2006 Dodge Charger

Introduction: The 2006 Dodge Charger is a full-size muscle car with a variety of engine and transmission options. Available engine options include a 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.7L V8, and a 6.1L V8. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual. The Charger is popular for its aggressive styling and powerful engines, but it also has a number of known issues.

Engine

2.7L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include engine overheating, coolant leaks, and a decrease in engine performance. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. Symptoms include engine noise, loss of power, and engine damage. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

3.5L V6

• Oil Consumption: The 3.5L V6 engine can consume excessive oil, especially in high-mileage vehicles. Symptoms include low oil levels, blue smoke from the exhaust, and engine damage. The solution is to replace the piston rings and valve seals. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

5.7L V8

• Hemi Tick: The 5.7L Hemi V8 engine can develop a ticking noise, known as the “Hemi tick.” This is a common issue that is caused by the hydraulic lifters. The solution is to replace the hydraulic lifters. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure: The intake manifold runner control can fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power. Symptoms include engine hesitation, stumbling, and a decrease in fuel economy. The solution is to replace the intake manifold runner control. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

6.1L V8

• Lifter Failure: The lifters in the 6.1L V8 engine can fail, causing engine noise, loss of power, and engine damage. Symptoms include a ticking noise, a decrease in engine performance, and engine overheating. The solution is to replace the lifters. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,000+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Hard Shifting: The 4-speed automatic transmission can develop a problem with hard shifting. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a shuddering sensation when shifting. The solution is to replace the transmission fluid and filter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Transmission Failure: The 4-speed automatic transmission can fail completely, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. Symptoms include no movement when shifting gears, slipping gears, and grinding noises. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,500 - $3,500+

5-Speed Automatic

• Solenoid Failure: The solenoids in the 5-speed automatic transmission can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include delayed shifting, no shifting, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the solenoid(s). Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter in the 5-speed automatic transmission can fail, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include shuddering when accelerating, loss of acceleration, and overheating. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure: The clutch in the 6-speed manual transmission can wear out, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Synchronizer Failure: The synchronizers in the 6-speed manual transmission can fail, causing grinding noises when shifting gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the synchronizer(s). Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: The front struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce and handle poorly. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a clunking noise when turning. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to lose alignment and handle poorly. Symptoms include uneven tire wear, a pulling sensation when braking or accelerating, and a clunking noise when turning. The solution is to replace the ball joint(s). Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Battery Discharge: The battery can discharge prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and become inoperable. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure: The door handles can fail, making it difficult to open the doors. Symptoms include difficulty opening the doors, a broken door handle, and a rattling noise when opening the doors. The solution is to replace the door handle(s). Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Paint Peeling: The paint on the vehicle can peel, especially on older models. Symptoms include peeling paint, fading paint, and a loss of shine. The solution is to repaint the vehicle. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $3,000+

Interior

• Seat Recliner Failure: The seat recliners can fail, making it difficult to adjust the seats. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the seats, a broken seat recliner, and a rattling noise when adjusting the seats. The solution is to replace the seat recliner(s). Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard can crack, especially on older models. Symptoms include a cracked dashboard, a rattling noise, and a loss of aesthetics. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary: The 2006 Dodge Charger is a popular muscle car with a variety of engine and transmission options. However, it also has a number of known issues, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, electrical problems, exterior problems, and interior problems. The severity of the issues varies, but some of them can be expensive to fix. If you are considering buying a 2006 Dodge Charger, it is important to be aware of the potential problems and to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.