The 2014 Challenger is a solid platform when maintained, but the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and 5.7L Hemi engine have documented weak points that show up with age. V6 models are generally more reliable, while V8s—especially the 5.7—require vigilant oil change intervals to avoid expensive bottom-end damage.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (ZF 8HP)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator or underside, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh shifting or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission temp warnings
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and lines, flush transmission if contaminated. 3-5 labor hours depending on accessibility and whether radiator needs removal. Critical to address immediately—mixing coolant and ATF destroys the transmission.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
5.7L Hemi Lifter and Camshaft Failure (MDS System)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise at idle, especially cold starts, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300 series), Loss of power on acceleration, Metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: Requires cylinder head removal, camshaft and lifter replacement. Often find worn cam lobes on cylinders 1 and 7 (MDS cylinders). 16-22 labor hours. Some techs recommend deleting MDS with aftermarket tune to prevent recurrence.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Alternator Failure (Multiple NHTSA Recalls)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light intermittent or constant, Dimming headlights or interior lights, Electrical accessories acting erratically, No-start condition after sitting overnight
Fix: Replace alternator with updated unit per TSB. Verify battery and terminals are clean before replacing. 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Three separate recalls on this component—check VIN for open campaigns before paying out of pocket.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of rear differential, Oil spots on driveway under center of vehicle, Whining noise from rear end if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Replace pinion seal, may need crush sleeve and pinion nut. Requires driveshaft removal and pinion preload setup. 2-3 hours labor. Catch it early before bearing damage occurs.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode), Erratic or delayed shifting patterns, Check engine light with transmission codes (P0700, P0606), Shifter unable to move out of park intermittently
Fix: TCM replacement or reprogramming. One recall exists for software update—check first. If module replacement needed, requires programming to VIN. 1.5-2 hours labor plus dealer programming time.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Steering wheel off-center after alignment, Excessive tire wear on inside edges, Wandering or loose feeling at highway speeds
Fix: Replace front lower control arms as assembly (bushings not serviceable separately on most). Alignment required after. 2-3 hours labor plus alignment time. Common on all LX/LC platform cars.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Fuel Pump Assembly Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Engine cranks but won't start, Loss of power under acceleration or uphill, Sputtering or surging at highway speeds, Whining noise from rear seat area when key is on
Fix: Drop fuel tank, replace complete pump assembly. 3-4 hours labor. Use OE Mopar unit—aftermarket pumps frequently fail prematurely on this platform.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles or less on 5.7L Hemi engines—extended intervals are the primary cause of lifter and cam failures
Service ZF transmission fluid at 60k intervals with OEM ATF+4 despite 'lifetime fill' claims
Check transmission cooler lines during every oil change for seepage—early catch prevents $4k+ repair
Verify all recall work completed before purchase; alternator and TCM recalls are critical
Consider MDS delete tune on 5.7L models if lifter tick develops early—cheaper than engine tear-down
Buy a V6 or well-maintained 5.7L with documented short-interval oil changes; avoid high-mileage V8s with unknown service history unless priced for potential engine work.
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.
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.
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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