The seventh-generation Charger brought American V8 muscle to the four-door sedan format for a remarkably long 12-year production run (2011-2023). The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 produces 370 hp (276 kW), paired with a five-speed automatic up to the 2014 model year and the ZF 8HP from 2015, delivering strong straight-line performance in a full-size package. European cars delivered through AEC were rear-wheel drive. In Europe these are grey-market imports or delivered through specialist importers like AEC Europe, which means servicing requires a US-car specialist and parts often need to be sourced from the US.· more· less
Proven HEMI V8, capable of high mileageComfortable full-size four-door sedan
MDS lifter/cam failures are expensiveLimited parts and specialist access in EU
Buy if: You want an authentic V8 sedan with strong performance and can access a US-car specialist for servicing in your region.
Avoid if: You need convenient dealer access in Europe or cannot budget for potential drivetrain repairs that require specialist knowledge and US-sourced parts.
MDS lifter roller bearings fail, damaging the camshaft lobes · more· less
The most widely discussed issue on the 5.7 HEMI across all applications. The Multi-Displacement System uses special hydraulic lifters that can seize when the roller bearing fails. This causes the roller to skid on the camshaft lobe, grinding through it. Announced by a persistent ticking from the top of the engine, especially on cold start. Estimates of how many engines are affected range from 5% to 10%, though forum sampling tends to overrepresent failures. The root cause is insufficient oil flow to the roller bearings at low RPM and idle. Chrysler improved the lifter design in mid-2014 (larger needle bearings) and again in early 2019. Pre-2014 cars are most susceptible. When failure occurs, all 16 lifters plus the camshaft typically need replacing because metal debris contaminates the oil system. Parts run approximately €1,500-2,000 and labor around 20 hours. In Europe, expect the higher end due to parts import and specialist labor. Consistent 5W-20 synthetic oil changes every 10,000 km and avoiding extended idling help reduce risk. A MDS delete kit (€300-500 installed) eliminates the root cause.
Exhaust manifold bolt breakage
up to €2,5002 of 9
Cast iron manifold bolts snap due to thermal cycling against the aluminum heads · more· less
One of the most common HEMI issues across all applications. The dissimilar metals (cast iron manifold bolts, aluminum cylinder head) create galvanic corrosion that weakens the bolts over time. Repeated heat cycling eventually snaps them. The rear passenger-side bolt is typically the first to go. Symptoms include a metallic ticking on cold start that quiets as the engine warms. Simple bolt extraction and replacement costs around €500, but if bolts break flush with the head, drilling and helicoil repair pushes the bill higher. If the manifold itself is warped or cracked from running with broken bolts, full manifold replacement costs €1,500-2,500. Aftermarket stainless steel bolt kits significantly reduce recurrence. On high-mileage examples, this repair is almost inevitable.
Alternator diode failure (2011-2014 models)
up to €8003 of 9
Internal diodes overheat under the load from electro-hydraulic power steering, causing sudden failure · more· less
Chrysler recalled approximately 442,000 vehicles including 2011-2014 Chargers equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering and 160/180/220-amp alternators. The diodes suffer thermal fatigue from the cyclical loads imposed by the EHPS system, leading to sudden failure without warning. This can disable ABS, stability control, and the engine control module, potentially causing a stall while driving. Failed diodes can also short-circuit and generate heat, smoke, or fire within the alternator housing. The recall replaces the alternator with an upgraded unit containing improved diodes. On any used 2011-2014 Charger R/T, verify the recall has been completed. Even post-recall, the alternator remains a wear item that typically needs replacement around 100,000-130,000 km. Cost in Europe is higher than US due to parts sourcing.
Water pump failure
up to €1,2004 of 9
Bearing failure causes coolant leak, typically between 60,000 and 120,000 km · more· less
Water pump bearing failures are well-documented on the 5.7 HEMI. The pump bearing wears out, leading to coolant leaking from the weep hole or from the O-ring on the tube entering the back of the water pump. Symptoms include coolant dripping from the front of the engine, a whining noise, or coolant temperature warnings. Most failures occur between 80,000 and 120,000 km, though some owners report failure as early as 50,000 km. The part costs approximately €150-300 and labor runs €400-600 at a European specialist. When the water pump is replaced, the drive belt and coolant should also be renewed. Overheating from a failed pump can lead to head gasket damage if not caught quickly.
Blend door actuator failure
up to €5005 of 9
Plastic gears inside the HVAC actuators strip out, causing clicking and temperature control loss · more· less
One of the most common complaints across the LX/LC platform. The blend door actuators use internal plastic gears that strip out over time. Symptoms include a repetitive clicking or tapping sound from behind the dashboard when the engine starts or the temperature is adjusted, and air that does not match the selected temperature. One side may blow hot while the other blows cold. The passenger-side actuator is relatively easy to replace (the part costs €30-60), but the driver-side actuator is significantly more difficult to access and may require several hours of labor. After replacement, the system needs to be recalibrated. No recall or TSB exists despite the issue being extremely common on all model years.
Uconnect touchscreen delamination (2017+ models)
up to €1,5006 of 9
Gel adhesive layer between the touch glass and LCD degrades, causing bubbling and cracking · more· less
Affects 2017 and later Chargers equipped with the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. The gel-based adhesive that bonds the touch-screen glass to the LCD panel dries out and hardens from heat cycling and UV exposure. This creates visible bubbles, cracks, and delamination that progressively worsen. The screen remains functional initially but eventually the touch layer stops responding accurately. Dealer replacement of the entire head unit costs €1,000-1,500. Third-party screen repair services offer alternatives from €600. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Stellantis over this defect, but no recall has been issued. The issue is cosmetic at first but becomes a functional problem over time.
Door panel delamination (2015+ models)
up to €1,0007 of 9
Interior door panel trim separates and lifts away from the door near the window line · more· less
A widespread issue on 2015 and later Chargers. The door panel trim begins to separate and lift up near the base of the window, eventually peeling across the entire panel. The front driver door is typically affected first, but all four doors can develop the problem. The root cause is lower-quality adhesive used from 2015 onwards (2011-2014 models used a more durable bonding method). Sun exposure and heat cycles accelerate the delamination. Dodge honoured repairs under the United States basic warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, which does not cover a European import, and out of warranty the panels cost €150-250 each. Replacement panels have been on backorder for extended periods. A class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that FCA knew about the defect before sale.
Rear differential pinion seal leak
up to €1,0008 of 9
Pinion seal weeps differential fluid, potentially leading to bearing damage if ignored · more· less
The rear differential pinion seal on the Charger is documented as prone to leaking, with 39 reports on RepairPal alone. The leak typically develops gradually and may go unnoticed until differential fluid level drops low enough to cause bearing noise or whining at highway speeds. A straightforward seal replacement costs €250-400, but if the leak is ignored and bearing damage occurs, a differential rebuild can cost €800-1,000. Proper repair requires measuring the pinion nut rotational torque before disassembly, which some shops skip, leading to incorrect bearing preload and subsequent noise after repair.
Front suspension control arm and ball joint wear
up to €1,2009 of 9
Heavy vehicle weight accelerates ball joint and control arm bushing degradation · more· less
At approximately 1,900 kg, the Charger places significant stress on front suspension components. The LX/LC platform uses a dual lower control arm setup on each side (forward and rearward), which means more wear points than a conventional single-arm design. Ball joints are the most common suspension wear item, followed by control arm bushings that crack and deteriorate. Symptoms include clunking over bumps, steering play, and uneven tire wear. Typically needs attention between 80,000 and 130,000 km. Both sides should be replaced together, and a four-wheel alignment is mandatory after the work. Parts may need to be ordered from US suppliers if not stocked locally.
Durable drivetrain with known weak points that need monitoring
The 5.7 HEMI is fundamentally a robust engine capable of high mileage when maintained correctly, with many examples exceeding 300,000 km. The main mechanical concerns are the MDS-related lifter failures (improved but not eliminated in later production), exhaust manifold bolt breakage (nearly universal on high-mileage cars), and water pump wear. Interior quality is the other weak area, with door panel delamination and touchscreen issues being common on 2015+ models. In Europe, the primary ownership challenge is finding specialists familiar with American V8s and sourcing parts, which increases both cost and downtime. Pre-2014 cars carry higher risk due to alternator and lifter issues. Post-2019 models benefit from the latest lifter redesign. Consistent synthetic oil changes every 10,000 km with 5W-20 oil and avoiding extended idle periods are essential preventive measures.
Service history
Complete records from US-car specialist or authorized importer essential. Verify oil change intervals (5W-20 synthetic every 10,000 km or 12 months).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. 245/45R20 tires wear faster on the heavy Charger.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for any ticking, knocking, or rattling in the first 60 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Listen for differential whine, exhaust leaks, and transmission shift quality.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for HEMI tick on cold start
A persistent ticking noise from the top of the engine that does not fade within 30 seconds indicates lifter problems. Distinct from exhaust manifold tick, which comes from lower down.
Check for exhaust leak ticking
A metallic ticking from the engine bay on cold start that fades as the engine warms often indicates broken exhaust manifold bolts. Listen near the exhaust manifold area specifically.
Verify alternator recall status (2011-2014)
Contact Dodge/Stellantis with the VIN. If not completed, the alternator can fail without warning and disable safety systems.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Test differential at highway speed
Drive at 80-120 km/h and listen for a high-pitched whine from the rear. Lift off the throttle and note if the noise changes.
Inspect all four door panels
Check the top edge of each door panel near the window for lifting or separation, especially on 2015+ models.
Inspect coolant level and water pump area
Low coolant or dried coolant residue near the water pump indicates a leak. Also check the O-ring connection at the back of the pump.
Test HVAC for clicking sounds
Change temperature settings and listen for clicking or tapping from behind the dashboard, which indicates failing blend door actuators.
Verify European homologation
Confirm the car has proper EU type approval, headlight conversion, and speedometer in km/h. Incomplete import conversions add significant cost.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Alternator diode failure causing stalling and fire risk (European alert covers 2012-2013 cars; the wider United States campaign runs 2011-2014)Critical - verify completed
Reversing camera image failure (European campaign, cars built 7 May 2018 to 29 August 2020)Verify completed
Side curtain airbag (the German KBA lists 2017-2021 cars, the manufacturer filing model years 2018-2021)Verify completed
Parking brake adjustment (2023, United States campaign)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (European entry covers cars built up to 17 September 2016)Verify completed
Tire jack body-side sill failure (2011-2016)Verify completed
AWD front driveshaft bolt loosening (2014-2017 all-wheel-drive cars, a United States campaign that can reach a grey-import AWD example)Verify if applicable
Contact Dodge/Stellantis with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The alternator campaign is the most important safety item on an early car, and the reversing-camera and side-curtain-airbag campaigns matter on later ones. European-delivered cars have different recall coverage from United States cars, so check with the importer or AEC Europe. The electronic shift-lever campaign covers 3.6-litre Chargers only and does not reach this 5.7 R/T.
Warranty Status
Warranty (US factory 3 years / 36,000 miles, AEC Europe 24 months / 100,000 km)Expired on all used Chargers in Europe
Powertrain warrantyVaries by import channel and year of purchase
Extended warrantyAvailable through some importers and third-party providers
European warranty coverage for the Dodge Charger depends on the import channel. The United States factory warranty ran three years or 36,000 miles and, according to AEC, does not cover a car imported into Europe. Cars delivered through the AEC network instead received a separate insurance-backed warranty, normally 24 months or 100,000 km. An unsupported grey-market import had no European warranty at all. All used Chargers are now outside their original warranty period. Third-party warranty options exist but coverage for American V8s in Europe is limited and terms vary significantly.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
