With a little variation based on what model year and options you go with, you could get as many as 300,000 miles out of a Dodge Charger before it breaks down or requires significantly expensive repairs.

The Dodge Charger is the all-American iconic four-door muscle car that’s been tearing up the roads since 1966. Its longevity is apparent by the number of classic models you can see cruising any given weekend, but many of those took a tremendous amount of special upkeep and costly repairs to last so long.

With a proper maintenance schedule and appropriate care, you should be able to get many happy years out of your Charger. To find out how to make it last and what to expect along the way, check out this guide from

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison

super app

. Plus, while you're here we'll even clue you in on how to save big on your

Dodge Charger car insurance costs

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Find Savings!

4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars

4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How many miles can a Dodge Charger last?

Dodge Chargers can last from as many as 250,000 to 300,000 miles, so long as you take good care of your car.

However, every vehicle is different, and so is its driver, history, and quality of maintenance. A lot of factors will ultimately determine how long your Dodge Charger lasts, including how many miles you put on it, how hard you drive it, and whether you keep up with regular maintenance.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How many years do Dodge Chargers last?

The expected lifespan for a Charger is 16 years based on an average of 15,000 miles per year.

Again, though, this figure depends on the individual circumstances of your Dodge Charger and the degree of

wear and tear

you put it through. If you’re constantly pushing the red line, you can expect your Charger to need serious maintenance and repair work sooner. If you normally drive cautiously and keep on top of maintenance, you might get more than 16 years before things start to break down.

MORE:

How to build a custom Dodge Charger

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

How reliable is a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Charger’s reliability depends largely on how well it’s maintained and cared for, though some model years are reported to be more reliable than others.

Most reliable: 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was ranked second in J.D. Powers’ verified consumer rating lineup, trailing just behind the

Nissan Maxima

. It received an 89/100 rating for its quality and reliability, meaning very few experienced malfunctions, defects, or design flaws.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with many available engine options, including several V8 configurations. This, combined with the sedan’s renowned comfort, safety features, and infotainment connectivity, add up to a great driving experience. J.D. Power rated the 2020 Dodge Charger’s driving experience as 88/100.

Least reliable: 2006 Dodge Charger

J.D. Powers gave the 2006 Dodge Charger 83/100 for its verified consumer score index. That’s not bad at all, but it’s not up to par with more recent model years. The lower score is likely due to several mechanical issues reported for the 2006 Charger.

Drivers repeatedly experienced issues with the engine knocking and even dying unexpectedly. Sometimes, the gear would get stuck in Park. On top of that, the suspension was prone to early wear. This deteriorated the quality of shock absorption and sabotaged the model’s typically comfortable ride. It also meant costly repair work to fix the issues.

Are Dodge Chargers expensive to maintain?

According to

AAA

, the average annual cost for Americans to maintain a car, across models and makes, is $792. The Dodge Charger comes in well under that, with an average annual maintenance cost of $652.

However, those numbers are just averages, and the cost to maintain any specific vehicle could vary wildly from those figures.

Brakes

The brake pads on a Dodge Charger should last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on how the car is driven. If you find yourself in a lot of stop-and-go traffic or come to a full stop by braking rather than coasting to slow down at first, your

brake pads will wear out sooner.

Tires

The factory tires on your Dodge Charger should last 60,000 to 70,000 miles. If you put 15,000 miles on your car per year, that will come out to four years or a little longer. But that’s only if you get your tires rotated every 5,000 miles and keep them properly inflated between inspections.

If you use performance, all-terrain, or all-weather tires, they will tend to wear down a little quicker.

MORE:

How to check and add air to car tires

Transmission

Your Dodge Charger’s transmission should last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles if it’s properly maintained. That means regularly checking the

transmission fluid

level, warming your car up before taking off, driving in the right gear if you’ve got a manual, and refraining from shifting gears while moving in an automatic.

Spark plugs

Dodge Charger spark plugs normally should last from 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

With average driving, that means changing your spark plugs every year or two but pay attention to how your car is performing. Check the spark plugs if you notice diminished power when you accelerate, or your engine just isn’t running right.

MORE:

Dodge Charger towing capacity

How to prolong the lifespan of your Dodge Charger

Besides driving safely and responsibly, the best way to ensure your Dodge Charger’s longevity is by sticking to an adequate maintenance schedule, including regular servicing as well as cleaning and washing.

Here are some tips to make your Charger last:

Stay on schedule: Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in your Dodge Charger owner’s manual. It will include mileage and time frame recommendations for all the necessary services to keep your car running smoothly.

Buy the right parts: It’s not always a good idea to skimp on spending when it comes to car parts. It’s a better idea to go with reputable, quality parts and fluids to keep your car healthy. If you have a newer Dodge Charger, you might consider buying

OEM parts coverage

, which will pay for replacement parts from Dodge, your vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer.

Pay attention to your car: Take note of how your car sounds and how the driving feels. If it seems irregular, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. And don’t ignore your

Check Engine Light

. Procrastinating will only make the problem worse.

Wash your car: Dirt and residue buildup can cause mechanical wear and tear. Regularly wash your car, including the undercarriage and wheels, and vacuum out the interior to keep it looking good and running well.

Key Takeaway If you take good care of your Dodge Charger, you should be able to get 250,000 miles or even more out of it.

Saving on car insurance on your Charger

Another important way to take care of your Dodge Charger is by getting the right type of coverage for it. With Jerry, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg doing it.

Comparison shopping with

Jerry

is the best way to find

cheap car insurance

, and it’s fast and easy, too! Just download the Jerry app, input some basic information, and pick your policy from the set of competitive car insurance quotes that Jerry retrieves for you.

Then, when you’ve found the right coverage, Jerry makes switching over easy. They’ll even help you cancel your old car insurance! Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $800 per year on car insurance!

“My policy covers two people and four cars: a truck, SUV, convertible, and muscle car.
Jerry
helped me go from paying $308 a month to $125 a month with the same coverage. I’m loving the savings.” —Jocelyn A.