Used Dodge Challenger

What to know before buying: Dodge Challenger

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Challenger spans three generations: the original muscle car, the Mitsubishi-related 1978–1983 model, and the third generation revived in 2008.[2]one source
• The 2008–2023 LC/LA offered a broad engine range, from the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 to supercharged 6.2 and 6.4-litre HEMI V8s.[3]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)
• A well-maintained modern Challenger is considered generally reliable, with a solid chassis, proven 3.6- and 5.7-litre engines, and relatively few serious issues.[4]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)
• The SRT Demon 170 is an extreme drag-focused exception: its supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI makes 1,040 hp on E85, but Dodge had to resolve engine-durability problems before launch.[1]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)

Typical faults

• On early cars, TIPM and ignition-node faults can cause intermittent no-starts, stalling, a fuel pump that runs after switch-off, or battery drain.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)

  40 000+ km · 2009–2012

• On 5.7- and 6.4-litre HEMIs, MDS lifters can stick and wear the cam lobe; a metallic tick may progress to misfires and rough running.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)

  96 000+ km · 5.7 HEMI V8, 6.4 HEMI V8

• The 3.6-litre Pentastar can suffer roller-rocker bearing wear; early 2011–2013 engines also had left-head valve-seat erosion that could cause cylinder-two misfires.[3]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)

  110 000+ km · 2011–2013 · 3.6 Pentastar V6

• HEMI exhaust-manifold bolts can corrode and break over time, causing a ticking or puffing leak that is most noticeable on a cold start.[3]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)

  120 000+ km · 5.7 HEMI V8, 6.2 Supercharged HEMI V8, 6.4 HEMI V8

• The 3.6-litre Pentastar’s plastic oil-filter and cooler housing can warp or crack from heat, leaking oil or coolant at the rear of the engine.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)

  160 000+ km · 3.6 Pentastar V6

• Front ball joints and control arms can wear prematurely, causing clunks and less precise steering; the risk is greater with wider wheels or aftermarket tuning.[4]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)

Which engine and version to take

• The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 is a sensible choice if V8 performance is unnecessary: it is described as proven, but check for valvetrain noise and oil-cooler housing leaks.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)
• The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is a proven choice for traditional Challenger character, provided there is no lifter tick cold or warm and the history shows regular oil changes.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)

What to check at the inspection

• Start the engine cold and listen for persistent ticking: inspect HEMI lifters, camshaft and manifold bolts, or the 3.6-litre engine’s roller rockers.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)
• On the 3.6-litre engine, inspect the block valley and rear of the engine; oil or coolant near the transmission can indicate a cracked filter/cooler housing.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)
• Test every electrical function, starting, battery and charging system, key recognition and Uconnect; on an early car, check the VIN for fuel-pump-relay and ignition recalls.[3][4]LC/LA (3rd gen)
• During the test drive, exercise the automatic transmission in every mode; harsh shifts or slipping can reflect software faults, low fluid, or internal failure.[4]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)
• On rough roads, listen for front-end clunks and assess steering precision; inspect ball joints, control arms, bushings and sway-bar links.[4]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)
• Under braking, check for steering or body vibration and pulling; warped rotors or sticking calipers can cause vibration and uneven pad wear.[4]one sourceLC/LA (3rd gen)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Pēdējais no pēdējiem: Dodge piesaka 1040 Zs jaudīgo ... · forum
2. [2]spoki.lv — Dodge Challenger · press
3. [3]brimlyauto.com — Dodge Challenger: problemas, revisões e consumo - Brimly · press
4. [4]golden-horse.ae — Dodge Challenger Common Problems and How to Fix Them · press

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