Which Dodge Charger Years To Avoid and Why? (Explained)

In recent years, muscle cars have been popular, and the Dodge Charger is one of the best-known muscle cars of all time, having a long-standing fan base. The charger is one of several modern muscle vehicles that may be found in a wide variety of body shapes, engine capacity, and transmission options.

While 2006 is plagued with several faults and numerous complaints, many other model years are also plagued with troubles and should be avoided, if at all possible.

Don’t worry, at the conclusion of this article you’ll know which years to avoid and which is the best year to get a dodge charger.

Dodge Charger Years to Avoid (With Reasons)

If you plan on purchasing a Dodge Charger in the near future, you should be aware of a few typical concerns.

Owners of the Charger discuss some of the troubles they’ve had to deal with, as well as the fixes and treatments that worked for them.

If you want to get the most out of your Dodge Charger purchase, steer clear of the model years listed below.

  • 2006 Dodge Charger
  • 2007 Dodge Charger
  • 2008 Dodge Charger
  • 2011 Dodge Charger
  • 2012 Dodge Charger
  • 2014 Dodge Charger

All these mentioned years have received over 680 complaints recorded on Carcomplaints. These years have also been fraught with a slew of problems.

The most common issue with the Dodge Charger is early engine failure, which is particularly prevalent in the 2006 model. However, accessory difficulties, powertrain problems, and suspension problems are all quite frequent for the Dodge Charger as well.

2006 Dodge Charger Problems:

Complaints totaling more than 188 have been made on the carcomplaints.com website for the model year 2006. Engine-related difficulties are the most prevalent problem with the Dodge Charger, but this model year has approximately 105 records of engine problems.

Typical engine problems for 2006 models include: premature engine failure, engine dying in the middle of a drive, valve seat failure, engine knocking, clicking noise while starting, broken dipstick, check engine light on, and hole in piston.

2007 Dodge Charger Problems:

Transmission problems are among the most prevalent complaints about the 2007 Dodge Charger.

Problems with K39 Interlock Lever, Reverse Not Working, and Transmission Slipping are the most commonly reported. Owners had to deal with a major gear shifting issue.

The gear shift is reportedly trapped in park as a result of a cheap, poorly built plastic part from Dodge. This car develops a new fault every several months, even after being repaired.

The 2007 Dodge Charger’s engine was also unreliable. There were several reports of the engine shutting off whilst driving.

Some owners also experienced an engine failure. These issues necessitate a full replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars.

2008 Dodge Charger Problems:

While driving, engine stalls/shuts down with a ticking noise. Check Engine Light On and Common Engine Problems with the 2008 Dodge Charger

Interior problems such as a child safety lock that is not working properly, a radio that is not working properly, a gear shift that is stuck in park, an ignition switch that is faulty, a clock spring that has failed, and a swollen dashboard have all been reported

2011 Dodge Charger Problems:

Among the numerous problems with the 2011 Dodge Charger include engine issues, interior accessory issues (including lighting), electrical issues, steering issues, outside accessory issues, and AC / heater issues. These issues are difficult to detect and can be extremely expensive to rectify if discovered.

The most common problem with engines is engine failure. There have been reports of owners experiencing troubles such as “The engine is potentially blown owing to water pump leakage into the timing belt compartment, generating oil sludge and many oil leaks.” Even after the planned maintenance, it continues to overheat.

The 2011 Dodge Charger’s fuel system proved unreliable. Fuel tank leaks, a strong odor of gasoline in the cabin, and faulty fuel pumps were among the most prevalent problems.

2012 Dodge Charger Problems:

The year 2012 is well-known for its electrical problems. In addition to alternator failure, other electrical problems include: Engine Won’t Start, Alternator Went Out, and All Electrical Shutting Down.

The engine in this Dodge Charger was likewise problematic. Even six years later, motorists were still complaining about their engines stopping while driving.

In these kinds of settings, the risk of a rear-end accident is very real. Ticking noises originating from the engine have also been noted by owners, which can signify engine failure.

2014 Dodge Charger Problems:

This year’s problems are eerily similar to those raised by Earlier; it appears that Dodge is failing to address these problems. such as issues with the engine or transmission.

Electrical issues, steering issues, interior accessories issues, and suspension issues are all present in this year but they were reported considerably less frequently. This model’s engine concerns included oil leaks and engine power loss.

Transmission problems returned with this model. There were shifting faults, which impeded the vehicle’s operation, according to complaints from owners.

What is the Worst Years of Dodge Charger?

  • 2006 Dodge Charger
  • 2011 Dodge Charger

These are the two Dodge model years with the highest complaints on carcomplaints. These two are absolute no- no’s.

The 2006 Dodge Charger receives the most complaints overall, and the most-reported issue is premature engine failure. And 2011 has got significant electrical problems.

What is the Most Common Problems of Dodge Charger?

There are virtually few complaints about the Dodge Charger. Listed below are some of the most significant drawbacks of the previous model, which helped place it at the top of our “avoid” list. W This portion of the article, on the other hand, will concentrate on the most prevalent.

1. Premature Engine Failure:

Having a Dodge Charger with a premature engine failure is both the most prevalent and the most significant condition to watch out for. 2006 and 2008 models are mostly suffered from this problem. Even while these cars are designed for high performance, the frequent engine problems aren’t explained or excused by that fact.

2. Gear Shift:

The gear changer is one of the most irritating, although not necessarily serious, issues.

Specifically, 2007 and 2014 appear to be affected by this issue. The Dodge Charger’s gear change often gets stuck in park. It normally takes a few minutes to get the shifter back to normal.

3. Door Panels Are Warping:

This is another problematic issue mostly seen on the 7th generation Chargers. 2016 charger has reported to have this issue.

The door panels are falling apart. It’s also starting to peel away from the trim around the gear shift. This is a result of shoddy design.

4. Alternator failure:

This problem was described as displaying a “Safe Battery Mode” warning or indication. A whining sound, followed by a stench of hot rubber, are all signs of an alternator that is malfunctioning.

This problem has plagued the entire year of 2011

Which Dodge Charger Years are Safe to Buy?

So far, what do you think of Dodge? Actually, Dodge Charger isn’t all that horrible. As a result, let’s take a look at some years that are safe to purchase-

  • 2009 Dodge Charger
  • 2017 Dodge Charger
  • 2018 Dodge Charger
  • 2019 Dodge Charger
  • 2020 Dodge Charger
  • 2021 Dodge Charger

Dodge Charger 2020  should your first choice you are looking for one. Although this model is two years old, it is one of the most trustworthy.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offers decent comfort. Similar to the 2020 model, it boasts superb seats with lumbar support.

The 2018 Dodge Charger shines in every category. With a big and comfortable cabin, you will enjoy your daily commutes.

The 2019 muscle vehicle has been adored by many, especially because to its exceptional road performance. No one can dispute that it is an incredible muscle vehicle.

2017 Dodge Charger is in this list for a reason. The only issue , its inside is less spacious than its replacement.

2009 is the old generation but definitely worth it. Its appearance is magnificent.

Which Dodge Charger Year Have The Most Engine Issues?

2006 Dodge Charger has the most engine issues recorded on carcomplaints. 105 complaints have been lodged for this particular issue. 2007 and 2008 year is also plagued with this issue having 34 and 26 complaints recorded.

How Long Do Dodge Chargers Usually Last?

Between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, the Dodge Charger is expected to last. Of course, this assumes adequate upkeep and attention.

So,if the average American driver travels 13,500 miles every calendar year, they’ll still have their Charger on their 38th birthday, or 22 years from today!

Are Dodge Chargers Expensive to Maintain?

A Dodge driver spends an average of $634 on maintenance each year, according to RepairPal.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that your Dodge maintenance costs may vary based on the age, mileage, model, region, and dependability of your vehicle, even if this average includes both normal and unexpected repairs.

Dodge automobiles are somewhat less costly to maintain than the industry average of $652. Their yearly maintenance costs aren’t nearly as high as that of a high-end luxury car, which may cost upwards of $850 each year.

Conclusion

For the record, the Dodge Charger has seen better and worse times over its 50-year lifespan. For many years, it has been a hugely successful vehicle thanks to a variety of design tweaks.

Dodge Charger’s newer models have been more dependable than ever before, as can be seen in this list of the greatest and worst years to own a Dodge Charger.

The 2020 model has taken the lead, and it is evident that it is the victor. If you can afford it, I strongly advise you to get it. Hope this article helped you.

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