2020 Dodge Charger Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2015-2023 Dodge Charger, high-torque Charger models experience the same driveshaft issues as the Challenger platform. The OEM two-piece driveshaft and U-joints may fail prematurely, especially with hard acceleration, drag strip use, or power modifications.

On the 2011-2023 Dodge Charger 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can develop a ticking noise often related to the rocker arms or hydraulic lifters. This is common on engines with higher mileage or irregular oil change intervals. Some early Pentastar engines had rocker arm design issues that were later updated.

On the 2011-2023 Dodge Charger, hEMI engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can develop a ticking noise from the MDS lifters. This tick is most noticeable at idle and during light acceleration. While often not causing immediate damage, it can indicate lifter wear that may eventually require attention.

On the 2011-2020 Dodge Charger, the alternator can fail prematurely, causing charging system warnings and potential stalling. The battery may not charge properly, leading to electrical issues and eventually a no-start condition. High electrical loads from factory or aftermarket accessories can accelerate alternator wear.

On the 2015-2021 Dodge Charger, the Uconnect infotainment system can experience various issues including freezing, random reboots, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and touchscreen unresponsiveness. Software bugs and radio module failures are common causes.

On the 2015-2023 Dodge Charger, the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can develop harsh shifts, hesitation, or clunking when shifting gears. While generally reliable, some units experience valve body issues or adaptive learning problems that cause shift quality complaints.

On the 2006-2023 Dodge Charger, all Charger generations suffer from rapid front suspension wear including tension struts (radius arms), tie rods, lower control arm bushings, and sway bar end links. Bushings typically worn by 45,000-60,000 miles. Endemic LX/LD platform problem shared with Challenger and 300.

On the 2006-2023 Dodge Charger, a very common and frequently misdiagnosed problem on the Dodge Charger is failure of the EVAP (evaporative emissions) leak-detection device, which causes the PCM to log P0456 (small EVAP leak), P0455 (large EVAP leak), and/or P0457 (leak detected / fuel cap loose) and illuminate the check-engine light. On 2011-and-newer Chargers the system uses an ESIM (Evaporative System Integrity Module) — a natural-vacuum-based switch (the same NVLD-style monitoring concept) mounted directly on the charcoal/EVAP canister behind the passenger-side rear wheel well. With the EVAP system sealed, the PCM watches the ESIM/NVLD switch; if the switch's internal mechanical diaphragm fails or its external O-ring seal degrades, the switch fails to close within the calibrated time and the PCM falsely reports an EVAP leak. The classic giveaway is that a smoke test shows NO actual leak yet the code keeps returning. Because the code is almost always assumed to be a loose or failed gas cap, owners (and shops) often chase the wrong part first — replacing the gas cap and purge valve before discovering the real culprit is the inexpensive ESIM module. The code is low-severity (no driveability or engine damage, only a slight fuel-economy effect) but will fail an emissions/smog test and leaves the CEL on. In a worst-case escalation, the same codes can be caused by a pinhole leak on top of the fuel tank near a fuel-pump lock ring, which requires fuel-tank replacement. On 2022+ cars, Mopar TSB 18-094-23 addresses an over-sensitive EVAP monitor that can falsely set P0455/P0456/P0440/P0441 and is corrected with a PCM software update rather than a part.