Dodge Charger 7th Generation - What To Check Before You Buy (2024)

The seventh-generation Dodge Charger's mid-cycle facelift arrived in 2015 and as you'll see below, it was quite a substantial one. The 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 were carried over. From 2015 onwards, all models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The ride and handling depend entirely on the model you opt for. All Chargers are forgiving enough to live with daily. It's built on the same platform as the Chrysler 300C, which, in turn, is based on the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, dating back to 1995. It has been updated along the way, but it's fundamentally the same design. Dodge also took the opportunity to update the various available suspension systems and the brakes.

The facelifted model retains the same swooping design element that stretches from the middle of the front doors to the rear¹. Dodge also designed a selection of contemporary alloys to go with the post-facelift car's new exterior². Chrome still plays a big role, but you could get more stylish twin-spoke options as well. The changes to the front and rear are clearly noticeable in profile, with the cutline between the front bumper and fender having moved well back to above the front wheel arch to accommodate the new nose cone, and the new headlights clearly visible in the more pointed nose³.

The larger rear bumper now meets the revised taillights halfway, with the cutline between it and the rear fender no longer horizontal, but swooping down at an angle from the center of the taillight to the wheel arch. The side marker lights have been relocated and now mirror each other at the opposite ends of the front and rear wheel arches; previously, the front one was integrated in the headlight cluster and the rear one sat in the side of the rear bumper⁴. The overall effect is far neater and a lot more modern.

If you ever wonder why Chargers are so cheap, get inside one. Both the pre- and post-facelift models have practical interiors, but the material quality is poor. If you look at the inside of the pre-facelift model, you'll note that everything you could expect is there, and you even get some nice chrome accents to make it look expensive. But then you touch and interact with the controls and realize that it's all just a facade. The shifter looks like a heavy, quality item, but the reality is that it's just a hollow piece of plastic and it feels horrible as you move it down to Drive. The steering wheel also feels cheap, and it's almost impossible to find one that's still reasonably intact.

With the facelift, the Dodge Charger 7th generation moved over to a new driver-oriented interior with a much better static gear lever¹. The layout of the buttons on the new steering wheels is more logical, and the perforated leather on high-end models feels more upper class². Speaking of the steering wheel, we prefer the simpler new logo framed by a thin chrome border. The placement and layout of the climate control/air-conditioning is also better, swapping places with the audio controls; the latter are now above the former - and the CD slot is gone³. The infotainment system on pre-2017 models is poor. A year after the facelift, Dodge finally included the Uconnect system as standard, though not all models had all the system's features as standard. Entry-level models have a seven-inch touchscreen, while high-end models are equipped with an 8.4-inch infotainment system⁴. The facelift comes with a restyled gauge cluster with the round fuel and temperature gauges removed from the bottoms of the speedometer and tachometer and now part of the new 7.0-inch digital driver-information display between the two main gauges⁵.

The Dodge Charger is available with three old-school naturally aspirated engines. All of these engines offer decent performance, even though they're hardly at the forefront of engine technology. The entry-level engine is the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. In the GT model, introduced to the updated 2015 model year range, it produces 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque, but you simply can't tell the difference. For those who live in colder climates, the V6 is the only realistic engine option as it's the only model Dodge offered with the optional AWD system. So it's either the V6, or a set of snow tires and a healthy dose of self-confidence.

The next step up is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, dating back to the original 300C. Despite its large displacement, it produces an underwhelming 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It is immensely charming, however. It sounds exactly like a muscle car engine should, but doesn't necessarily provide the sort of forward thrust you'd expect from such a large V8. The monster in the range is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8. It was only available in the SRT8, but from 2016 it was offered as part of the standard line-up. This engine produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds.

In terms of transmissions, you want to skip the 2011 model year. Dodge equipped all models with the outdated W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. For 2012, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission became optionally available on the AWD V6 Charger only and from 2015, it was standardized across the lineup. The eight-speed could, however, not be combined with the V8 and AWD, so only the V6 was available with the AWD drivetrain from 2015.

Overall Rating::

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating::

Side Crash Rating::

Rollover Rating::

Dodge went a bit overboard with the number of trim levels available throughout the years. The 2011 MY is a case in point. It was technically the new 7th-generation Charger, but also not. It was an in-between model with the new V6 engine but equipped with an old gearbox. Dodge only really swapped to the new range later in 2012, dropping the previous model designations.

Thankfully, the range became easier to understand as unpopular models dropped away and the range was streamlined. The 2015 model year saw big changes, with the eight-speed transmission becoming standard across the board, the loss of AWD on V8 trims in addition to various new available standard safety features. For 2017, all models with the 8.4-inch infotainment system (thus SXT and higher) get a faster and more powerful Uconnect system, a high-resolution screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The active exhaust becomes standard on all 5.7s too.

For 2018, a backup camera and rear parking sensors are standard on all trims, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All 2019 GT and R/T trims gain several chassis improvements, including a new final drive, performance suspension, and retuned power steering.

It's worth keeping an eye out for the various limited trims Dodge offered throughout the years. The trims below represent the standard line-up throughout the years. In addition to these, Dodge offered 100th Anniversary models in 2014 and Daytona 340 and 392 Editions in 2017. The changes were mostly visual but worth looking at if you want something a bit more special.

Here are some of the most noteworthy special editions:

• 2011 Mopar. This special edition is based on the 370-hp 5.7-liter R/T with the Super Trac Pak added, encompassing items such as heavy-duty brakes, sports suspension, a 3.91:1 final drive, and three-mode track-calibrated stability control. It also has Pitch Black paintwork and a Mopar Blue stripe on the driver's side of the car. Inside you'll find Katzkin leather upholstery with Mopar Blue piping and striping, a matching steering wheel, and a piston-grip shifter for the five-speed auto 'box. Only 1,500 units were made.
• 2012-2013 Blacktop. Available in either R/T or R/T Plus formats for 2013, the Blacktop was offered in a choice of six colors and has a color-coded trunk spoiler and gloss-black treatment for the 20-inch alloy wheels and grille. Inside, it has paddle shifters, a Sport driving mode, a 3.06:1 final drive, and a ten-speaker, 552-watt Beats audio system. The Blacktop package was also offered on 2012-2013 V6s, with power increased from 292 to 300 hp thanks to a performance exhaust.
• 2013 & 2017 Daytona. The 2013 Daytona revives a name first seen in 1969 and it's available in R/T or R/T Road & Track formats. It is available in five colors and has a satin-black crosshair grille, a Daytona hood graphic, an R/T rear spoiler, Daytona decals on the rear quarter panels, 20-inch alloys, and a roof wrap. It also has a Daytona Blue engine cover, a 3.06:1 final drive, and performance suspension and steering. Inside, the Road & Track has heated and ventilated Nappa leather-and-suede sports seats with Daytona Blue piping and stitching; similar seats in cloth are fitted to the normal R/T, which has a lower specification level. Only 3,000 units were made. This trim returned for 2017 with either the 5.7- or 6.4-liter V8 - the former the Daytona 340 and the latter the Daytona 392 - in vivid new paint colors and with different striping, along with some other changes. The 2017 model is essentially an R/T or R/T Road & Track with the Customer Preferred Package 29S added.
• 2014 R/T 100th Anniversary Edition. This edition was available for either the SXT Plus V6 or R/T Plus V8 trims and commemorated Dodge's centenary. These models get a choice of eight paint colors, five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, a Granite Crystal grille (but a red R/T heritage grille on the R/T Plus), "Dodge Est. 1914" fender badging, Foundry Black or Molten Red Nappa-leather sports seats, many bespoke interior finishes and highlights, and a 552-watt Beats audio system.
• 2015 Mopar '15. For 2015, Mopar made only 50 copies of this performance kit available for the R/T, which adds street-legal upgrades such as the Scat Pack Performance Stage 1 kit, alloy pedals, a front strut-tower brace, and an increase in outputs by 18 hp and 18 lb-ft thanks to a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust system. There are also model-specific badging and graphics, logos, and sill guards.
• 2016 Blacktop edition. Available on the SXT and R/T trims, the Blacktop edition returned for 2016 and adds to these trims performance tires, sport suspension, and black-out treatment for the 20-inch alloy wheels, badging, rear spoiler, and a bespoke fascia panel. Inside, the gauge-cluster bezels are black too and there is a performance steering wheel and premium floor mats.
• 2020 Stars & Stripes Edition. This special package is available on the GT RWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Scat Pack trims, and is available in nine colors. It salutes the US armed forces with various military-inspired touches such as satin black and silver center body stripe, black 20-inch alloys, American flag fender decals in satin black, and bronze calipers for the four-piston Brembo brakes on the Scat Pack models.

Dodge

Dodge Charger 7th Gen Interior Overview

The Dodge Charger is infamous for having a low-quality interior. In order to sell a muscle car for cheap, Dodge had to implement some form of cost-cutting. In this case, it's not hard to see where the money was saved. The dark plastics are hard and shiny, and Dodge uses faux metal trim to break the darkness up a bit. Another cost-saving tactic is the upholstery. Even the top Scat Pack gets cloth seats, with Nappa leather being an optional extra. It's worth keeping an eye out for a used model equipped with this option when shopping around. While the quality was below par, the ergonomics were spot-on. The major controls are angled toward the driver, making them easy to reach and operate.

Space for front passengers is plenty, but the sloping roofline results in less headroom in the rear. You can put a six-footer back there, but they'll likely start complaining after a few minutes.

Sedans of this size usually have 11 to 12 cubic foot trunks, but the Charger has an impressive 16.5 cubes. That's enough for the weekly shopping, though you'll have to pack carefully if you want to take the family away for the weekend. It's also worth noting that the shape of the trunk is odd. The trunk narrows significantly towards the rear bench seatbacks to make room for the wheel wells. So even though the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, the narrow gateway between the trunk and cabin limits the practicality.

Technical Service Bulletins according to the NHTSA. Check service book for:

There were many 2011-2022 Dodge Charger recalls. The 2011 Dodge Charger recall list includes two airbag recalls, an alternator recall, loss of low beams, and the loss of ABS/ESC system due to an overheated PDC. The headlight electrical issues were especially dangerous, not just for the driver but for other road users as well. The 2011 alternator recall and RT alternator recalls were limited to the 3.6 V6 and 5.7-liter RT models. After many owners reported alternator problems, Dodge decided to recall more than 400,000 vehicles for an alternator inspection and a possible replacement. 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 models all received an alternator recall. The airbag recall was also issued for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 models.

The 2013 and 2014 Dodge Charger transmission recall was the most notable one that year, in addition to the continuing problems mentioned above. Owners reported transmission problems, which were traced back to a transmission output shaft that may fracture.

Being the most popular models in the range, the SE and SXT recall was the biggest at the time. All models came with cruise control as standard, and it could not be canceled in some cars. These cars only required a software update. The 2015 and 2016 Dodge Charger driveshaft recall was only relevant to the AWD "Pursuit" V8 police vehicle. The front driveshaft joint could seize, causing the shaft to detach. The 2015 recall list also included front driveshaft bolts, a damaged fuel hose, and radio software security vulnerabilities. The Dodge Charger was recalled because of its lights as well. Owners reported 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Charger headlight problems. Dodge first picked up on the problem in 2014. It only affects models with halogen headlights, which means it's one of the few shared SE and RT problems. Basically, a sub-harness overheats, which causes the dims to go out. If your car isn't covered by the recall, it will cost you around $450 to replace the wiring harness.

An overheated power distribution center (PDC) can cause ABS and other electrical problems. In extreme cases, the car completely loses the ABS and traction control systems, which isn't that great in a high-performance car. A recall was issued and the 120,000 cars affected by this problem were meant to be fixed. In 2018, the police car had a radio recall, or rather a problem with the 8.4-inch infotainment screen and the rearview camera. When stealth mode was engaged, the rearview camera would not show. The final round of serious recalls took place in 2020/2021, at which point Dodge had sorted most of the Charger's problems. This time it was for inadequate windshield bonding, which could result in the windshield detaching from the car in an accident.

Since the Dodge Charger was such a problematic car, you might want to familiarize yourself with the common error codes along with the model years you'll most likely encounter them.

• The 2011 Dodge Charge engine code P0132 indicates a problem with the O2 oxygen sensor. It could be a broken wire, high fuel temperature, or a short in the heater circuit.
• The 2011 Code P0420 concerns the catalytic converter.
• The 2011 Code P0455 means the car has detected a large leak in the EVAP system.
• The 2011 RT P303 code is an indication that one of the cylinders is faulty. In this case, it's cylinder three.
• The 2011 P0128 code indicates a faulty thermostat.
• The 2011 SE code P0456 is for a small leak in the EVAP system.
• The 2012 code P0440 is a complete EVAP system malfunction.
• The 2012 code P0019 is an indication that there's a misalignment between the cam and crank position.
• The P0126 code for the 2012 Charger indicates insufficient coolant temperature.
• The 2013 P0300 code is cause for concern, as it indicates a misfire.
• Code P0520 indicates high oil pressure in the 2013 Dodge Charger.
• The 2014 P0520 code is connected to a sensor that monitors the oil pressure switch.
• The 2014 Dodge Charger P0128 code is related to the coolant thermostat. It indicates that the coolant temperature is below the thermostat regulating temperature.
• The 2014 Dodge Charger SXT code P0520 is also related to oil pressure in the V6 engine.
• The 2015 Dodge Charger P0462 is related to the fuel level sensor.
• Code P0430 on the 2015 Dodge Charger indicates that the catalytic converter is not functioning properly.
• The 2016 Dodge Charger P0219 code means the tachometer or revolutions per minute has gone above the predetermined limit.
• Code P0455 on the 2016 Dodge Charger indicates a large EVAP system leak.
• The 2017 Dodge Charger engine code P0441 is also related to the EVAP system. This time it's for incorrect purge flow.

This might not sound great, but the good news is that all the recall problems should have been fixed for free, so just check a vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to see whether the work has been done. Besides the recalls and the above list of problems, there were a few other problems. There were some 2015 Dodge Charger sunroof problems where the glass shattered of its own accord, costing a steep $2,600 to replace. Some 2012 Chargers suffer shuddering brake rotors that should be replaced, as skimming or resurfacing them is usually only a temporary fix. A few 2014 Chargers leaked oil from the oil-cooler housing, requiring the oil cooler to be replaced at a cost of around $800.

You'll find thousands of complaints on forums if you go looking. Some of these are simply the result of poor maintenance, but we do include problems we deem worthy to look out for, even if they weren't widely reported. Owners reported fuel pump problems for 2011, 2013, and 2018 models. There were also 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Chargers that had air-conditioning - or AC - problems; the ventilation system might blow hot or cold air uncommanded and the problem can often be traced to a heater blend door unit that has to be replaced. Several owners reported Charger radio problems in 2013, 2016, and 2019 models, including bad reception and complete failure of the Uconnect 4.3 and Uconnect 8.4. Luckily, other peripheral systems appear to hold up well, and door-handle and keyless-entry problems are rare.