The 2013 Charger is a solid full-size sedan when properly maintained, but the 5.7L Hemi has a serious cam/lifter defect that can grenade the engine, and all models share transmission cooler and torque converter failures that demand attention before catastrophic damage occurs.
5.7L Hemi MDS Camshaft and Lifter Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially at idle when warm, Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes (P0300-P0308), Rough idle, hesitation, or loss of power, Metal shavings in oil filter during oil changes
Fix: The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters fail and wipe out cam lobes. Requires complete engine teardown: camshaft, all 16 lifters, pushrods, oil pump, timing components. If caught late, metal debris contaminates bearings requiring full rebuild or shortblock. 18-25 hours labor for cam/lifter job, 30-40 hours for shortblock.
Estimated cost: $4,000-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or shuddering, Overheating transmission temp warnings, Coolant level dropping without external leaks
Fix: The internal cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Contaminates entire transmission requiring full flush, often torque converter replacement, and sometimes valve body work if caught late. Replace radiator, flush system, replace torque converter. 8-12 hours labor if trans internals are okay.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000
3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Cylinder 1, 3, or 5 misfire codes, Overheating with no clear cause
Fix: Early Pentastar V6s suffer left-bank head gasket and valve seat failures. Coolant seeps into cylinders. Requires left cylinder head removal, machining or replacement, new gasket set, timing chain work. 12-16 hours labor. Some qualify for Chrysler extended warranty coverage (Warranty Extension N40 up to 150k miles).
Estimated cost: $3,000-5,000
Alternator Failure with PCM Damage Risk
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery light illuminated or flickering, Voltage gauge showing 12V or below while running, Dimming headlights, electrical accessories cutting out, Dead battery after short sit periods
Fix: Factory alternators fail with internal diode shorts that can send voltage spikes back and fry the PCM. Always test charging system health at 80k+ miles. Replace alternator before it fails completely to avoid $1,200 PCM replacement. 1.5-2.5 hours labor for alternator, add 2 hours and module cost if PCM damaged.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from front suspension over bumps, Steering wander or imprecise turn-in, Uneven or cupped tire wear on inside edges, Visible cracking or separation of rubber bushings
Fix: The front lower control arm bushings crack and separate, especially in cold climates. Most shops replace entire control arms rather than pressing bushings. Both sides usually needed simultaneously. 2-3 hours labor, requires alignment after.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Water Pump Leak (3.6L Pentastar)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant dripping from front-center of engine, Coolant smell after driving, Gradual coolant level loss, Visible wetness around water pump housing
Fix: Water pump weep holes develop leaks. Requires accessory belt removal and pump replacement. Not timing-chain-driven so less invasive than some engines, but tight quarters. 3-4 hours labor. Do thermostat and hoses at same time.
Estimated cost: $500-800
The V6 and 6.4L 392 are solid buys used if maintained; avoid the 5.7L Hemi unless you can verify religious oil change history or budget for eventual engine work.
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.