The 2017 Charger is a solid platform with bulletproof V6 reliability, but the 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines have critical valvetrain weaknesses that can grenade motors, and ZF 8-speed transmission cooler failures are common across all trims.
Hemi Lifter/Camshaft Failure (5.7L & 6.4L)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start tick that doesn't go away after warmup, MDS (cylinder deactivation) system fault codes, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic engine noise leading to complete failure
Fix: Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often rockers. If caught late, debris destroys bearings requiring full engine rebuild or short block. 18-25 hours labor for cam/lifter job, 35-50 hours for short block.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000 for cam/lifters; $8,000-15,000 for short block replacement
ZF 8-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from cooler lines at radiator, Pink fluid puddles under vehicle, Burnt transmission smell if run low, Harsh shifting when fluid level drops
Fix: Cooler assembly replacement at radiator, flush contaminated coolant from mixing. 3-4 hours labor. Critical to catch before fluid cross-contaminates or runs dry.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Rear Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from underneath on acceleration/deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds, Squeaking or groaning during takeoff, Visible rubber deterioration at center carrier bearing
Fix: Driveshaft removal and center support bearing replacement. Sometimes the entire driveshaft needs replacement if splines are worn. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Mount Collapse
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Transmission sitting lower than normal on visual inspection
Fix: Transmission mount replacement, sometimes includes rear crossmember mount. 1.5-2 hours labor. Common on higher-mileage V8 cars due to torque.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Water Pump Failure (All Engines)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, Squealing or grinding noise from accessory belt area, Overheating, White steam from under hood
Fix: Water pump replacement with timing cover removal on Hemis. 3-5 hours labor depending on engine. Do thermostat and hoses while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Fuel Pump Module Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start or extended crank time, Loss of power under acceleration, Stalling at idle or low speeds, Fuel pump whine audible from rear seat area
Fix: Fuel pump module replacement requires dropping the tank. 2.5-3 hours labor. Common enough that Mopar released an updated module design.
Estimated cost: $700-1,200
Alternator Failure (High-Output Models)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light, Dimming headlights, Electrical accessories cutting out, Voltage reading below 13.5V at idle, Whining noise from alternator pulley
Fix: Alternator replacement. V8 models use 220-amp units that fail more often than V6 160-amp versions. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Use quality 0W-40 synthetic in Hemis and change every 5,000 miles maximum — lifter failures correlate strongly with extended oil change intervals
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every oil change; catching a leak early prevents catastrophic trans damage from fluid loss
Avoid MDS (cylinder deactivation) delete tunes unless you're also upgrading lifters — disabling it in software doesn't prevent mechanical failure
Check engine recall 18V-355 (connecting rod bearing) was issued for some 2017 5.7L engines — verify it was completed
Buy the 3.6L V6 without hesitation; avoid 5.7L/6.4L Hemis unless you have documentation of camshaft/lifter replacement or budget $5K-8K for the inevitable repair.
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; verify terminal orientation before installation
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Control Modules — 2017 Dodge Charger
Every control module on the 2015-2017 Dodge Charger — 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.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, integrated with steering gear assembly
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith rear backup camera▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in rear decklid handle assembly
🔧 None (auto-learn)
⚠️ Camera calibration typically automatic. Module may require configuration on some variants.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 18V281000
2018-05-01
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
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:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · 17V097000
2017-02-14
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Consequence: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
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 Charger 3.6L V6 Pentastar and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.