The Dodge Charger is a world-famous muscle car that has stood the test of time.
It’s enjoyed many renditions over the years, appearing as sedans, subcompact hatchbacks, and luxury coupes, each with excellent lifespan and reliability.
Today we’re answering the question of “how long does a Dodge Charger last?”.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Dodge Charger?
With proper maintenance, such as regular fluid changes and following Dodge’s recommended regular service intervals, a Charger can last an average of 250,000 miles.
Some Chargers have been known to last up to 300,000 miles.
This breaks down to 16 years of 15,000 miles per year before expensive repairs are required.
How long do the brakes last?
If used correctly and properly maintained, the brake pads of a Dodge Charger should last for 40,000 miles.
How much use the brakes get is the largest variable for brake lifespan.
Someone who lives in the city will use their brakes in frequent traffic more than someone who lives in less populated areas.
The force and speed with which the brake pads are applied will also have an effect.
How long do the tires last?
As above, the determining factor for how long Dodge Charger tires last is the driver’s driving habits.
You can expect to travel 35,000-50,000 miles on one set of tires, depending on the terrain, driving habits, and weather.
It’s advisable to rotate your tires every 5000 miles or when you take your car for a service.
How long does the transmission last?
A Dodge Charger transmission will last for at least 150,000 miles, though this can be increased with proper maintenance.
How long do spark plugs last?
Spark plugs can function for as long as 100,000 miles.
You can detect a decrease in your spark plugs’ effectiveness by a drop in vehicle performance.
How long do Dodge Charger batteries last?
The battery of a Dodge Charger can last for up to and even a bit beyond 250,000 miles.
When Should You Expect Your Dodge Charger to Rust?
It’s difficult to predict exactly when you’ll see rust on a Charger. Some users have kept their vehicles rust-free for over 100,000 miles.
Salt on roads, in the air, or in snow can speed up the rusting process.
If any of this gets into chipped paint after the metal is exposed to oxygen, rust can begin to set in.
Taking the time to wash your vehicle once every 1-2 weeks can help avoid this risk if you live in an area where salt poses a threat to your car.
How Long Do Dodge Chargers Last Compared to Similar Cars?
Now we’ll take a closer look at how the Dodge Charger compares to the competition:
Dodge Charger vs. Chevy Camaro
Another well-renowned muscle car, the Chevy Camaro receives the same reliability rating as both the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Charger, with 3.5 out of 5.
Annual maintenance of the Camaro is $67 cheaper than a Charger at an average of $585, though they have a lower mileage of 200,000 miles compared to 250,000 with the Charger.
Dodge Charger vs. Ford Mustang
The Charger and the Ford Mustang are synonymous with muscle cars, and both share the same good reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.
The Mustang is more expensive to maintain, at $709 per year compared to $652 for the Charger.
It also has an average lifespan of 200k miles which is less than the Charger.
Is a Dodge Charger a Reliable Car?
From 2018 onwards, the Charger has earned great reliability feedback.
The J.D. Power reliability score considers the defects, flaws, and repairs reported by drivers, giving vehicles a score based on this metric.
The Dodge Charger received an outstanding 89/100, ranking it second place out of top consumer-rated sedans.
The Kelly Blue Book compiled a rating index of 4.8/5.0 for the Charger based on 215 reviews, backing up its position as a solid, reliable vehicle.
Dodge Charger – The Best and Worst Model Years
2006 was a bad year for the Dodge Charger, where it received its highest number of complaints, primarily relating to premature engine failure.
This issue generally occurred at an average of 94k miles and cost an average of $5500 to repair.
It experienced a steep drop in reliability score to 75/100.
Models from 2018 onwards experience great reviews for reliability across the board with minimal engine or transmission complaints.
What Are the Most Common Problems with Dodge Chargers?
Current Charger models are consistently reliable, but previous models have suffered from engine-related issues.
The 2006 model logged 104 instances of Dodge Charger owners reporting engine problems and 13 fuel system-related problems.
The 2011 model also suffered from fuel system issues as well as a flurry of electrical complaints.
However, newer Dodge Charger models from 2018 onwards experience excellent reliability scores.
Dodge Charger Recalls
2014 and 2012 were the worst years for recalls, with airbags, powertrain wiring, alternator problems, and electrical systems being the problem.
2020 required only one recall for sensing system issues, and 2021 is yet to have a recall.
Is It Costly to Maintain a Dodge Charger?
RepairPal estimates the annual service and maintenance cost of a Dodge Charger to be $652, which is $62 more than for average full-size cars.
The Charger is slightly cheaper to maintain than a Mustang but a little more expensive than a Camaro.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Dodge Charger
A Dodge Charger is a durable vehicle with a powerful engine, but it can still benefit from regular maintenance, helping to prolong its lifespan and drive down maintenance costs.
Parking it indoors where possible will reduce its contact with undesirable elements such as rain and snow.
Remember to check fluid levels and perform oil changes while also taking it in for regular check-ups.
Is a Dodge Charger Worth It?
Dodge Chargers are widely reliable cars that cost slightly above average to maintain, but for the above-average lifespan, paying less than $700/year on average is a small price.
They get great reviews and have maintained consistent popularity, making them major players in the muscle car market.
FAQs
How often do Dodge Chargers break down?
Dodge Chargers rarely break down and enjoy excellent reliability scores, especially in contemporary models from 2018 onwards.
What is the average price of a Dodge Charger engine?
The average cost of a replacement engine is $338, broken down into $190 for labor and $148 for parts.
What is the best Dodge Charger model to buy?
Every model from 2018 onwards has proven to be a reliable option that enjoys consistently good reliability scores.
Final Thoughts
Dodge Chargers have been around for decades, and you don’t get to stay at the top of the muscle car pile unless you can back it up.
This sturdy vehicle enjoys fantastic reliability scores, providing a consistent, dependable drive to anyone seeking a full-size car with a powerful engine and roomy passenger space.