2011 Dodge Charger Reliability
Dodge Charger reliability varies a lot depending on the model year, with some years having more mechanical and electrical problems. Models from 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 are especially troublesome. These years have had many recalls and reliability issues, making them less attractive to buyers.
By avoiding these specific years, you can reduce the chance of expensive repairs and maintenance.
- 2006: Engine and transmission problems.
- 2007: Frequent electrical system failures.
- 2008: Issues with engine stalling and overheating.
- 2011: Recalls related to powertrain components.
- 2012: Persistent problems with both mechanical and electrical systems.
Choose other years for a more reliable driving experience.
2012 Charger Electrical Problems
If you’re looking at buying a Dodge Charger, it’s important to know that the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 models have had a lot of electrical problems. These issues can mess with how the car runs and might cost a lot to fix. Common problems include random electrical glitches and issues with the charging system.
To avoid these headaches, it’s best to go for newer models. Always check how reliable the electrical system is in these specific years to avoid trouble and keep the car running smoothly. Choosing a newer model can help you steer clear of these ongoing electrical issues.
Transmission Issues in 2014
If you’re thinking about getting a 2014 Dodge Charger, you should know that many owners have had big problems with the transmission. These issues include rough shifting, delays in changing gears, and even complete transmission failures, which can be very costly to fix.
Knowing about these common transmission problems and how to maintain the car can help you make a better decision.
Shifting Quality Concerns
The 2014 Dodge Charger has had a lot of complaints from owners about its transmission, especially with rough and unpredictable shifting. These issues make driving uncomfortable and uncertain.
If you’re thinking about a 2014 Charger, keep these points in mind:
- Rough Shifting: Owners say the gear changes are harsh and jarring.
- Unpredictable Shifting: The transmission can change gears unexpectedly, making control hard.
- Safety Concerns: Unreliable shifting can be a safety risk.
- Frequent Complaints: Many drivers have reported these problems.
- Less Enjoyable Driving: Poor shifting quality affects how much you enjoy driving.
Think about these issues to avoid transmission problems and ensure a smoother driving experience.
Common Transmission Problems
Many owners of the 2014 Dodge Charger have reported problems with the transmission. The most common issue is rough and jerky shifting, especially with the 5-speed automatic transmission. This can make driving less smooth and could lead to long-term damage if not fixed.
The rough shifting happens during both low and high speeds, which can be very frustrating. Fixing these problems might require repairs or software updates.
If you’re thinking about getting a 2014 Charger, be aware that these transmission issues could affect how well the car performs and how reliable it is.
Maintenance and Solutions
Fixing the transmission problems in a 2014 Dodge Charger requires regular maintenance and some specific solutions to reduce rough and jerky shifting. Keeping up with maintenance can prevent more issues and make your car drive better.
Here are some key steps:
- Check Fluids: Regularly check and change the transmission fluid to ensure everything is well-lubricated.
- Software Updates: Make sure your Charger’s transmission control module (TCM) has the latest software updates.
- Replace Filters: Change the transmission filter to keep it from getting clogged and to improve fluid flow.
- Inspect Torque Converter: Look at the torque converter and replace it if necessary to stop shuddering.
- Get Professional Help: Have a certified mechanic run diagnostics to find and fix any underlying problems.
Warped Door Panels
A lot of Dodge Charger owners, especially those with 2006, 2007, and 2012 models, deal with big problems like warped door panels because of sun exposure. This issue usually shows up when the car is about four years old and has around 30,000 miles on it.
Warped door panels not only make your Charger look bad but also mess with how the doors work, making owning the car annoying. Replacing these panels can be expensive, which only adds to the frustration. It’s important to fix this problem quickly to stop it from getting worse and to keep your car’s value up.
Regular maintenance and protecting your car from the sun can help a bit, but it’s still a major issue for these years.
Takata Airbag Recalls
The Takata airbag recalls have affected Dodge Charger models from 2006, 2011, and 2012 because of faulty inflators that can be very dangerous. These recalls matter a lot because the inflators can break apart and cause serious injuries or even death.
If you have one of these cars, you should take action right away.
- Affected Years: 2006, 2011, 2012
- Risk: Inflator rupture causing injury or death
- Solution: Contact your local dealership for a free replacement
- Scope: One of the biggest recalls in car history
- Importance: Crucial for the safety of you and your passengers
Making sure your car complies with the Takata airbag recall is essential for your safety.
E-Shift Design Flaws
While making sure your Dodge Charger meets the Takata airbag recall requirements, you should also be aware of the e-Shift issues affecting the 2011 and 2012 models. These problems have caused major shifting troubles and many complaints from owners.
People have reported having a hard time with the gear shifter, which can lead to transmission problems and negatively affect your driving experience. The faulty e-Shift design in these model years makes them less reliable compared to other years.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to choose Dodge Charger models from years other than 2011 and 2012. This way, you can avoid the e-Shift design flaws altogether.
Dodge Charger Safety Concerns
When thinking about Dodge Charger safety issues, you should look out for problems with the interior door panels, as they can affect the car’s safety ratings.
Also, be aware of airbag recalls and transmission shift quality, which can be risky for both drivers and passengers.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help keep your car safe.
Interior Door Panel Issues
Dodge Charger owners often deal with problems with the interior door panels, which can look bad and might even affect the car’s safety. These issues usually show up in older models, with the door panels starting to warp or melt after about 4 years or around 30,000 miles. These defects can cause several safety concerns, like messing with airbag deployment and not providing enough protection during side impacts. It’s important to fix these issues quickly to keep the car safe.
- Warped or melting door panels
- Problems with airbag deployment
- Higher risk of injury in side impacts
- High costs to replace panels
- Lower overall safety ratings
Airbag Recall Problems
Another major safety concern for Dodge Charger owners is the airbag recall issues, especially in the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 models. These years have had Takata airbag recalls, which pose serious safety risks. The recalled airbags can deploy incorrectly, leading to severe injury or even death.
It’s important to be aware of these airbag recall problems when looking at these specific model years. Choosing different years can greatly improve your safety and peace of mind. Make sure to do thorough research to avoid these models so you can reduce the risks linked to the airbag recall issues and have a safer driving experience.
Transmission Shift Quality
Transmission shift quality issues have been a big worry for Dodge Charger owners because they can affect the car’s safety. Problems with shifting gears can cause slow acceleration, unexpected gear changes, and even complete transmission failure, which are all serious safety risks.
It’s crucial to fix these problems quickly to keep driving safely. Regular check-ups and maintenance are key to avoiding these dangers.
Here are some important points to remember:
- Slow acceleration: This can make it dangerous to merge or pass other cars.
- Unexpected gear changes: Can cause sudden speed changes.
- Transmission failure: Means the car could stop working altogether.
- Less control of the vehicle: Makes it harder to handle and keep stable.
- Effect on safety ratings: Bad reviews can lower the car’s safety scores.
Make sure to keep up with maintenance to avoid these problems.
Owner Complaints and Grievances
Owners of the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 Charger models have reported a bunch of issues, including frequent engine failures and unpredictable electrical system problems. Engine troubles are especially common, with many owners talking about breakdowns that need expensive repairs or even complete replacements.
Electrical issues are also widespread, with problems like malfunctioning lights, bad alternators, and faulty wiring. On top of that, these models often have premature transmission wear, leading to rough gear shifts and unexpected breakdowns.
All these mechanical and electrical problems highlight why it’s a good idea to avoid these specific model years. If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Charger, choosing different years can help you avoid these persistent and costly issues.
Service Bulletins and Recalls
Service bulletins and recalls for the Dodge Charger have pointed out critical problems in the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 models. If you’re thinking about buying one of these cars, it’s important to know about these issues because they can affect safety and how well the car runs.
Here are some of the main problems found in these models:
- Engine stalling: The engine can shut down unexpectedly, which is dangerous.
- Transmission failure: Problems with shifting gears can cause the car to break down.
- Airbag malfunctions: The airbags mightn’t work properly, putting passengers at risk.
- Electrical issues: Issues like frequent battery drainage and bad alternators.
- Fuel system problems: Leaks and faulty fuel pumps can cause the car to run poorly.
Knowing about these recalls can help you make a smarter decision when buying a Dodge Charger.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Taking care of your Dodge Charger regularly helps it stay reliable and perform well over the years. Start by changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep the engine running smoothly.
Change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles to prevent rough shifting. Check the brakes, including the pads and rotors, every 20,000 miles.
To avoid electrical problems, check the battery and alternator every year. Replace the spark plugs and air filters as recommended in your owner’s manual.
Doing these simple maintenance tasks not only helps your car last longer but also makes driving more enjoyable and can save you from expensive repairs down the road.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Dodge Caravan, Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Charger, you should avoid the 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010 models. These years are known for having a lot of engine, transmission, and electrical issues that can be costly and frequent.
To have a safer and more reliable car, pick a different model year. This way, you’ll have a smoother ride and dodge the headaches that come with these problem-prone versions.
