The 2014 Charger is built on Chrysler's proven LX platform, but transmission cooler failures and Hemi engine cam/lifter issues define the ownership experience. The 3.6L Pentastar is generally more reliable than the 5.7L Hemi, which suffers from well-documented valvetrain problems.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (Leading to Transmission Damage)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Pink/milky fluid indicating coolant contamination, Overheating transmission temps, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The cooler inside the radiator fails and allows coolant to mix with ATF, destroying the transmission. Requires radiator replacement plus full transmission flush at minimum—if caught early. If contamination has been ongoing, expect full transmission rebuild or replacement (12-16 hours labor). This is a known design flaw affecting all ZF 8-speed units in these years.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 if caught immediately; $3,500-5,500 for transmission rebuild
5.7L Hemi Camshaft and Lifter Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially on cold start, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Loss of power and rough idle, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: Cam lobes wear prematurely due to marginal lubrication design and flat-tappet lifter setup. Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often pushrods. Cylinder head removal is necessary (18-24 hours labor). Some engines have additional damage to bearings requiring short block replacement if metal contamination is severe.
Estimated cost: $4,000-6,500 for cam/lifter job; $7,000-10,000+ if short block needed
Alternator Failure with Voltage Regulator Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light or charging system message, Dimming lights or electrical accessories cutting out, No-start or dead battery despite recent replacement, Erratic voltage readings (below 13V or above 15V)
Fix: Factory alternators have weak voltage regulators that fail and either undercharge or overcharge the system. Overcharging can damage the PCM and other modules. Replace alternator with updated unit (2-3 hours labor). Check battery and scan for module codes afterward.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Control Module (TCM/PCM) Software Glitches
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, Transmission going into limp mode randomly, Delay when shifting from park to drive, Check engine light with transmission adaptation codes
Fix: Software calibration issues cause adaptive learning problems in the ZF 8-speed. Often resolved with TCM flash update (1 hour labor), but some cases require TCM replacement if internal failure has occurred (3-4 hours labor including programming).
Estimated cost: $150-250 for reflash; $800-1,200 for TCM replacement
Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially in gear, Engine movement visible when accelerating hard, Transmission thump during downshifts
Fix: Hydraulic engine mounts and transmission mount wear out from the torque of the V8 engines (less common on V6). Transmission mount is most frequently replaced (1.5-2 hours). Engine mounts are 2-3 hours each depending on which one fails.
Estimated cost: $300-500 for transmission mount; $400-700 per engine mount
Fuel System Contamination from Failing In-Tank Filter
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under load, Rough running and hesitation, Check engine light with fuel trim or pressure codes
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter screen can deteriorate and send debris through the system, clogging injectors. Requires fuel pump module replacement (3-4 hours labor) and often injector cleaning or replacement on high-mileage cars.
Estimated cost: $600-900 for pump; add $400-800 if injectors need service
Rear Differential Noise and Axle Bearing Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or howling noise that increases with speed, Clunking from rear end during acceleration/deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds, Grinding noise in turns (if axle bearings failing)
Fix: V8 models with limited-slip or electronic rear differentials experience accelerated wear. Requires differential rebuild or axle shaft bearing replacement (4-6 hours labor). Some cases involve bent axle shafts from hard launches requiring shaft replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 for bearings; $1,500-2,500 for full diff rebuild
Owner tips
If buying a 5.7L Hemi, insist on oil analysis records and listen carefully for valvetrain noise—walk away if present
Check transmission fluid color immediately; pink or milky means cooler failure and transmission damage has begun
Use factory-spec 0W-40 oil in Hemis and change every 5,000 miles maximum to prolong cam/lifter life
Verify all recalls completed, especially the transmission control module updates
Budget $1,000/year for unexpected repairs on any Hemi V8 after 80,000 miles
Buy the 3.6L V6 version if you want reliability; avoid the 5.7L Hemi unless you have a $5,000 engine repair fund set aside or complete service records proving religious oil changes.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 18E053000
2018-07-12
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles 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 will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T75.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · 17V097000
2017-02-14
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Consequence: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 16V240000
2016-04-25 · EA16002
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Consequence: Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27.
Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
STRUCTURE · 16V043000
2016-01-28
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Consequence: A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V467000
2015-07-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
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.
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