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The Dodge Charger might be on its way out of production, but the model’s tenure as a sedan means plenty of used options. Still, fans of the Dodge sedan model might want to consider which used model years to consider and avoid. Based on driver complaints, potential owners might want to steer clear of models like the 2012 and 2014 Dodge Charger.

Which Dodge Charger model years have the greatest number of problems? 

According to complaints from owners, the following model years of the Dodge Charger’s sedan platform have the most significant number of issues:

  • 2006
  • 2011
  • 2007
  • 2012
  • 2014

It stands to reason that the 2006 Charger would have a few problems, as it was the first production model for the sedan on the LX platform. However, the 2007 model year also had issues before Chrysler updated its family of cars, including the Charger, to the LD platform. As far as problematic post-facelift models are concerned, the 2011, 2012, and 2014 Dodge Chargers make the list.

Are 2006 Chargers good?

A 2006 Dodge Charger might be a tempting used sedan option, especially with a 5.7L Hemi V8. However, the most frequent complaint among owners is premature engine failure, specifically in the 5.7L mill. Of 56 reports on Car Complaints, 38 required an engine replacement at an average of 94,950 miles. 

A used 2006 Dodge Charger R/T sedan drives around a test track.
2006 Dodge Charger | Stellantis

Moreover, RepairPal says that many owners complain about transmission issues, like jerky shifts. Fortunately, powertrain and transmission control module (PCM/TCM) software updates could remedy the rough shifting. 

Is the 2011 Charger reliable?

2011 was the first year of the LD platform Dodge Charger. As with any update or new model, it’s not without bugs and problems. Regarding the 2011 model, the Mopar sedan has owner reports of premature alternator failure and transmission shift quality issues. 

Still, both issues are more irritating than catastrophic; a replacement alternator or software update could solve the problems. 

A 2011 Charger R/T sedan drives around a test track.
A 2011 Charger R/T on the track | Stellantis

Is a 2007 Dodge Charger a good car?

Like the 2006 model year, the 2007 Dodge Charger has rough shifting issues that owners might be able to fix with a PCM/TCM software update, per RepairPal. However, owners also reported instances of the gear selector sticking in park. The issue happens at an average of 74,250 miles.  

How long does a 2012 Dodge Charger last?

With proper care and maintenance, a 2012 Dodge Charger on the LD platform should last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. However, 315 NHTSA complaints suggest that the 2012 model has issues with electrical gremlins, like charging system faults. 

A used 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop flashes its lights.
2012 Charger Blacktop | Stellantis

Is the 2014 Charger reliable?

The 2014 Dodge Charger’s problems are infrequent, and its average repair cost is low. However, some owners have reported rare instances of engine stalling and oil leaks at around 53,950 miles. 

A 2014 Dodge Charger shows off its front-end styling.
2014 Dodge Charger | Stellantis

While a replacement engine for an early model could be costly and irritating, most of the LX and LD Charger’s issues are more inconvenient than catastrophic. Still, with so many model years of Charger, potential owners might be better off with a different version, like a 2017 model.

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