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Dodge Challenger knocking problems

21 of the 1,695 owner complaints about the Dodge Challenger describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
21
worst model year
2014
typical mileage
31,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    6
  • 2014
    6
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    2
  • 2010
    1

Often reported together

Check engine light 5Misfire 2Jerking 2Hesitation 2Engine failure 2Whining noise 1Stalling 1Slipping 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0303 1P0300 1P0132 1

What owners say

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The vehicle's engine has suffered a catastrophic internal failure at approximately 56,000 miles. The engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The issue began with a loud ticking noise from the engine. I brought the vehicle to Stoneridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Pleasanton for diagnosis. At that visit, the dealership lubricated an unspecified component and instructed me to continue driving. The ticking noise temporarily subsided. Shortly after, the check engine light illuminated. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership, where the technician retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Upon further inspection, the technician found scoring on the cylinder 3 wall, a persistent loud ticking noise from the engine, and metal contamination in the engine oil sample. The dealership diagnosed the failure as requiring a complete engine long block replacement at a quoted cost exceeding $23,000. The powertrain warranty has expired based on the 3-year time limit; however, the vehicle has fewer than 56,000 miles, which is well below the warranty's mileage threshold and exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. The vehicle has been properly maintained throughout ownership with regular oil changes and scheduled service intervals. No aftermarket modifications have been made; the engine and all related components remain factory stock. I contacted Stellantis customer care to request assistance. They stated that because the vehicle is no longer under warranty, there is nothing they can do, and that the dealership should have submitted a goodwill assistance request on my behalf. The dealership said they would look into it. A complete engine failure at this mileage on an engine marketed as a high-performance powerplant suggests a manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear.

Filed May 30, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · SC

My 2016 Dodge Challenger has less then 38,000 miles. I don’t even drive it in the rain to keep it spotless. I have taken great care of it. It started making a knocking noise from underneath the car. Took it to the dodge dealership & found out the drive shaft is bad.If you google 2016 Dodge challenger sxt drive shaft issue you will see that this is a nation wide problem starting from 2015 to 2018. I think Dodge should be responsible for fixing this issue. Its not right,

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 120,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Engine · 78,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters and rocker's arms were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2021 · 81,000 miles · NV

While unloading items from the trunk of my 2015 dodge challenger, I had the misfortune of the trunk lid falling my head and almost knocking me out. The trunk will not stay up on its own (especially when parked on an incline). The weight of the trunk is too heavy for the struts that are designed for it. This is not the first time the struts have failed on the trunk of this vehicle and have been replaced by a dodge oem dealer (approx 2 years ago). I feel like this could be a safety issue for other dodge owners in the future.

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · Engine · CA

This is my 2nd dodge challenge I've owned. My first one was a 2017 r/t. The reason I mention this is because its the same issue I had with the other one. I keep up with all the maintance and take care of my cars. The problem from what I've been told is the exhaust manifold and there's also a knocking sound coming from the engine. Its exactly like the first one I had and traded in. I couldn't get it fixed because its not covered in the factory warranty or in the extended warranties I bought. So I don't know what to do and dodge wants me to pay hundreds just to look at it which I shouldn't have to do with a car that has less than 30,000 miles on it and its something that I feel and believe is their fault. I know I'm not the only one because every mechanic, oil changers I've gone too I ask them about it and they tell me so many of their customers complain about the same thing. I hope you can help. Thanks

Filed Oct 22, 2020 · Engine · 93,000 miles · FL

My car is making a ticking noise. I have changed the oil with a better brand and the technician explained it could be the arm rocker that goes bad with that specific engine

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · OK

Carrier bearing/driveshaft needs replacement after 49000 miles. Knocking vibrating noise coming from driveshaft when driving.

Filed May 21, 2020 · Fuel system · 70 miles · TX

5.7l engine with 6-speed transmission has an engine knock/tick since the I test drove it nov. 2015. 1 cylinder head, both camshafts and lifters have been replaced under warranty but the engine tick persists during startup and while driving.

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Engine · 80,000 miles · PR

My challenger is making a wierd ticking noise coming from the left side of the engine. See recall below chrysler announced this morning that it will be extending the warranty on 3.6-liter pentastar v-6 engines in certain 2011-2013 vehicles due to cracked cylinder heads on early versions of the engine according to automotive news, roughly 7500 engines built as the pentastar v-6 was first coming out in 2012, were found to be susceptible to left-cylinder head cracks, potentially resulting in engine failure. Chrysler first discovered the issue when customers began complaining that their vehicles were making ticking noises, stalling, or that the instrument panel was inexplicably displaying a check engine light. The 3.6-liter pentastar v-6 comes with a 5-year/100,000 mile warranty, which chrysler will be extending to 10-years/150,000 miles on the left-cylinder head. The cracked left-cylinder head issue potentially affects about 0.5-percent of vehicles equipped with the 3.6-liter v-6. Chrysler determined that subpar fuel along with a number of driving conditions contributed to the issue. A design modification in late 2012 has reportedly fixed the issue in newer vehicles. The 3.6-liter v-6, the first of the pentastar family that now includes a 3.2-liter version, comes standard in numerous chrysler vehicles. The 3.6-liter pentastar is standard on the: chrysler 300, dodge challenger, dodge charger, jeep grand cherokee, jeep wrangler, ram 1500, and ram promaster. It's optional on both the previous-generation and current chrysler 200, and dodge avenger.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported August 8, 2017 · 1,207 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V496000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Challenger knocking

Which Dodge Challenger years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (6 complaints), 2015 (6 complaints) and 2011 (2 complaints).

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