Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 6.2 LD

The IHI twin-screw supercharger uses snout bearings that are known to fail, particularly on 2015-2016 models which had lower-quality bearings from a specific supplier. FCA sued the bearing manufacturer and switched vendors for 2017+ production. Symptoms include an unmistakable metallic grinding or rattling at idle, described by owners as sounding like marbles in a can. Rebuilding just the snout assembly costs approximately €2,000-3,000 at a performance specialist, while a full supercharger replacement runs €6,000-8,000. Post-2017 models have a significantly lower failure rate. Listen carefully for any unusual supercharger noise at idle and under boost during the test drive. Forum reports suggest early-year failure rates were high (especially 2015-2016), while post-2017 cars show a marked improvement.

A class action lawsuit covering 2015-2022 Chargers and Challengers with V8 engines alleges the rear differential is inadequately designed for the torque loads. Symptoms range from groaning during low-speed turns (often resolved with a fluid change and Mopar friction modifier for approximately €100-300) to persistent whining at highway speeds indicating bearing wear. Full differential rebuild or replacement costs €2,000-3,500. The Hellcat's 650 lb-ft of torque stresses the differential more than the R/T or SRT 392 variants. The lawsuit was dismissed at trial but appealed. Wheel hop during hard launches significantly accelerates wear.

The Charger uses a two-piece driveshaft with a center support bearing designed for the entire platform, from V6 to Hellcat. The same assembly handles both 305 hp and 707+ hp. The rubber carrier mount deteriorates, becoming brittle and cracking, which allows the bearing to sag and creates driveline vibration. Symptoms include clunking on acceleration, vibration at highway speeds, and noise when shifting between drive and reverse. Some owners report failure at very low mileage. OEM driveshaft replacement costs approximately €800-1,500 with labor. Many owners opt for aftermarket one-piece aluminum driveshafts (approximately €2,000-2,500 installed) for a permanent fix.

The supercharger's intercooler system uses an electric auxiliary coolant pump located in the front fender area. On pre-2018 models, the electrical connector is prone to water intrusion and corrosion because dielectric grease was not applied from the factory. Dodge issued TSB 07-003-22 for intercooler pump issues on certain build dates. Symptoms include inconsistent power delivery (strong on one pull, weak on the next), IC coolant level warnings, and diagnostic codes P0EA7 or U113F. The OEM pump costs approximately €400-600, with dealer diagnosis and replacement reaching €1,200-2,500. Note that 2015-2017 and 2018+ pumps are not interchangeable due to design changes.

A universal HEMI V8 issue that also affects the supercharged 6.2L. The dissimilar metals (cast iron exhaust manifold, aluminum cylinder head) create galvanic corrosion that weakens the bolts over thousands of heat cycles. The rear passenger-side bolt is typically the first to fail. Symptoms include an exhaust leak ticking noise on cold start that diminishes as the engine warms and the manifold expands to seal the gap. Simple bolt extraction and replacement costs approximately €500, but if bolts break flush with the cylinder head, drilling and helicoil repair pushes the cost higher. If the manifold is warped or cracked, full replacement runs €1,500-2,500. Aftermarket stainless steel bolt kits significantly reduce recurrence. On high-mileage examples, this repair is common.

The aluminum hood and functional air intake scoop on the Hellcat are prone to paint chipping and corrosion. The center scoop flexes with temperature changes, and the scoop edges rub against the hood, creating paint chips. Dodge issued redesigned scoops with thicker bases and reinforcing ribs for later production. The aluminum hood itself can develop corrosion under chipped paint. Professional repaint of the hood costs approximately €1,000-2,000, while scoop replacement with the updated part runs €500-800. Almost all Hellcats older than 5 years show some degree of this issue.

One of the most common complaints across the LX/LD platform. The blend door actuators use internal plastic gears that strip out over time. Symptoms include a repetitive clicking sound from behind the dashboard when the engine starts or the temperature is adjusted, and air that does not match the selected temperature. The passenger-side actuator is straightforward to replace (part costs €30-60), but the driver-side actuator requires several hours of labor due to poor accessibility. After replacement, the system needs recalibration. No recall exists despite the issue being widespread.

A widespread issue on 2015 and later Chargers. The door panel trim begins to separate and lift near the base of the window, eventually peeling across the entire panel. The front driver door is typically affected first. The root cause is lower-quality adhesive used from 2015 onwards compared to earlier models. Sun exposure and heat cycles accelerate the problem. Dodge honored repair under the basic 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, but once out of warranty the panels cost €150-250 each. Replacement panels have been on extended backorder.