The 2013 Challenger is a solid platform with typical Chrysler electronics quirks and some serious powertrain concerns on high-performance V8s. The 3.6L Pentastar is generally reliable; the 5.7L Hemi is proven but watch the cooling system. The 6.4L SRT cars can be hand grenades if abused.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (All Models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant reservoir (transmission fluid mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Engine overheating, Sudden catastrophic transmission failure if not caught early
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely. If contamination reached transmission internals, full rebuild required. 4-6 hours labor for cooler only, add 12-20 hours if transmission is damaged.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 cooler only, $3,500-5,500 if transmission rebuild needed
6.4L Hemi Valve Seat Failure and Engine Carnage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic loss of power and loud rattling, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Metal debris in oil during changes, Dropped valve seat destroys piston, cylinder wall, and often cracks block
Fix: No fix — complete engine replacement or rebuild with upgraded valve seats. Factory defect in early 6.4L heads. 18-25 hours labor for engine R&R plus machine work.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Alternator Failure with Wiring Harness Damage
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery light illuminated, Electrical accessories cutting out intermittently, No-start condition after short trips, Burning smell from engine bay, Melted connector at alternator (NHTSA recall pattern)
Fix: Replace alternator AND inspect/repair front underhood wiring harness connector. Do not skip the harness repair or new alternator will fail. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
5.7L Hemi Lifter Tick and Camshaft Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking from valve covers on cold start, may persist when warm, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Gradual loss of power, Metal shavings in oil filter
Fix: Replace all 16 lifters and camshaft if lobes are worn. Requires cylinder head removal. Often find rocker arms damaged too. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Pentastar 3.6L Water Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, Squealing or grinding noise from accessory drive, Engine overheating, Coolant level drops with no external puddles (internal leak into timing cover)
Fix: Water pump is internally mounted behind timing cover. Must remove timing cover, chains, and related components. 6-8 hours labor. Do timing chain and guides at same time if high mileage.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800 pump only, $2,000-2,800 with timing components
Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Recall
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Recall notice from Chrysler/NHTSA, No symptoms until deployment, when inflator can explode sending shrapnel into cabin
Fix: Free recall repair — replacement airbag inflator. 1-2 hours at dealer. Check VIN at NHTSA.gov, as parts availability has been delayed for years.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Transmission Mount Failure (All Models)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive movement felt through shifter or floor, Visible tearing or fluid leaking from rubber mount
Fix: Replace transmission mount and crossmember bushings. Simple job but requires lifting transmission slightly. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 60k miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims — especially critical given cooler contamination risk
Use quality synthetic oil and change every 5k miles on Hemi engines to fight lifter tick
Inspect coolant reservoir monthly for ANY pink tint — early catch prevents $4k transmission rebuild
On 6.4L SRT models, budget for an engine replacement — it's when, not if, on high-mileage examples
Check for open recalls before purchase — Takata airbag parts still on backorder in some regions
Buy a 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 with service records and avoid the 6.4L unless you have an engine replacement fund; overall decent platform if you can wrench or budget for Mopar's expensive quirks.
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.
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.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
Consequence: A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
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