The 2009 Challenger is a solid muscle car platform, but early LX-chassis examples suffer from transmission cooler failures, HEMI engine issues under abuse, and some assembly quality quirks. The 5.7L and 6.1L engines are thirsty but generally reliable if maintained; the 3.5L V6 is the weakest link.
Symptoms: Strawberry milkshake fluid in transmission or coolant reservoir, Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or complete failure, Overheating transmission temp warnings, Sweet smell from exhaust if coolant enters trans
Fix: Replace external transmission cooler, flush both systems completely, and rebuild or replace transmission if contamination occurred. If caught early (cooler only): 3-4 hours. If transmission damaged: 8-12 hours for rebuild/replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (cooler only) or $2,500-4,500 (with transmission work)
HEMI Engine Failure Due to Valve Seat Drop (5.7L/6.1L)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic misfire, often on cylinder 7 or 8, Metal debris in oil during changes, Ticking or rattling from valve train that worsens quickly, Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
Fix: Valve seat drops into cylinder, destroys piston and cylinder wall. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 16-24 hours labor for long-block swap, more for full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
3.5L V6 Engine Bearing and Piston Ring Wear
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1,000 miles), Blue smoke on startup or hard acceleration, Knocking or ticking from lower engine, especially cold, Low oil pressure warnings
Fix: The 3.5L V6 has weak piston rings and rod bearings. Requires engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, and bearings. 18-22 hours labor for removal, rebuild, and reinstall.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through floor during acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on transmission crossmember mount
Fix: Rubber mount deteriorates, especially on V8 models with performance use. Replace transmission mount and inspect crossmember for cracks. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Pump/Fuel Filter Clogging
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Stalling or stumbling under load, Loss of power at highway speeds, Check engine light with fuel trim codes
Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly includes filter. Pump fails or filter clogs from poor fuel quality. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Wheel Stud Failure (Factory Defect)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Vibration or wobble from one wheel, Visible broken or missing wheel studs, Wheel looseness despite proper torque, Recall-related: affects certain VINs regardless of mileage
Fix: NHTSA recall for defective wheel studs that can fracture. Replace all studs on affected wheel(s) and inspect hubs for damage. 1-2 hours per wheel.
Estimated cost: $200-400 per wheel (covered under recall if applicable)
Takata Airbag Inflator Recall (Driver and Passenger)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Recall notice received by mail, No symptoms until deployment — inflator can rupture and send shrapnel
Fix: Multiple recalls for Takata inflators on driver and passenger airbags. Dealer replacement required. 1-2 hours labor per airbag, covered under recall.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles and inspect external cooler lines for leaks — do NOT wait for 'lifetime' fluid to fail
Avoid the 3.5L V6 if possible; the 5.7L HEMI is more reliable long-term despite higher fuel costs
Check for valve seat drop history on any used HEMI — ask for compression test results
Use quality fuel and replace fuel filter/pump assembly preemptively around 80,000 miles to avoid being stranded
Inspect transmission mount annually on V8 models, especially if you launch hard or do burnouts
Buy the 5.7L HEMI with service records and avoid the 3.5L V6 entirely — budget $1,500-2,000 for deferred maintenance on any 100k+ example, but a well-kept one is a solid retro muscle car.
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.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on passenger side
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Control Modules — 2009 Dodge Challenger
Every control module on the 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Crash data must be cleared; VIN programming recommended but not always mandatory
Park Assist Module (PAM)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith rear park assist▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, left side trim panel
🔧 Autel/Launch
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required after replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 15V444000
2015-07-10 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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 driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS · 09V420000
2009-10-29
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
Consequence: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · 08V642000
2008-12-05
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.
Consequence: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH · 08V458000
2008-09-10
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PREVENTION." IF THE STOP/START BUTTON IS PRESSED AND HELD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE ELECTRONIC KEY CODE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS CAN OCCUR IN A TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK," AND THE TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR DOES NOT BECOME LOCKED IN "PARK" AS A DIRECT RESULT OF KEY REMOVAL, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NONCOMPLIANCE MAY EXIST.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES VEHICLE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRASHES RESULTING FROM THEFT AND ACCIDENTAL ROLLAWAY OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE SO THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF WHEN THE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2009 Dodge Challenger 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.