2010 Dodge Challenger: engine failure

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine · NC

I experienced a catastrophic timing chain failure despite prior recall work being performed by Dodge that supposedly resolved their known timing chain issues with the 5.7L hemi with automatic transmission. This failure occurred without any prior warning at a cruising speed of about 65 MPH rendering the car undrivable. There were no warning lights, drivability issues, or signs of the impending failure. This is a well-maintained car with only 80,000 miles, never missing a required oil change and other maintenance tasks. Timing chains should not fail at such low milage - indeed, timing belts will last longer before they fail. This failure occurred on a major highway placing me and other motorists in danger from the car being unmovable and potentially causing a high-speed collision on a 70 MPH highway. If this had occurred less than 0.5 miles down the road, both shoulders of the roadway were closed due to road widening construction. A certified letter with pictures of the timing chain and timing chain guide failures with a receipt for associated repairs was sent the to the manufacturer in December 2023 but they have not given me the courtesy of a reply. The engine was replaced by an independent mechanic at an out-of-pocket cost of $13,217.38 and the pictures were taken at that time by the repair shop.

Filed Sep 11, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 77,000 miles · NY

2014 timing belt was recalled and apparently repaired. Car shut off in the middle of the highway and then engine seized. Had it towed and service said it was timing belt again and now engine needed to be replaced. Called dodge, they said there is nothing they can or want to do.

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 54,057 miles · CA

Traveling uphill-slight incline- at approx. 55 MPH on canyon road when engine light came on, flashed. Then all dash light indicators came on as engine failed. Coasted off to side of the road, where I was stranded with no cell service. Able to get help from a chrysler service rep who happened to have a computer for diagnostic purposes. Computer indicated "cam shaft sensor failure". Rep advised remove sensor, look to see if "gear" turns when engine is cranked. If gear turned then timing chain ok, and it was just a bad sensor. If gear didn't turn then the timing chain broke. Vehicle towed home and sensor removed. Gear didn't turn when engine cranked, so the vehicle was then towed to dealer. Dealer confirmed timing chain broke- also damaged several valves. Covered under power train warranty at the moment.

Filed Jun 27, 2013 · Engine · 44,000 miles · TX

I was commuting to work on the westpark tollway in houston in traffic at approximately 7:00am when multiple engine warning lights came on and the engine stopped. I was able to pull to the side, avoiding a collision barely as all systems were dead. After 4 days in the shop it was determined that there was a timing chain failure which in turn caused a catastrophic engine failure, bent valves, damaged pistons etc. Upon searching the web I found 39 instances of this failure on one forum. Particularly model years 2009 to 2011 and cars with 35 to 40,000 miles and mds. Mine has 44,000 and all factory maintenance has been followed. This is particularly troublesome as should this event happen in a heavy traffic or passing situation there could be a serious accident as one has no power to do anything. It is clear from the number of instances and warranty claims that chrysler is aware of the issue which I find troubling. There are alot of cars that are just now coming into the suspect mileage range for this event and it's only a matter of time before a person or persons are seriously injured or killed by this.

Filed May 16, 2013 · Engine · 66,000 miles · GA

I was driving on the interstate at approximately 65mph when a small pop was heard from the engine bay. The engine immediately stopped functioning and I lost all power to the vehicle. I was able to safely stop the vehicle on the shoulder of the interstate without incident. I tried restarting the engine, which just caused the starter to run for 5+ seconds before turning off the start sequence (push button start). The dealership said the cause has been determined to be a snapped timing chain and broken plastic chain guide. This is a 2010 5.7l mds auto transmission challenger. Dodge's response is to replace the chain and guide and see if that enables the engine to run. This is an interference fit engine which will mean several valves will have struck the piston heads as a result of the timing chain breaking. In addition, the valve heads and piston heads may have sustain additional damage. The dealership had recommended to dodge a complete engine replacement. While, I find dodge's solution to be whole inappropriate, the failure of the chain is of more concern. Approximately 40 occurrences of this have been documented at http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f188/timing-chain-failure-dodge-challenger-69216/ with no solution being presented by dodge to stop the guides from breaking and thus the chains snapping. Dodge's inability to adequately and preemptively address this situation will result in more instances of challengers being disabled while traveling at a high rate of speed on a crowded interstate, such as I-75/85 through atlanta. I am lucky my incident did not occur during heavy rush hour traffic which may have resulted in an accident, injury, or worse.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Engine · 41,000 miles · IL

I was traveling at 65 MPH on 4 lane interstate highway. Was on a bridge with no shoulder. Engine suddenly lost all power. Vehicle was coasting and slowing down rapidly. Cars behind me were hitting the brakes to avoid rear-ending my vehicle as I attempted to make my way to the shoulder. Once across bridge, I pulled to the shoulder. Engine would turnover but would not start. Towed to dodge dealership. Dealer diagnosed problem as broken timing chain, which caused camshaft to stop turning. Three exhaust valves were thus held open while the crankshaft continued turning, causing pistons to hit valves, bending valves and denting piston tops near edge of piston. Complete new engine required. Chrysler corporation is not forthcoming with an explanation for failure or a corrective action. There is no service bulletin per the dealer. I looked online at dodge challenger user forums, and found dozens of owners had experienced identical problem: at 35,000-45,000 miles, dodge challenger 5.7 l hemi with automatic transmission and mds (multiple displacement system) cylinder cutout activated, suddenly lost all power due to broken timing chain. This is obviously a design flaw that is a safety issue. The federal safety agency should compel chrysler corporation to develop a corrective action and recall all dodge challenger vehicles with 5.7 l hemi engine immediately.

Filed Aug 20, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 54,020 miles · CA

While driving my 2010 challenger rt 4.7l hemi on the ca 15 freeway at 70 MPH the car suddenly shut down. The warning lights for engine and oil came on and I had to coast to a stop. Steering and brakes remained operational and luckily I made it to the shoulder as the 15 freeway is extremely busy and fast. I had the car towed to a nearby dodge dealer where they informed me that my plastic timing chain guides had disintegrated and caused a blown engine. The car repairs (rebuilt engine) were covered under the 100k mile powertrain warranty but took 4 weeks to complete. The car had 54k freeway miles on it when this happened, was regularly maintained, and never showed any indications that a severe issue would have been forthcoming. I now question the longevity of the new rebuilt engine as same timing chain assembly parts were used during the repair. Noticed there is at least one other identical report on the federal safety agency website so reported on my incident.

Filed Sep 6, 2010 · Engine · 2,900 miles · AZ

I was pulling up to a stop and turn right to enter the freeway as the car rolled to a stop the oil light came on and the engine died. This is the second time this has happened with this car:2010 dodge r/t challenger. The first time this happened the transmission would not engage immediately after I restarted the engine in neutral then shifted to drive. I had exited the freeway turned right went up an incline and stopped at a light and the engine stalled in traffic.