The Dodge Charger has definitely passed the test of time. It has gone through several modifications over the years and has been produced in several variants.
These include subcompact hatchbacks, sedans, muscle cars, and luxury coupes. Modern Chargers are usually four-door sedans.
In this article, we discuss how long the Dodge Charger lasts.
Check also our list of most common issues with the Dodge Chargers.
Table of Contents
Here is the short answer to how long the Dodge Charger lasts:
The Dodge Charger can last up to 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. If you average 15,000 miles per year like the regular American driver, you can get up to 13 to 20 years of service from the Charger.
How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Dodge Charger?
The Dodge Charger can last well over 250,000 miles and still be in good shape. There are rare cases of Chargers with up to 300,000 miles. You should not use this as a yardstick since there are cases where Chargers don’t reach 200,000 miles.
A Charger with a high mileage can still be in a better condition than one with a lower mileage. This depends on the driver and his or her driving habits.
If you are on the market for a used Dodge Charger, consider the maintenance records as well as the mileage of the car before buying.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Dodge Charger?
Dodge Chargers should be neat and rust-free for more than half a decade after purchase (with proper care).
After snooping through many forums, we found many Dodge Charger owners who complained of rust in their trunks. In other cases, it appeared on the windows. The underbody is likely going to rust if you live in a wet state and don’t clean up your car often.
If you live in the Salt Belt or coastal areas, washing your vehicle regularly can help prevent or delay rust. You can also consider aftermarket anti-rusting solutions.
Meanwhile, check out some of the best and worst Dodge Charger models to own.
How Long Do Dodge Chargers Last Compared To Similar Cars?
The Dodge Charger, like its Challenger sibling, beats most cars in the muscle class. Here’s how the Charger compares to competitors in terms of longevity.
Dodge Charger vs. Ford Mustang
Against the Ford Mustang, the Charger can attain up to 50,000 miles more. The Ford Mustang can last up to 200,000 miles on average.
The Charger is also cheaper to maintain. RepairPal data suggests that it costs an average of $652 to maintain the Dodge Charger annually, compared to the Mustang’s $709.
Read more: How Long Do Ford Mustangs Last? (8 Important Facts)
Dodge Charger vs. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevy Camaro can deliver 150,000 miles of top performance with proper maintenance and use. While this may be less than the Charger, you can get more from your Camaro if you maintain it properly.
Read more: How Long Do The Chevrolet Camaros Last? (10 Important Facts)
From the above comparisons, one could say the Charger is the king of longevity in muscle cars.
How Reliable Is a Dodge Charger?
J.D. Power gives the 2021 Dodge Charger a quality and reliability rating of 89/100. The 2020 Charger has an identical score.
This seems high when compared with RepairPal’s rating of 3.5/5.0 which could translate to 70/100. RepairPal’s ranking puts it at 10/12 for full-size cars.
Overall, the Dodge Charger is a good car when we compare data from J.D. Power and RepairPal.
The Best and Worst Years for Dodge Charger
The 2006 model is the worst Charger ever produced.
The most common problem associated with it is engine related. So far, Consumer Reports has recorded up to 104 cases of engine problems. It also recorded 13 fuel system problems, seven electrical problems, seven transmission problems and others.
The 2011 model has 53 reports of electrical problems and 21 fuel system problems. Thus, the 2006 and 2011 models are dominated by engine and electrical problems, respectively. They are the two models to steer clear of.
Overall, the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Chargers have the least number of problems according to data from Consumer Reports. The 2021 model year has been good so far.
The 2010 model is also a reliable one to have.
Related: How Long Do Chevrolet Corvette Last? (Solved & Explained!)
What About Recalls for These Models?
The table below is a detailed list of recalls of each model year for the past decade.
| Year | Number of recalls | Reason For Recall |
| 2021 | – | – |
| 2020 | 1 | Sensing system problems. |
| 2019 | 4 | Camera, tires, airbags and electrical system problems. |
| 2018 | 5 | Camera, wiring and transmission problems. |
| 2017 | 4 | Wiring, engine and power-train problems. |
| 2016 | 6 | Powertrain and wiring problems. |
| 2015 | 8 | Airbags, Powertrain, wiring and engine problems. |
| 2014 | 11 | Airbags, Powertrain, wiring and alternator problems. |
| 2013 | 8 | Airbags, Powertrain, electrical system problems. |
| 2012 | 11 | Airbags, electrical systems, Powertrain, tires and structure problems. |
| 2011 | 10 | Airbags and electrical system problems. |
| 2010 | 5 | Airbags and ignition problems. |
Dodge Charger Model Year List
This table below groups all Dodge Chargers based on model years to the generations they fall under.
| Generation | Model Years |
| First | 1966 – 1967 |
| Second | 1968 – 1970 |
| Third | 1971 – 1974 |
| Fourth | 1975 – 1978 |
| Fifth | 1982 – 1987 |
| Sixth | 2006 – 2010 |
| Seventh | 2011 – Present |
Are Dodge Chargers Expensive to Maintain?
RepairPal estimates the annual service and maintenance cost of a Dodge Charger to be $652. It is the same for all vehicle models, although $62 higher than the average annual maintenance and repair cost for full-size cars.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
On average, Charger brake pads should last a minimum of 40,000 miles if used and maintained properly.
The determining factor in the longevity of your brake pads is usage.
Drivers may stay in high-traffic areas where brakes have to be slammed hard every morning. They would need to replace their brake pads sooner.
Drivers who stay in traffic free areas and do not need to overwork their pads have the advantage of additional miles.
That aside, we also consider the aggressiveness of the driver. Teenagers may need to replace theirs sooner than older people.
If properly maintained, brakes may reach 80,000 miles or more.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The longevity of tires, like almost any other component of your Charger, depends on you. They can last 35,000 to 50,000 miles or more, depending on use habits, terrain, and the weather, among others.
Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles or whenever you service the engine can help prolong their life. Also, we understand the Charger is a muscle car and many drivers love racing and drifting in it, but these activities can cut the tire life short.
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
Any Dodge Charger transmission should last at least 150,000 miles. A much larger figure is still workable depending on how well you maintain it.
If impurities have accumulated in your transmission, you may have to do a transmission flush. So you need to go for a routine checkup. That’s because experts will usually inform you if you need a transmission flush or just a change of transmission fluid.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
The spark plug that came with the Charger may last as long as 100,000 miles and still be efficient.
If your spark plugs need replacing, you may notice a drop in the vehicle’s performance, since faulty spark plugs can create an ignition powerful enough to combust the air-fuel mixture in your engine.
What About Insurance Cost?
According to data from Insuraviz, the average cost of insuring a Dodge Charger is $1930 per year or $161 per month.
Keep in mind that many factors affect the amount you’d pay to insure your car. It depends on your location, the insurance company, the type of insurance (full or minimum coverage), age, credit history and others.
Overall, the Dodge Charger costs higher to insure than the average car. This is because it would cost more to repair if damaged or involved in an accident.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Dodge Charger
The Charger is a pretty durable car. However, improper handling or maintenance would cause a decline in the durability even to a point below the average car.
The basic practices to follow include regular servicing, brake and steering fluid changes when due, oil changes and regular checkups.
Parking your car indoors where it would have less contact with moisture helps prevent rust. Also, ensure you wash your car regularly.
Lastly, the Dodge Charger is also among the cars with extra big engine bays.
Sources
Dodge Charger | Consumer Reports
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