2017 Dodge Challenger
Okay, here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2017 Dodge Challenger, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger is a popular muscle car known for its retro styling, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride. Buyers love its aggressive looks and available horsepower, while some find its large size and somewhat dated interior design to be drawbacks. The 2017 Challenger came with several engine options: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 producing 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, a 5.7L Hemi V8 producing 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, a 6.4L Hemi V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque (Hellcat). Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual (available on V8 models) and an 8-speed automatic.
Engine
3.6L Pentastar V6
- Oil Filter Housing Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are commonly found coming from the plastic oil filter housing assembly. This can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if left unaddressed. Oil drips may be visible on the ground or on the engine itself.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing assembly, often with an updated design.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve train ticking
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noises from the valvetrain, specifically the rocker arms. Can occur from wear and tear to the rocker arms.
- Solution: Replacement of the rocker arms, lifters, and lash adjusters.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7L Hemi V8
- “Hemi Tick”
- Description/Symptoms: A noticeable ticking or knocking sound, often more prominent at idle and low speeds. Can be caused by exhaust manifold bolts breaking, collapsed lifters, or excessive valvetrain noise.
- Solution: Diagnosis is crucial. Potential solutions range from replacing exhaust manifold bolts to lifter replacement or more extensive valvetrain work.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (for manifold bolts) - $2,000+ (for lifter/valvetrain work)
- Recalls: None Found
6.4L Hemi V8
- “Hemi Tick”
- Description/Symptoms: A noticeable ticking or knocking sound, often more prominent at idle and low speeds. Can be caused by exhaust manifold bolts breaking, collapsed lifters, or excessive valvetrain noise.
- Solution: Diagnosis is crucial. Potential solutions range from replacing exhaust manifold bolts to lifter replacement or more extensive valvetrain work.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (for manifold bolts) - $2,000+ (for lifter/valvetrain work)
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption between oil changes. Owners report needing to add oil frequently.
- Solution: Varies widely. Could involve replacing PCV valve, valve stem seals, or in severe cases, piston rings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+ (depending on the cause and repair)
- Recalls: None Found
6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (Hellcat)
- Supercharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Supercharger bearing failure, excessive supercharger noise, or reduced boost pressure.
- Solution: Supercharger rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Rough Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
- Solution: Software update to the TCM (Transmission Control Module). Fluid change. In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: A shaking or shuddering sensation, especially at low speeds and light throttle. Often felt when the torque converter locks up.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement. Transmission flush with updated fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Manual (5.7L and 6.4L Hemi V8)
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- Rear differential bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling sounds from the rear end, especially over bumps. Can affect handling and stability.
- Solution: Replacement of the differential bushings
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Uconnect System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and navigation malfunctions.
- Solution: Software updates. Replacement of the Uconnect module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (module replacement)
- Recalls: Recall Number S61: Certain vehicles may experience a loss of the image display for the rearview camera while backing up, causing non-compliance to safety standards. This recall involves a software update.
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Can be caused by a faulty module not shutting down correctly.
- Solution: Diagnosis to find the parasitic drain. Possible replacement of faulty module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to heat properly or become inoperative.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat heating element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2017 Dodge Challenger, while a desirable muscle car, does have some potential issues to be aware of. Engine problems, particularly oil leaks and “Hemi tick,” can be a concern. Transmission issues, especially with the 8-speed automatic, can lead to frustrating driving experiences. Electrical glitches with the Uconnect system are also common. The severity and cost of these issues vary greatly, but some repairs can be quite expensive. A thorough inspection before purchasing a used 2017 Challenger is highly recommended.