The 2020 Charger rides on the proven LX platform but shows distinct issues by powertrain—V6 models are relatively solid, while Hemi V8s (especially 5.7L and 6.4L) suffer from well-documented lifter/cam failures and the ZF 8HP transmission can develop cooler leaks and mount failures across all trims.
Hemi Lifter and Camshaft Failure (MDS-equipped V8s)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking/tapping noise on cold start that persists, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0308), Loss of power, rough idle, cylinder deactivation, Metal shavings in oil on analysis
Fix: Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often rocker arms. If caught late, debris damages bearings requiring short block or full engine rebuild. 18-25 labor hours for cam/lifter job, 35+ hours for short block. This is THE Hemi killer on these years.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000 for cam/lifters; $8,000-15,000+ for short block
ZF 8HP Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near front of vehicle, Low fluid level on dipstick (if equipped) or limp mode, Pink/red fluid pooling after parking, Burning smell if fluid contacts exhaust
Fix: Steel cooler lines crack at crimped fittings or rub-through points. Replace both lines preventatively. 2-3 labor hours, flush and refill required. External leak, rarely causes internal damage if caught early.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear/Crossmember Mount)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on acceleration or deceleration, especially from stop, Vibration through floor at highway speed, Visible separation or tearing of rubber isolator, Shifter movement/slop when applying throttle
Fix: Rear trans mount takes abuse on V8 models, especially with spirited driving. Inspect all motor and trans mounts simultaneously—they often fail in clusters. 1.5-2 hours labor per mount.
Estimated cost: $300-600 per mount
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Output V8s)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under load, Loss of power at wide-open throttle, Long crank times, especially when hot, P0087 or P0088 fuel pressure codes
Fix: In-tank fuel pump module includes filter. Hellcat and Scat Pack cars running E85 blends clog filters faster. Tank drop required. 3-4 hours labor. Not typically a V6 issue.
Symptoms: Horizontal crack originating from cowl area, no impact point, Crack starting at windshield base near wiper assembly, Progressive spread across field of view
Fix: 2020 had a recall for windshield bonding, but stress cracks from cowl flex continue to appear post-repair. Insurance typically covers, but verify proper OEM glass and primer during replacement. 2-3 hours labor.
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from weep hole below pump, Squealing or grinding from front of engine, Overheating, coolant loss with no visible external leak, Pink residue on front of engine block
Fix: Pentastar water pumps fail at the shaft seal or bearing. Timing cover removal required on many—not a quick roadside fix. 4-6 hours labor. Replace thermostat and hoses while in there.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak (V8 Models, Especially Scat Pack/Hellcat)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping at front of differential, visible on driveshaft, Burnt gear oil smell after spirited driving, Low differential fluid level on check, Whine or howl from rear end if run low
Fix: Pinion seal wears from driveline angle and load. Driveshaft removal, seal replacement, fluid refill. Inspect pinion bearing preload during repair. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
If buying a Hemi V8, get a pre-purchase oil analysis and cold-start video—lifter tick that doesn't quiet down in 30 seconds is a deal-breaker
ZF 8HP fluid is lifetime per FCA, but real-world shops recommend drain-and-fill every 60k mi to prolong life—about $250-400
Hellcat and Redeye owners: budget for fuel system (pump, filter) and differential service every 50k if driven hard; these parts aren't over-engineered for the power
Avoid MDS (cylinder deactivation) delete tunes without proper lifter upgrades—you'll mask the problem but not prevent cam wear
V6 Chargers are solid daily drivers with typical maintenance; Hemi V8 buyers should budget $5k-10k for eventual lifter/cam work or walk away—great platform when healthy, but the 2020 5.7L/6.4L cam failure rate is unacceptable for the money.
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: High-performance AGM battery required for high-output alternator and supercharged engine demands; located in trunk
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Every control module on the 2018-2020 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.
📍 Instrument panel, behind gauge cluster trim bezel
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN-locked
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Trunk floor, above fuel tank near spare tire well
🔧 Scan tool auto-relearn
⚠️ Controls fuel pump speed based on demand; simple relearn procedure
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.6 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrwith adaptive headlamps or LED headlamps▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly in engine compartment
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Launch X431
⚠️ Controls adaptive lighting and LED functions
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) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · 21V516000
2021-07-08
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V512000
2020-08-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.
Performance
Horsepower
707hp
Torque
650lb-ft
0–60 mph
3.6sec
Quarter mile
11.7sec
Top speed
196mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
4,575lb
Wiper blades
Sedan body style, no rear wiper. Both blades same length.
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 Charger 6.2L V8 Hellcat (707hp) 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.