The Most Common Dodge Problems
One of the most common Dodge problems is fragile dashboards, but depending on what model you drive, you could face everything from engine to rust issues.
Written by Lindsey Hoover
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The most common Dodge problems include faulty electronic gear shifters, low mileage engine blow-outs, rusting, wobbly front ends, and dashboards that crack easily.
Dodge has been around since the 1900s, making it an American classic with over one hundred years of experience in the industry. And while they’ve manufactured high-performance, quality vehicles for years, they’ve also had their fair share of reliability issues.
Interested to know more about the most common problems associated with owning a Dodge?
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with the right coverage.MORE: Are Dodges expensive to maintain?
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What are the most common Dodge problems?
Lauded as some of America’s most loved muscle and sports cars, Dodges are historically high-quality vehicles that came at an affordable price point. However, the company has also faced its fair share of manufacturing issues.
Below we list some of the most common problems Dodge drivers have experienced since purchasing their vehicles:
- Car rolling away (due to faulty electronic gear shifter)
- Rust
- A wobbly front end, especially when driving at high-speeds
- Fragile dashboards
- Engine blow-outs at low mileage
Overall, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has experienced the most problems out of any model, with most of the issues occurring in the interior of the vehicle. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reported 12 major recalls and 936 complaints for this 2002 model. Later, Dodge made a comeback when Consumer Reports rated it as one of the most reliable car brands in 2019, thanks to the
Dodge Challenger
and Grand Caravan
.Check out the table below for a complete breakdown of the most common Dodge issues in 2022.
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ram 1500 | $37,695 | 76/100 | Broken exhaust manifold bolts, faulty rear window seal, coolant leaks, cam sensor issues, suspension issues, cracked dashboard | 2003, 2010-2013 (5.7-liter V8), 2014, 2015, 2016 |
Grand Caravan | $29,025 | 76/100 | Shifting issues, faulty TIPM, engine troubles, brake system and steering issues, power window motor issues, faulty air conditioning | 2000-2006 |
Charger | $34,095 | 89/100 | Brake system and suspension problems, defective airbags, transmission issues, software problems, engine failure | 2006-2008, 2011-2012, 2014 |
Challenger | $32,025 | 88/100 | Harsh transmission shifting, faulty TIPM, exploding airbags, failing alternator, leaky power steering pressure hose assembly, faulty air conditioning | 2009-2015 |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Dodge Ram 1500 problems
Average annual repair cost: $670
CarComplaints.com complaints: 6,267
Most
Dodge Ram 1500
drivers experience issues with their exhaust manifold bolts but are able to resolve the issue easily by replacing the exhaust manifold gasket. Finding an aftermarket exhaust manifold exhaust online is quick and easy. Other problems include faulty rear window seals, coolant leaks—which can cause your engine to overheat—cam sensor failure, suspension issues, cracked dashboards, and oil sludge, which several Ram owners said caused their motor or engine to fail.
Most common Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Average annual repair cost: $673
CarComplaints.com complaints: 3,304
From shifting issues to a faulty TIPM, the Dodge Grand Caravan has similar problems to its model counterparts. But unlike other Dodge models, some Grand Caravan owners have reported severe engine issues, which include everything from stalling to their vehicle abruptly stopping on the road.
Brake system failures, steering issues, and power window motor issues are some other common problems Grand Caravan drivers may face. Another issue to watch out for is a faulty air conditioning system—which can cause corrosion of the metal pipes connected to the lower radiator hose.
Most common Dodge Charger problems
Average annual repair cost: $652
CarComplaints.com complaints: 879
The
Dodge Charger
comes with its fair share of problems, including brake system issues and suspension issues that cause drivers to lose control of their power steering. But one of the biggest concerns amongst Charger owners are the defective airbags. Other common issues? Expect alternator failure, transmission and software problems, faulty radiator fans, premature engine failure, and problems with shifting issues, like the gear shift getting stuck.
Most common Dodge Challenger problems
Average annual repair cost: $650
CarComplaints.com complaints: 286
The Challenger may be one of the most reliable models in the Dodge lineup, but you should expect to run into issues faced by other Dodge owners, like a faulty TIPM, air conditioner malfunctions, and a faulty alternator. One of the most common problems amongst Challenger owners is harsh transmission shifting—this usually happens around the 34,800-mile mark.
Other than weird sounds from the transmission, the Challenger is known for having airbags that explode upon deployment. Some incidents and casualties have been associated with Dodge’s faulty airbags, issues that the company is working to address.
MORE: Are Dodges expensive to maintain?
Are Dodge cars reliable?
A car’s reliability is usually determined by the cost, frequency, and severity of the repairs it requires. When it comes to Dodge, RepairPal gives the company a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating.
However, in 2019 Consumer Reports rated Dodge as one of the most reliable car brands thanks to the upgrades on its Challenger and Grand Caravan models.
The average annual repair cost across unique Dodge models is about $634, which means Dodge owners pay above-average ownership costs. Below you’ll find Dodge’s least and most reliable models.
The least reliable Dodge model: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500
Most common problem: Interior problems, like a cracked dashboard
NHTSA complaints: 936
Dodge’s massive Ram 1500 muscle truck offers great towing and hauling capabilities and one of the smoothest rides you’ve ever experienced, but complaints across the years (and hefty repair costs) make this the least reliable of Dodge models.
What to expect? Common issues for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 include faulty manifold bolts, faulty rear window seals, coolant leaks, cam sensor failure, engine stalling, and software issues.
The most reliable Dodge model: 2019 Challenger
Most common problems: Steering, electrical, and brake issues
NHTSA complaints: 30
Sports car enthusiasts will be overjoyed to know that the 2019 Dodge Challenger is the most reliable model from the American manufacturer. With a starting price of about $28,690, it's also one of the more affordable Dodge models. J.D. Power gave the 2019 Challenger an 83/100 reliability rating, and owners of this high-powered sports car are in agreement.
MORE:
Car Loan for Dodge 2022
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
Whether you drive a Charger, Challenger, or another Dodge model, a great way to protect your investment (and save money!) is by having stellar car insurance. With
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There’s no calling around and no long forms—just savings and end-to-end support from the nation’s #1 rated insurance app!
What kinds of savings can you expect? Jerry users save an average of $800+ a year on car insurance. That’s almost $200 more than the annual
car repair
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FAQs
How long do Dodges last?
A can last up to 300,000 miles or 20 years if you follow a routine maintenance schedule. However, the Dodge Challenger can hit the 400,000 mile mark with proper care.
Why is Dodge unreliable?
Aside from the Challenger and Grand Caravan, which made Consumer Reports’annual list of most reliable car brands in 2019, Dodges just miss the mark when it comes to reliability. That’s because the average annual repair cost for a Dodge is $634, meaning Dodge drivers have an above-average ownership cost.
Dodges also require more visits to the repair shop than other brands, and the repairs have a 15% probability of being severe.
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