The 2022 Challenger is still relatively new, but the platform dates to 2008 with predictable weak points carrying over. High-performance variants (392, Hellcat) see severe engine stress issues; transmission cooling is a universal concern across all trims.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission overheating warnings, burnt transmission fluid smell, harsh shifting or slipping, coolant mixing with ATF causing milky fluid
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both cooling system and transmission. Cross-contamination often means transmission rebuild is also needed. 4-6 hours labor for cooler only, 12-18 hours if transmission damaged.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 cooler only, $3,500-5,500 if transmission needs rebuild
Hellcat/392 Rod Bearing and Piston Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: engine knock at idle or under load, metallic ticking that worsens with RPM, sudden loss of oil pressure, catastrophic engine failure with metal shavings in oil
Fix: High-performance Hemis pushing limits see rod bearing wear and piston ring land failures, especially with track use or poor oil maintenance. Requires full engine rebuild or short block replacement. 25-35 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
5.7L Hemi Lifter and Cam Failure (MDS-related)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: ticking or tapping noise from engine on cold start, Check Engine Light with misfire codes, rough idle, loss of power in affected cylinders
Fix: MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifters fail, often taking out camshaft lobes. Requires heads-off work, camshaft replacement, all lifters, and sometimes head gaskets. 18-24 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $4,000-6,500
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 35,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, excessive drivetrain vibration, visible sagging or torn rubber in mount, harsh engagement feel
Fix: V8 torque accelerates mount wear. Straightforward replacement but requires transmission support. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-550
TPMS Sensor Failure and False Warnings
Common · low severitySymptoms: TPMS warning light with correct tire pressures, intermittent sensor dropout, failure after tire service or cold weather
Fix: Mopar TPMS sensors are failure-prone and batteries die prematurely. Recall addresses some issues but doesn't solve underlying sensor quality. Replace individual sensors as they fail. 0.5 hours per sensor including relearn.
Estimated cost: $80-150 per sensor
6.4L 392 Hemi Head Gasket Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-75,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, overheating, rough running or misfires, milky oil or oil in coolant
Fix: 392 engines can develop head gasket leaks, particularly between cylinders or into coolant passages. Both heads typically need gaskets, resurface if warped. 16-20 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,000
V6 and base 5.7L are decent buys if maintained obsessively; avoid high-mileage 392/Hellcat unless you have a $10k engine fund or full service records proving religious oil changes.
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.