The 2020 Challenger is generally solid mechanically, but the high-performance V8 variants (especially 6.2L Hellcat and 6.4L 392) have documented durability issues under aggressive use, while transmission cooling and mount failures plague all trim levels regardless of engine choice.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warnings, Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant cross-contamination), Harsh or delayed shifts, Check engine light with trans temp codes
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both cooling system and transmission. Contamination often requires complete fluid exchanges and filter replacement. 3-5 labor hours depending on access and flushing procedures.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Transmission Mount Failure (8-Speed ZF)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Excessive drivetrain movement felt through shifter or floor, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible torn rubber on mount during inspection
Fix: Replace transmission mount assembly. The OEM rubber compound deteriorates prematurely, especially with performance driving. 1.5-2.5 hours on a lift.
Estimated cost: $300-600
6.2L Hellcat Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rod knock at idle or under load, Metallic rattling that increases with RPM, Loss of oil pressure, Metal shavings in oil filter during service
Fix: Complete lower-end rebuild or short block replacement. Often caused by oil starvation during hard launches or sustained high-RPM operation. Some cases linked to inadequate oil system for forced induction stress. 25-35 hours for proper teardown, machine work or replacement, and reassembly.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
6.4L 392 Hemi Valve Seat Recession / Head Gasket Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Misfires on specific cylinders, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Rough idle and loss of power, Oil contamination in coolant reservoir
Fix: Head gasket replacement on both banks, often includes resurfacing heads or valve seat work if recession has occurred. The MDS (cylinder deactivation) system can contribute to uneven wear. 18-24 hours for both heads, gaskets, and associated seals.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
5.7L Hemi Lifter and Camshaft Failure (MDS-related)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially at startup, Check engine light with misfire codes, Lifter tick that doesn't quiet after warm-up, Metal debris in oil
Fix: Replace failed lifters, camshaft if lobes are damaged, and related valvetrain components. MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifters are prone to failure, and collateral damage to cam lobes is common. 12-18 hours depending on extent of damage.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Fuel Filter Clogging (All Engines)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under acceleration, Rough idle or stumbling, Fuel pump noise more pronounced than normal
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel pump module assembly (filter is integrated, not serviceable separately on most models). Access through rear seat removal. 2-3 hours.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Windshield Wiper Motor / Linkage Binding
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Wipers move slowly or stop mid-cycle, Wiper motor groaning or laboring, Wipers don't park correctly, Intermittent wiper operation
Fix: Linkage bushings wear out or wiper motor itself fails. Sometimes related to NHTSA recall for windshield bonding, which can stress wiper assembly. Replace linkage or motor as needed. 1.5-2.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $350-700
Owner tips
High-performance V8 owners: use quality full-synthetic oil, change every 5,000 mi maximum, and avoid sustained hard launches until engine is fully warmed — bearing failures often trace to oil starvation during cold-start abuse
Check transmission fluid condition every 30,000 mi regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims — early cooler failure detection can save the transmission
If you hear lifter tick on 5.7L Hemi, address it immediately — delayed repair leads to camshaft damage and doubles the repair cost
Hellcat and 392 owners doing track work: consider auxiliary oil cooler and upgraded baffled oil pan to protect bottom end
V6 and 5.7L models are reasonably reliable daily drivers if maintained; Hellcat and 392 are weekend toys with expensive rebuild risk if driven hard — budget $3-5k reserve for eventual engine or transmission work on high-output variants.
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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Every control module on the 2018-2020 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.
📍 Behind left headlight assembly in engine compartment
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or wiTECH
⚠️ Controls adaptive headlight leveling and beam pattern
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly in trunk lid
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or wiTECH
⚠️ Standard equipment; camera calibration may be required
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 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
19mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
23mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
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 2020 Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6 Pentastar 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.