The 2016 Challenger is a solid platform with proven drivetrains, but the 5.7L Hemi V8 models have significant MDS (cylinder deactivation) and valvetrain issues that can grenade engines if ignored, while ZF 8-speed transmission cooler failures affect all trim levels and cause expensive damage when coolant mixes with ATF.
5.7L Hemi MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking/tapping noise from engine on cold start that persists, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes, Lifter tick that becomes constant clatter, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifters collapse and wipe camshaft lobes; requires cam replacement, all 16 lifters, often pushrods and rockers. Some cases need full head work. 12-18 labor hours. Many techs now recommend deleting MDS system entirely with aftermarket components during repair to prevent repeat failures.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
ZF 8-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifting, Milky/pink fluid in coolant reservoir or oil in transmission, Overheating transmission, Strawberry milkshake appearance in ATF
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Contaminates entire transmission requiring full rebuild or replacement, plus radiator and all fluid flushes. 8-14 hours labor. Catastrophic if driven after mixing starts—destroys clutch packs and valve body immediately.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,000
6.4L 392 Hemi Valve Seat Recession and Drop
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic loss of compression on one or more cylinders, Metallic rattling from engine, Immediate severe misfire, Complete engine failure in worst cases
Fix: Exhaust valve seats can crack and drop into cylinder, destroying piston, cylinder wall, and often requiring complete engine rebuild or replacement. 30-40 hours for rebuild, less for used/reman engine swap. More common on cars run hard or tracked.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
6.2L Hellcat Supercharger Coupler and Belt Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Supercharger whine changes pitch or disappears, Loss of boost/power, Squealing from belt area, Check engine light with boost pressure codes
Fix: Rubber coupler between supercharger and crankshaft deteriorates, especially on high-use or modified cars. Belt can also shred. Coupler replacement is 4-6 hours due to supercharger removal required for access. Belt alone is 2 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 1-2 and 2-3, Transmission hunting between gears, Limp mode activation, Shift flare or slipping feel
Fix: TCM software calibration issues cause erratic shifting, especially in early production units. Usually requires dealer reflash (1 hour) but can mask actual transmission problems. Subject to recall campaign—verify flash level before condemning hardware. Some units need TCM replacement if flash doesn't resolve.
Estimated cost: $150-1,200
Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Bearing Failure (V8 models)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil leak at pinion seal, Howling or whining from rear end under load, Clunking on acceleration/deceleration
Fix: Pinion seal leaks are common; simple seal replacement is 2-3 hours. If bearing noise present, requires pinion bearing replacement with proper preload setup, 5-7 hours. Ignored leaks lead to low fluid and bearing destruction requiring full differential rebuild.
Estimated cost: $400-2,000
Engine Mount Failure (Especially Upper Torque Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine movement visible when revving, Clunking when shifting or launching, Vibration at idle, Driveline shudder on hard acceleration
Fix: Upper torque mount (dogbone) fails first on V8s due to torque loads. Rubber tears and allows excessive engine movement. Single mount replacement is 1-1.5 hours. Many owners replace all three mounts simultaneously while in there.
Estimated cost: $250-800
Owner tips
On 5.7L Hemi models, use only quality full-synthetic 5W-20 and change at 5,000-mile intervals maximum—MDS system is oil-sensitive and sludge accelerates lifter failure
Check transmission fluid color every oil change; pink/milky = stop driving immediately to save transmission from cooler contamination
Hellcat owners: inspect supercharger belt and coupler every 20,000 miles; cheap insurance vs. catastrophic failure
Avoid extended idle time on Hemis—cylinder deactivation at idle accelerates lifter wear; better to shut down if parked more than 5 minutes
V8 models: budget $500/year for inevitable mount replacements, diff maintenance, and MDS-related monitoring—these aren't Camry running costs
Buy the 3.6L V6 or 392/Hellcat if you can afford the inevitable big-dollar repairs; avoid the 5.7L Hemi unless MDS system has already been deleted or you're handy with engine work, because that lifter failure isn't 'if' but 'when.'
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 in trunk; side mounting bracket required
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Every control module on the 2015-2017 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
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith HID or LED headlamps▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly
🔧 Autel/Launch
⚠️ Controls adaptive lighting and auto-leveling functions where equipped
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
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly in trunk lid
🔧 Self-learn
⚠️ Standard equipment 2015+; camera guidelines may require calibration through radio settings
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.
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.
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 2016 Dodge Challenger 5.7L V8 Hemi and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.