Dodge Challenger Problems: 8 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2008-2023 model years · Based on 3,208+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,208+ owner reports, the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger has 8 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure ($300-$2,500 repair) and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure ($1,200-$2,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick with 678 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $2,800. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 8 Known Issues
The rear driveshaft on high-powered Challengers can experience premature U-joint failure or driveshaft issues, especially under hard launches, drag racing, or with aftermarket power upgrades. The factory driveshaft may not handle repeated high-torque loads. Some owners report multiple failures within 50,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Clunking noise when shifting
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Grinding or clicking from under car
- Noticeable play in driveshaft
- Complete driveshaft failure during hard launch
How to Fix
Replace failed U-joints with high-strength units like Spicer SPL70 or SPL90. For repeated failures, upgrade to an aftermarket one-piece aluminum driveshaft from DSS, The Driveshaft Shop, or Tom Woods ($600-1,200). If drag racing or running 500+ HP, a carbon fiber driveshaft ($1,500-2,500) is recommended. Always check driveshaft balance after replacement.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 523+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeThe Driveshaft Shop one-piece aluminum shaft - much stronger than OEM two-piece (The Driveshaft Shop One-Piece Aluminum Driveshaft)
- NoteThe Driveshaft Shop REQUIRES a rear subframe/cradle lockout kit before installing their one-piece driveshaft. Failing to reinforce the rear cradle voids the DSS warranty and can cause damage to the driveshaft or vehicle.
- UpgradeBMR Rear Cradle Lockout Kit - CNC aluminum plates fill factory bushing voids, reducing deflection, wheel hop, and rear-end wiggle. 3-4 hour install. Required companion to one-piece driveshaft upgrades. (BMR Suspension #SCB110)
- UpgradeSpicer SPL70 U-joints are the go-to upgrade for stock shaft - greaseable and stronger (Spicer #SPL70X)
- TipIf you're launching hard at the track, inspect U-joints every 5,000 miles - they're a wear item on these cars
- NoteA failing driveshaft can cause catastrophic damage if it breaks at speed - don't ignore vibrations or clunking
The EPS rack assembly can fail suddenly, causing complete loss of steering assist while driving. Circuit board contamination in the EPS module causes short circuit. Corrosion in rack assembly compounds the issue. Recalls S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) and VB8 (NHTSA 19V-812) cover some vehicles.
Common Symptoms
- Power Steering Assist Off warning message
- Sudden loss of steering assist while driving
- Heavy steering requiring significant effort
- C2217-00 code (EPS Module Internal failure)
- Intermittent power steering loss
How to Fix
Replace EPS rack assembly. Check VIN at safercar.gov for recall eligibility - recalls S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) and VB8 (NHTSA 19V-812) provide free repair for affected vehicles. Post-replacement steering angle sensor recalibration required.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 280+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteCheck VIN at safercar.gov for recalls S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) and VB8 (NHTSA 19V-812) - free EPS rack replacement for affected vehicles
- TipSteering angle sensor recalibration required after replacement - must be done with dealer diagnostic tool
- NoteThis is a safety-critical issue - if you experience intermittent loss of power steering, do not delay repair. Same issue affects Charger and 300
HEMI engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can develop a ticking noise from the hydraulic lifters. This is often related to the MDS deactivation system. Some owners disable MDS via tuner to eliminate the issue.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at idle
- Tick goes away when engine warms up
- Tick more prominent on cold start
- Noise from top of engine
How to Fix
Try a high-quality synthetic oil (0W-40 or 5W-40) with ZDDP additive. An MDS delete kit ($200-400) permanently keeps all 8 cylinders active and eliminates the tick. Alternatively, a performance tuner ($400-600) can disable MDS via software. For severe cases, lifter replacement ($1,500-2,500) may be needed.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 678+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeMany owners switched to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 and reported the tick went away (Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40)
- UpgradeDiabloSport Predator tuner lets you disable MDS without hardware changes (DiabloSport #P2030)
- TipLet the engine fully warm up before hard driving - the tick usually disappears once oil pressure stabilizes
- NoteDon't ignore severe ticking - it can lead to lifter collapse and engine damage if left untreated
The plastic oil filter housing warps and cracks from heat cycling, causing oil leaks from front of engine near oil filter. In severe cases coolant and oil can mix. Common across all Pentastar 3.6L vehicles (Challenger, Charger, 300, Jeep, Ram).
Common Symptoms
- Oil leaking from front of engine near oil filter
- Coolant leak from housing area
- Low oil warnings
- Oil and coolant mixing in severe cases
- Burning oil smell
How to Fix
Replace with Dorman aluminum aftermarket housing (926-959 with oil cooler, 2011-2023) for a permanent fix vs the OEM plastic housing that will crack again. Dorman 926-876 is the earlier version without cooler.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 350+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipDorman 926-959 (aluminum housing with oil cooler) is the permanent fix for 2011-2023 Pentastar 3.6L. Dorman 926-876 is the version without cooler
- NoteDo NOT replace with another OEM plastic housing - it will crack again. Dorman aluminum upgrade eliminates the problem permanently
- TipSame issue affects all Pentastar 3.6L vehicles: Charger, 300, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Ram 1500
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine can develop a ticking noise from worn rocker arms. Unlike the HEMI MDS tick, this is caused by the roller follower rocker arms wearing out prematurely. The issue typically appears between 50,000-100,000 miles and is more common on 2011-2013 engines but can occur on later models.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise from engine at idle
- Tick may worsen when engine is warm
- Check engine light for misfire codes
- Rough idle in severe cases
- Ticking noise changes with RPM
How to Fix
Replace the affected rocker arms. Many owners replace all 24 rocker arms preventatively when doing this repair ($400-800 for parts). Labor is 4-6 hours ($400-600). Total repair cost is typically $800-1,400. Using quality synthetic oil and regular oil changes can help prevent premature wear.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 345+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeReplace with updated rocker arms - Mopar part numbers have been revised multiple times (Mopar Rocker Arm Assembly)
- TipUse Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1 full synthetic - the Pentastar is sensitive to oil quality
Exhaust manifold bolts break due to thermal cycling causing the bolts to become brittle and snap, especially on the passenger side. Dissimilar metals (iron manifold, aluminum head) accelerate the process. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup. Common across all HEMI-powered LX/LC platform vehicles.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking or exhaust leak noise at cold startup
- Noise partially diminishes as engine warms
- Visible exhaust soot around manifold flanges
- Failed emissions inspection
- Exhaust smell in engine bay
How to Fix
Extract broken bolts using ProMAXX drill template tool kit (PMXA200PROP). Replace with Mopar double-ended studs (6509863AA/6510141AA) and Grade 8 nuts instead of bolts. Apply anti-seize on new hardware. Felpro gasket set MS96692 for 2008-2014.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 320+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipMopar double-ended studs 6509863AA/6510141AA with Grade 8 nuts are far more durable than OEM bolts 06507746AA. ProMAXX PMXA200PROP drill template for safe extraction
- TipDorman stainless steel bolt set 03309HP is an aftermarket alternative. Felpro MS96692 gasket set for 2008-2014. Always use new gaskets
- NoteAlways apply anti-seize compound on new hardware to prevent future seizure from thermal cycling
The factory plastic-tank radiators on Challengers are prone to cracking and leaking, especially under spirited driving or in hot climates. The crimped plastic end tanks can fail at the seams. Many owners report needing radiator replacements between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Coolant leak at radiator seams
- Overheating during spirited driving
- Low coolant warnings
- Green or orange puddles under front of car
- Steam from engine bay
How to Fix
Replace with an all-aluminum aftermarket radiator for long-term reliability. Mishimoto, Champion, and CSF offer direct-fit aluminum radiators with lifetime warranties. Also inspect radiator hoses and clamps during replacement. Consider adding a larger fan or oil cooler if tracking the car.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 412+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeMishimoto all-aluminum radiator - direct fit, never have to replace again. Use MMRAD-SRT-15 (2015+) or MMRAD-SRT-09 (2009-2014) (Mishimoto #MMRAD-SRT-15)
- UpgradeFluidyne all-aluminum radiator - made in USA, excellent build quality, popular choice among Challenger owners who track their cars (Fluidyne High Performance Aluminum Radiator)
- UpgradeCSF Racing Radiator - excellent for track use, high flow design (CSF #7210)
- TipSkip the OEM replacement - the plastic tanks will fail again. Go aluminum once and forget about it
- NoteIf tracking your car, add a transmission cooler too - the trans runs hot with the stock setup
The ZF 8HP45/8HP70 8-speed automatic suffers from harsh downshifts (especially 2nd to 1st), rough upshifts with RPM spikes, and clunking when cold. Ferrous or aluminum debris in 3-4 shift pressure valves is the primary failure point. Valve body is the most common component needing replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Harsh downshift from 2nd to 1st with jerking
- Rough upshift from 2nd to 3rd with RPM spike
- Clunk when shifting, especially when cold
- Delayed shifts
- Transmission hesitation
How to Fix
Ensure TCM updated to latest software. Change fluid every 50,000 miles despite 'sealed for life' claim using Mopar 8&9 speed ATF (68218925AA) or ZF Lifeguard 8. Valve body replacement for persistent harsh shifting. Perform QuickLearn procedure after any transmission work.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 300+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipMopar 8&9 speed ATF (68218925AA) or ZF Lifeguard 8 - change every 50,000 miles despite 'sealed for life' claim. 8 liters for service
- TipGet latest TCM software update from dealer first - many shifting complaints resolved by calibration update alone
- TipQuickLearn procedure must be performed after any transmission work or fluid change for adaptive shift to recalibrate
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Challenger problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,208+ owner reports, the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure, HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Challenger reliable?
The 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger has 8 known issues documented across 3,208+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Challenger problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Challenger issues range from $100 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure, typically costs $300-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Dodge Challenger is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Dodge Challenger. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger with 8 documented issues from 3,208+ owner reports.
Get DIY Repair Guides for Your Dodge Challenger
AI-powered step-by-step repair and maintenance guides tailored to your exact vehicle. Enter your year, make, and model to get started.
Get Started Free