The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was also diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that this was a known issue and that several vehicles had been taken to the dealer for the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 131,300.
Dodge Charger hesitation problems
52 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 52
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical mileage
- 76,850
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 23Check engine light 9Loss of power 7Engine failure 6Jerking 5Knocking 5Misfire 4Won't start 3
What owners say
Hesitation when starting car
On 3/10/2023 my vehicle suddenly starting trembling and shaking profusely! It terrified me severely. I immediately called my mechanic and it was towed in to be repaired. I was told it needed a tune- up. Towing, 3-Direct Ignition coils replaced, 6-spark plugs replaced and 1- fuel injection plenum gasket set replaced. Four weeks later on 4/16/2023 a warning sign of a backwards meeting parenthesis with a lightening bolt between to the two backwards parenthesis showed up on my warning lamp-Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator symbol; causing my vehicle on shake, jump and stall as I was driving on 29S heading toward 70W towards Baltimore to get home. I was able to drive to side of the road and my car completely stopped. A the horrific sounds of the traffic wizzed by me and my 12 year old child, I immediately called AAA, as we were in danger and severely terrified. We were finally picked up after 3 long hours!!!!! My car was the towed up the street from my home because the huge tow truck was unable to get directly in front of my door at that late hour. As I called AAA back the next morning to have my car towed to my mechanic shop, I was told I could only get 1 tow/ breakdown. I was totally in disbelieve after all we endured the evening/ night before. After explaining to a supervisor at AAA, she agreed that we had such a horrible experience the night before and adjusted the policy to accommodate my vehicle to be towed to my mechanic for repairs. This time, my fuel pump needed to be replaced and it has been. My vehicle still feels hesitate in its acceleration and as of today my engine light is on on my warning panel. I have been contacted by a NHTS recall team agent and have been scheduled for an appt
Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what caused my car to lock up I know when my sales guys first go over my car he didn’t fully mention everything to me I saw my tires pressure at 50 psi in all days didn’t know if that was normal because my car was shipped so I know the dealership is suppose to inspect vehicle to make sure everything is correct to manufacturer specs when vehicle was towed to certificate shop for body and mechanic repairs car sat there 8 months plus when I got the car it was not driving the same and reading a message on the screen service sifter unavailable ever since then my vehicle is unsafe to drive my car now locks up when I do a turn like it get stuck in a gear and when cruising vehicle chocks/hesitated to drive like it was to get stuck in a lock mode . I took it to 2 dodge dealers more then 3 times and can’t duplicate concern and throwing random parts at my car and I’m telling them it’s not the problem also they gave me poor customer service and wish I never bought a car from them .
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced bucking, surging, hesitation, loss of power, and an engine misfire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to premature wear of internal components within the engine and that the rocker arms, lifters, and camshaft were faulty. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the vehicle was bucking, surging, hesitating, lost motive power, and had an engine misfire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to premature wear of internal components within the engine. Additionally, the rocker arms, lifters, and camshaft were faulty. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 206,000.
The issue with the vehicle is inconsistent and delayed power delivery. On numerous occasions, when trying to accelerate quickly in low gears (1 through 3), the vehicle exhibits an obvious restriction and/or lack of thrust. The vehicle does accelerate (sometimes poorly with hesitation) and the RPM's climb, but the power is severely reduced until 4500 RPM, then the power comes on strong without any change in throttle position or gear. The issue can best be described as feeling like you are towing something heavy with a rope, and at 4500 rpm, the rope breaks and the resistance is lifted. I have had it to multiple dealers, I have reproduced it, but both ran full analysis and it is "performing as designed". Both me and the dealer contacted the manufacturer and was told if there are no diagnostic errors, it is fine. There is no code or message. I have found at least 10 other owners of various vehicle models from Chrysler with the same engine and transmission combo that have the same issue. The 5.7 Litre HEMI V8 and the ZF8HP70 8 speed automatic transmission. There is no way to know it is going to happen. One minute it accelerates normally, the next it doesn't. It does not pose imminent danger, but it has put me in a precarious position more than once when entering a highway or pulling out into traffic and not knowing how much acceleration power I am going to have. It reduces confidence in the vehicle because of the inconsistency. The issue did not start occurring until the vehicle reached approx. 2100 miles. I also owned a 2020 version of the car that did the same thing after approx. 4000 miles. I traded it in on the 2021 because I thought there was no way they all ran this way, but apparently they do.
My 2006 dodge charger has been hesitating and dying immediately after filling up my fuel tank, every time. This has been an ongoing problem as of the last 6 months. I've read in multiple online dodge forums that this has to do with a faulty 'evaporation valve' in the fuel tank and that there are many 2006 dodge owners who have encountered the exact same problem. There are no codes in the vehicle's computer & the dealership has not taken ownership of the problem created by their design & created a recall of the gas tank or 'evaporation valve'. I was directed to this website to notify you of this problem in hopes of alerting dodge of the issue. It is extremely dangerous. In the event that this happens in traffic or while turning in an intersection, the vehicle may easily become uncontrollable, as all power steering & power brakes are rendered useless.
The vehicle is stalling,jerking and hesitating after filling up gas tank.this has happened on multiple occasions.
2017 dodge charger. The transmission takes too long coming out of second gear. The vehicle jerks and hesitates violently. Also, the vehicle hesitates without warning happens when there is traffic. When coming to a stop and needing accelerate it will not go and the gears will get stuck.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
- Risk
- An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
Recall number 22V866000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
Recall number 18V281000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
- Risk
- A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
Recall number 17V097000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
- Risk
- Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Recall number 16V240000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
- Risk
- The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
Recall number 13V610000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 20,283 my 2006-2009 charger and magnum vehicles built with the police package and equipped with a column shifter. The gearshift cable may become disengaged from the steering column mounting bracket and cause an incorrect transmission gearshift position display.
- Risk
- This could allow the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction startling the driver, and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a redundant locking mechanism to the gearshift cable at the mounting bracket to ensure proper retention and shift linkage function. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 08V583000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 5,509 my 2008 300, dodge magnum, and charger vehicles. The torque retention crimp feature was missed during the manufacture of one lot of rear axle hub nuts. This could cause the nuts to loosen and allow the halfshaft to disengage from the wheel hub.
- Risk
- This could cause the vehicle to lose power and result in a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear axle hub nuts. The recall began on july 21, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 08V295000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
- Risk
- If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V341000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
- Risk
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Charger hesitation
Which Dodge Charger years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (26 complaints), 2014 (5 complaints) and 2008 (4 complaints).
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