The 2011 Challenger sits in the middle of LX-platform evolution—solid bones from Mercedes engineering, but this year spans the old 3.5L V6 and new Pentastar 3.6L plus multiple Hemi variants. Build quality is decent, but transmission coolers fail frequently and 5.7L Hemi tick/lifter issues are endemic across the board.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (All Models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink/milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating warning lights, Complete transmission failure if not caught early
Fix: Replace external transmission cooler and flush both cooling system and transmission. If coolant mixed into trans long enough, rebuild or replace transmission. Factory cooler design is notorious—upgrade to aftermarket recommended. 3-4 hours labor for cooler only, 12-18 hours if trans needs replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (cooler only), $3,500-5,500 (with trans replacement)
5.7L Hemi Lifter Tick and Camshaft Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start ticking that persists beyond warm-up, Loss of power on one or more cylinders, MDS (Multi-Displacement System) misfires, Check engine light with misfire codes P0300-P0308
Fix: Early MDS lifters collapse due to oiling issues. Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often rockers. Delete MDS with aftermarket cam or replace with OEM. 14-18 hours labor for proper job including head gasket replacement if heads come off. Oil changes every 3,000-4,000 miles can delay but not prevent.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Alternator Failure (All Engines)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light illuminated, Dimming headlights or interior lights, Dead battery after short trips, Grinding or whining noise from alternator
Fix: OEM alternators (especially 160A on V8s) fail predictably. Internal voltage regulator or bearing failure. Aftermarket units available but quality varies—stick with Mopar reman or Denso. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on engine (V6 easier access than Hemi).
Estimated cost: $450-750
3.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure (Early Production)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Milky oil on dipstick or cap
Fix: The 3.5L (not the later Pentastar 3.6L) has weak head gasket design between cylinders 3-4. Requires both heads removed, gaskets, head bolts, timing components inspected. Machine heads if warped. 12-16 hours labor. The 3.6L Pentastar does not share this issue.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Mount Failure (Especially V8 Models)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Transmission visible sagging on jack stands, Driveline vibration under acceleration
Fix: Rubber transmission mount tears from torque stress, particularly on 5.7L and up. Simple replacement but requires supporting transmission from below. 1.5-2 hours labor. Upgrade to polyurethane for longevity if performance-minded.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Pump Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking, Intermittent stalling at operating temperature, Fuel gauge erratic or stuck, Whining noise from rear seat area
Fix: Fuel pump assembly in tank fails (pump motor or level sender). Tank must be dropped, full assembly replacement recommended over pump-only. 3-4 hours labor. Use OEM or quality aftermarket (Carter/Airtex)—cheap pumps fail within a year.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Takata Airbag Inflator Recall (Passenger Side)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Recall notice by VIN (check NHTSA database), No symptoms until deployment—then metal shrapnel risk, Affects humid climate vehicles more severely
Fix: Three separate recalls for passenger airbag inflator. Dealer replacement only, free under recall. Takes 1-2 hours but parts availability has been poor. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov—this is a DO-NOT-IGNORE safety issue.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Owner tips
Change oil every 3,000-4,000 miles on 5.7L Hemi to extend lifter life—the MDS system is hard on oiling
Flush transmission fluid every 50,000 miles and inspect cooler lines for seepage—catching cooler failure early saves the transmission
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (mid-2011+) is significantly more reliable than the older 3.5L—verify which engine if shopping V6 models
Verify Takata airbag recall completion before purchase—some units still waiting for parts years later
Buy a 3.6L V6 or accept that a 5.7L Hemi will need lifters eventually—budget $4k-5k for that job and trans cooler preemptively, then enjoy the platform.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V018000
2019-01-15 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V021000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V352000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
AIR BAGS · 13V118000
2013-04-03
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
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