2018 Dodge Charger

Alright, here is a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Dodge Charger, categorized as requested.

The 2018 Dodge Charger is a popular full-size sedan known for its aggressive styling, spacious interior, and powerful engine options. Engine choices include the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (around 292-300 hp and 260-264 lb-ft of torque depending on trim), the 5.7L HEMI V8 (around 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque), the 6.4L HEMI V8 (around 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque), and the supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 (around 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque). An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across all trims. Owners often praise the Charger’s performance, comfortable ride (especially in non-performance trims), and user-friendly infotainment system. Common complaints include relatively poor fuel economy (especially with the V8 engines), some cheap interior plastics, and the car’s large size making it somewhat difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Oil Cooler Housing Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leak, often from the plastic oil cooler housing located in the valley of the engine. Can lead to overheating and engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler housing with an updated aluminum version to prevent future leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L HEMI V8

• HEMI Tick (Lifter Noise)
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise, especially when the engine is cold. Often attributed to the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters failing or becoming noisy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters and potentially the camshaft. Requires significant engine disassembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.4L HEMI V8 No Issues Found

6.2L Supercharged HEMI Hellcat V8 No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting between gears, delays in gear engagement, or slipping. Can be more pronounced in lower gears. Sometimes accompanied by error codes.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to rule out other causes (like low fluid level). May require transmission valve body replacement, TCM (Transmission Control Module) reprogramming/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (for valve body) to $5,000+ (for replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Creaking/Popping
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps. Often related to worn sway bar end links or control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected sway bar end links and/or control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side, depending on the specific components replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Uconnect System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Uconnect infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes frequently. Can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and other features integrated into the system.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. Check for and install any available software updates from the dealer. If the issue persists, the Uconnect module may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) to $800+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect tire pressure readings, false warnings, or failure of the TPMS system to function at all.
  • Solution: Check and replace faulty TPMS sensors. Ensure proper programming of the sensors to the vehicle’s system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per sensor, plus programming.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Light Bar Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sections of the LED rear light bar (the continuous light strip across the trunk) failing to illuminate. This can present a safety issue, especially at night.
  • Solution: Replacement of the entire rear light bar assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters fail to work properly, either not heating at all or overheating.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the seat heater element, control module, and wiring. Replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Dodge Charger, while a popular and enjoyable vehicle, has its share of potential issues. The severity and cost vary, with engine-related problems (especially oil cooler leaks on the V6 and lifter issues on the 5.7L V8) being among the most concerning due to their potential for significant expense. Electrical glitches with the Uconnect system and TPMS are also common annoyances. While not all Chargers will experience these problems, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and carefully inspect any used Charger before purchasing it, as well as ensure proper and timely maintenance.