Dodge Charger Model Years to Avoid: A Crucial Guide For Buyers

The Dodge Charger is one of the oldest American vehicles in production. Introduced in 1966, the Charger is a symbol of American muscle and performance. This midsize car has evolved through seven generations since its inception and is well known for its bold design and powerful engines.

However, not all releases of this car have lived up to the Charger lineup’s reputation. Some years have seen extreme issues that have made the owners’ experience dreadful. Thus, as a potential buyer, it is a necessity that you be aware of what year Dodge Charger to avoid and which one to consider.

In this article, we will explore the Dodge Charger years to avoid, the most common issues faced by the lineup, and the best years you can consider buying.

Most Problematic Dodge Charger Years To Avoid

The Dodge Charger is a charming lineup that has lived so long that it offers a range of models. Its earlier models can easily be labeled as classic muscle cars, whereas the more recent or modern ones showcase a blend of muscle cars and sports cars.

The classier you want your ride to be, the older you need to look out for. In current times, finding a vehicle that is older than twenty years is not easy. Also, we wouldn’t recommend buying a ride that old. However, the final decision needs to be yours. Still, whatever you decide, you first need to know which year releases are better and which ones need to be avoided. 

2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 are the six model years of the Dodge Charger that you should avoid if you do not wish to own a vehicle that is a burden. The recent releases from the 6th and 7th generations are better compared to the older releases from these generations.

We are not saying other releases did not have some minor issues with them, but these years in particular can be a car buyer’s worst nightmare.

2006 Dodge Charger

In 2006, Dodge introduced the iconic Charger nameplate after a long hiatus; however, the model was far from perfect. Owners have complained about engine, transmission, and electrical problems.

Premature engine failure was the most common issue with this release year, along with frequent engine stalling. Not only this, the transmission was another headache, with frequent complaints related to slipping and complete failure.

Many vehicles were recalled from this model year for a variety of issues, making 2006 the worst for the Dodge Charger. In addition, the interior quality of the 2006 Charger was subpar, with materials feeling cheap and wearing out quickly.

Main Issues

• Transmission slipping and failure
• Engine stalling and premature failure
• Poor interior quality
• Electrical issues

2007 Dodge Charger

The model year 2007 was no better than its predecessor. It continued to suffer from problems related to the engine, transmission, and electrical components. Transmission issues were prevalent this year with hard shifting and sudden failure. The jerky shifts every time you try to change gears and the gear selector sticking in the park were major issues for many buyers.

Electrical problems like malfunctions in the dashboard lights and other electronic systems and car batteries dying out of the blue were also significant concerns. Engine reliability was another problem that came with frequent and costly repairs. Many recalls were issued for this year’s models for a variety of issues.

Main Issues

• Persistent transmission problems
• The electrical system malfunctions
• Engine reliability issues
• Gear selector sticking in park 

2008 Dodge Charger

High performance and reliability are what people were expecting from the Dodge Charger that came back after a long hiatus, but the reintroduction seemed to be a bigger letdown than the hiatus itself. In 2008, Dodge tried to address some of the issues from the previous years, but this year again came with its share of problems.

Engine stalling was again a common complaint that often occurred without warning. Transmission problems persisted, from slipping to jerky shifts to complete failure. Many owners even complained about suspension issues, resulting in a rough and uncomfortable ride.

Electrical issues were still lurking around even this year. There were problems with the ignition, leading to an inability to start the engine, power windows, and door locks not working properly, and a poor stereo system.

Main Issues

• Electrical issues- ignition, power window, and door
• Engine stalling
• Ongoing transmission issues
• Suspension problems

2011 Dodge Charger

The 2011 Dodge Charger came with a new design and upgraded technology, but it wasn’t immune to issues. Electrical system failures were a significant problem, with many reports of battery and alternator issues. These troubles were not only frequent but also costly to repair.

Many owners have complained about having a burning rubber smell in their cabin before the vehicle shuts down completely. In some cases, the “battery power saver” warning message would pop up before the warning lights went out. This was a major concern as it affected people’s safety on the road.

In addition to this, the air conditioning system was also problematic, frequently failing to provide adequate cooling. Furthermore, some owners have even complained about issues with the steering system, leading to a lack of control behind the wheels.

Main Issues

• Electrical system failures- alternator and battery
• Air conditioning problems
• Steering system issues

2012 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger continued to struggle with issues even when it entered the 2012 model year. This year’s releases, in particular, suffered from electrical system failures. There were several complaints regarding the issues with the car’s battery, alternator, and various sensors.

Powertrain-related issues also surfaced this year, with the engine shutting off while driving. Various owners have claimed that their ride will automatically shift into neutral and come to a stop with the engine still running or the ride shutting off completely.

Transmission was another concern this year, with the rough shifting and unexpected failure testing the owner’s patience. Dodge managed to provide improvements in some areas, but the 2012 model year still suffers from significant reliability concerns.

Main Issues

• Persistent electrical problems– charging system faults 
• Powertrain-related troubles
• Transmission reliability issues
• Steering issue
• Sensor malfunctions
• Alternator failure 

2014 Dodge Charger

2014 was another year that saw numerous recalls and complaints, especially related to the powertrain. The electrical system of the vehicle continued to make the buyers miserable, with transmission failure and rough shifting again being the common troublemakers.

Engine stalling and delays between gears were huge concerns, as this occurrence while on the road was life-threatening. Many owners had taken their rides to workshops to fix the issue, but it kept resurfacing again and again. Thus, despite potent engines and modern features, the 2014 Charger’s reliability issues make it a year to avoid.

Main Issues

• Transmission failure
• Electrical system problems
• Multiple recalls on powertrain components

Here Are The Most Common Problems With The Dodge Charger

The specific years came with their fair share of notable issues; however, there were several troubles that were common across multiple model years. From transmission problems, electrical system failures, engine stalling and failure, and suspension issues to air conditioning complications, they plagued almost all the worst years to avoid Dodge Charger.

Below, we have a closer look at all these prominent and recurring issues that, as an interested buyer of a Dodge Charger, you should know about:

1. Premature Engine Failure

The premature engine failure was the most severe and common issue the reintroduced Charger was suffering from. The new rides were built to have more power; however, it came at the cost of the engine. In most cases, the engine would stall and take time to get started, and sometimes when the vehicle was on the road, it would abruptly come to a halt.

The issue was not cheap to handle either. In most scenarios, the engines needed to be replaced or rebuilt, straining the pockets of the buyers.

2. Sticky Gear Shift

The Charger had been testing the patience of its buyers with the most frustrating problem related to the gear shifter. This problem was more related to the shifter design as an accessory instead of the transmission.

All the vehicles from the worst years tend to get stuck in the park. Sure, it was not as big as an engine failure, but the frequent occurrences do get the best of you. The problem usually resolves itself if you stick with it and wait for a few minutes to get the shifter back to its normal state.

3. Premature Wear and Tear On Suspension System

The suspension system of the Charger was another part that was suffering from various problems. The most common issue was the premature wear and tear on the entire system. The rods and stabilizer pin would wear out prematurely, along with issues with the front ball joints and the front inner tie rods. This is a concern, as suspension fixes can be expensive, especially when the parts are dying.

4. Electrical Problems

The issue with electrical components is another thing that has shown up in almost every model year of the Dodge Charger. There were malfunctions with the dash and internal accessories, like warning lights turning on & off, power doors & windows malfunctioning, and more, that had become an everyday occurrence.

However, the most concerning electrical problem was with the ignition. The ignition of the vehicle sometimes struggled to draw power to turn over the engine and get it started. Sometimes the ride would start after a lot of attempts, while other times the vehicle was a complete dud, resulting in the need for professional assistance.

5. Alternator Failure

The alternator issues are another embarrassment for the Dodge Charger. Many owners were smelling a burning rubber smell before their ride completely shut down.

In some cases, the “battery power saver” warning message would pop up, followed by warning lights going all frenzy. The problem could be fixed by replacing the alternator, but it would generally cost around $100 to $400. And including the labor charges, the numbers just keep getting higher and higher.

6. PCM/TCM Problems

Rough shifts or shuddering while shifting gears in a Charger is another common concern of the owners. It was frustrating to be unable to change gears swiftly, especially when surrounded by heavy traffic. The root of this issue stemmed from the powertrain control and transmission modules (PCM and TCM). The only good thing about this issue was that it could be handled by simple software updates.

7. Air Conditioning Problems

Many vehicles suffered from poor air conditioning systems. There were reports of a funky smell filling the cabin as soon as the AC was turned on. This had an easy fix, as a clogged-up air filter and mold buildup near the evaporator might be causing it. Washing the air filter would get rid of the problem. On the other hand, some models’ AC systems were prone to failure, providing inadequate cooling.

8. Airbag

Some Dodge Charger models were unable to release airbags during crashes, risking the lives of people. The worst thing was that there was no dashboard sign to remind drivers to check their airbags.

9. Deforming Door Panels

Dodge Chargers parked under direct sunlight were having their door panels meltdown and warp. In the worst-case scenario, the door panel would fall off, causing safety hazards. Poor installation, adhesion failure, and the use of cheap parts are the main reasons behind the Charger’s faulty doors. This problem led to a nationwide backorder of replacement parts.

10. Brake Issues

Many vehicles reported having the “brake warning” turn on even when the vehicle was totally fine. It was a false notification error, which would put drivers in total panic while behind the wheel.

Best Years Of Dodge Charger

In the last two generations of the Dodge Charger, the vehicle has struggled with big or small issues from time to time. Dodge has worked well in eliminating the life-threatening and stubborn issues from the lineup, and the result is seen in the fact that the most recent models of the lineup have performed reasonably well and have consistently good track records from their users.

Thus, just like years to avoid, the Dodge Charger also has some good years that are reliable, which you can opt for if you want a muscular, sporty ride.

Here are the most reliable model years for the Charger that you can go for:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2013
• 2016
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Dodge Charger Years To Avoid

Conclusion

The Dodge Charger is an iconic and beloved muscle car with a rich history; however, not all of its model years are created equally. If you wish to get the most value for your money, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 are the Dodge Charger years to avoid. Steering clear from these years means there is no need to face common problems like transmission failures, electrical system malfunctions, and engine reliability head-on.

Instead, you can look for more reliable model years like 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. These year’s releases are more liked by buyers and less likely to cause havoc.

Only by avoiding problematic years can you get your hands on a Charger that is good inside and out and that you can rely on easily without having any doubts or second thoughts.