The 2017 Charger is a solid platform with bulletproof V6 reliability, but the 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines have critical valvetrain weaknesses that can grenade motors, and ZF 8-speed transmission cooler failures are common across all trims.
Hemi Lifter/Camshaft Failure (5.7L & 6.4L)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start tick that doesn't go away after warmup, MDS (cylinder deactivation) system fault codes, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic engine noise leading to complete failure
Fix: Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often rockers. If caught late, debris destroys bearings requiring full engine rebuild or short block. 18-25 hours labor for cam/lifter job, 35-50 hours for short block.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000 for cam/lifters; $8,000-15,000 for short block replacement
ZF 8-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Leak
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from cooler lines at radiator, Pink fluid puddles under vehicle, Burnt transmission smell if run low, Harsh shifting when fluid level drops
Fix: Cooler assembly replacement at radiator, flush contaminated coolant from mixing. 3-4 hours labor. Critical to catch before fluid cross-contaminates or runs dry.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Rear Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from underneath on acceleration/deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds, Squeaking or groaning during takeoff, Visible rubber deterioration at center carrier bearing
Fix: Driveshaft removal and center support bearing replacement. Sometimes the entire driveshaft needs replacement if splines are worn. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Mount Collapse
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Transmission sitting lower than normal on visual inspection
Fix: Transmission mount replacement, sometimes includes rear crossmember mount. 1.5-2 hours labor. Common on higher-mileage V8 cars due to torque.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Water Pump Failure (All Engines)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, Squealing or grinding noise from accessory belt area, Overheating, White steam from under hood
Fix: Water pump replacement with timing cover removal on Hemis. 3-5 hours labor depending on engine. Do thermostat and hoses while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Fuel Pump Module Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start or extended crank time, Loss of power under acceleration, Stalling at idle or low speeds, Fuel pump whine audible from rear seat area
Fix: Fuel pump module replacement requires dropping the tank. 2.5-3 hours labor. Common enough that Mopar released an updated module design.
Estimated cost: $700-1,200
Alternator Failure (High-Output Models)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light, Dimming headlights, Electrical accessories cutting out, Voltage reading below 13.5V at idle, Whining noise from alternator pulley
Fix: Alternator replacement. V8 models use 220-amp units that fail more often than V6 160-amp versions. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Buy the 3.6L V6 without hesitation; avoid 5.7L/6.4L Hemis unless you have documentation of camshaft/lifter replacement or budget $5K-8K for the inevitable repair.
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.