The 2017 Challenger is built on Dodge's LX/LC platform with solid fundamentals, but the 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines have well-documented lifter/cam failures, and ZF 8-speed transmissions can develop cooler and solenoid issues. Hellcat models add supercharger and driveline stress concerns.
Hemi Camshaft and Lifter Failure (5.7L and 6.4L)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start tick or rattle that persists beyond 30 seconds, MDS (cylinder deactivation) misfires on cylinders 1 or 7, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: Roller lifters collapse or camshaft lobes wear prematurely, often related to MDS oil pressure issues. Requires cam and lifter replacement, sometimes includes valve springs and pushrods. 12-16 labor hours depending on whether heads come off. Often find collateral damage to rockers.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
ZF 8HP Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under driver side of vehicle, Transmission fluid level drops, delayed engagement, Burnt transmission smell if driven low on fluid
Fix: Quick-connect fittings at the transmission cooler corrode or crack, especially in salt-belt states. Requires cooler line replacement and sometimes the external cooler itself. 2-4 labor hours including fluid refill and system flush if contaminated.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Hard 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, especially when cold, Limp mode with P0700 or U0073 codes, Delayed kickdown response, Erratic shift points
Fix: ZF 8-speed adaptive learning gets confused or TCM software bugs cause shift quality problems. Often resolved with TCM reflash (covered under powertrain warranty if under 5yr/60k), but some units need replacement. 1-2 labor hours for reflash, 3-4 if module replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $150-1,200
Hellcat Supercharger Pulley Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: High-pitched whine or grinding from supercharger at idle, Belt squeal under boost, Sudden loss of power with check engine light, Metal debris in intercooler coolant
Fix: Supercharger input shaft bearing wears, potentially grenading the blower. Requires complete supercharger rebuild or replacement. 8-12 labor hours plus intercooler system flush. Track-driven cars or pulley mods accelerate failure.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Rear Differential Bushing Wear (All V8s)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on hard acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds under load, Driveline shudder during 1-2 shift
Fix: Differential cradle bushings deteriorate from torque cycling, common on cars with aggressive driving. Requires subframe drop and bushing replacement, 4-6 labor hours. Upgraded polyurethane bushings available but transfer more NVH.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Water Pump Failure (3.6L Pentastar)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from timing cover area, Engine overheating at idle, Whirring or grinding noise from front of engine, Steam from hood in severe cases
Fix: Internal water pump driven by timing chain fails, leaking coolant into crankcase or externally. Requires timing cover removal, pump, and coolant flush. 5-7 labor hours. Check oil for milky contamination — if mixed, add oil change and possible bearing damage inspection.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Engine Wiring Harness Chafing (All Engines)
Rare · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or stalling, Multiple random misfire codes, Traction control and ABS lights together, Gauges going haywire
Fix: Main engine harness rubs on sharp edges near firewall or valve covers, cutting through insulation. Related to recall NHTSA 18V-710. Requires harness inspection, repair, or replacement depending on damage. 3-8 labor hours depending on extent.
Estimated cost: $500-2,000
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles or less on Hemi engines — MDS lifters are oil-pressure sensitive and sludge accelerates cam/lifter wear
Service ZF transmission fluid at 60k miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims — cooler contamination kills these boxes
Inspect transmission cooler lines and fittings annually in rust-belt states; catch leaks before fluid starvation damages clutches
Hellcat owners: monitor supercharger sounds religiously and avoid pulley mods without supporting bearing upgrades
Check engine oil for coolant contamination every oil change on 3.6L V6 models after 70k miles due to water pump design
Solid muscle car platform if you budget for Hemi engine maintenance and transmission cooler attention — avoid high-mileage 5.7L/6.4L examples without cam/lifter service records, and Hellcats with unknown modification history.
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-mounted design typical for Challenger
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
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.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 17V496000
2017-08-08
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.
Consequence: If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T48.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 17V431000
2017-07-07
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 5.7L V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission may not remain in the PARK position if that gear is selected, the engine is still running, and the driver exits the vehicle exited.
Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission remaining in the PARK position and without the parking brake set, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module software, free of charge. The recall began 28, 2017. Owners may the Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T41.
Performance
Horsepower
375hp
Torque
410lb-ft
0–60 mph
5.3sec
Quarter mile
13.8sec
Top speed
182mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
16mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
19mpg
Fuel
Midgrade Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Curb weight
4,050lb
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
Coupe body style, no rear wiper. Both blades same length on this generation.
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 2017 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.