2007 DODGE CHARGER

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: knocking or ticking from engine bay, oil pressure warning light, engine overheating, sudden loss of power or seizure, metal shavings in oil

Fix: The 2.7L has a notorious design flaw where the water pump is mounted internally and shares oil passages, leading to sludge buildup that starves bearings. Once symptoms appear, you're looking at a full engine rebuild or replacement. Short block replacement takes 18-22 hours labor, often not worth it on a high-mileage car.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission slipping or harsh shifts, pink or milky fluid in overflow tank (coolant-trans fluid mix), transmission overheating warning, sudden loss of forward gears

Fix: The cooler lines rust internally and contaminate the transmission with debris, or the cooler itself fails and allows coolant into the trans. Once coolant mixes with ATF, the transmission is done. Preventive cooler and line replacement is 3-4 hours; if the trans is contaminated, you're rebuilding or replacing it (12-16 hours labor).

Estimated cost: $400-800 preventive, $2,800-4,200 if transmission damaged

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: shifter shows Park but car rolls or won't start, gear indicator doesn't match actual gear, can't shift out of Park, key won't come out of ignition

Fix: The plastic bushings in the column shifter linkage wear out, causing misalignment between what you select and what the transmission actually does. This is a recall item but many weren't fixed. Replacement linkage kit takes 2-3 hours and involves removing the steering column cover.

Estimated cost: $300-500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: whining or howling from front of vehicle at highway speeds, vibration during acceleration, clunking when turning, metal shavings in differential fluid

Fix: AWD Chargers use a front differential that shares design with several problematic Chrysler platforms. Pinion bearings fail due to inadequate lubrication. Once noisy, the differential needs a rebuild or replacement. R&R and rebuild takes 8-10 hours.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS and traction control warning lights, brake pedal pulsing at low speeds, pump running constantly, loss of ABS function

Fix: The Bosch ABS module corrodes internally, especially in salt states. This was a recall item but only covered specific VINs. Module replacement is 2-3 hours and requires bleeding the entire brake system. Rebuilt units are available but programming is required.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: airbag warning light (sometimes), no warning until deployment, recall notice from Dodge

Fix: Both driver and passenger airbags use Takata inflators that can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin. This is a safety recall and should be fixed immediately at any Dodge dealer at no cost. Takes 1-2 hours per airbag.

Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: gear oil puddle under rear of car, whining from rear end, low differential fluid level

Fix: The rear axle seals harden and leak, especially on cars that sit or are driven hard. If caught early, it's just seals (2-3 hours per side, axles out). If run low, you can damage the ring and pinion. Check diff fluid every oil change.

Estimated cost: $400-700