Car stalls after fill up. Pull into traffic and you lose steering breaks ect. Need to put in park to restart. Will continue and miss and stall for about 5 miles. Once you run some fuel out of the car it runs exceptional until the next fill up.
2006 Dodge Charger engine problems
moderate 250 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
250
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
5fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 250 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 14 model years of Dodge Charger we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 250.
Owners have filed 250 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Dodge Charger 5.7L HEMI has a well-documented history of catastrophic engine failures, particularly dropped valve seats around 40,000–144,000 miles, stalling after refueling due to a faulty fuel tank vent valve, and random complete power loss while driving—all serious safety hazards with no manufacturer recalls or warranty coverage. Fuel tank replacement ($1,100–$1,800) and engine replacement ($6,300–$9,000+) are common expenses owners face.
The 2006 Dodge Charger HEMI engine generates consistent complaints across three major failure categories. First, valve seat dropout is the most catastrophic: powdered-metal valve seats expand at different rates than aluminum heads, causing seats to drop into cylinders and destroy pistons, heads, and rod bearings. Owners report sudden loud knocking at startup or engine seizure without warning, typically between 40,000 and 144,000 miles. Engine replacement costs $6,300–$9,000-plus with no factory warranty coverage. Dodge corporate denies knowledge of the defect despite later fixing it via pinning in 2010+ models.
Second, stalling immediately after refueling is a widespread complaint. A faulty rollover vent valve on the fuel tank allows raw fuel into the EVAP canister instead of vapor alone. When the purge solenoid opens, it pulls liquid fuel into the engine, causing violent bucking, rough idle, and stalling that lasts five-plus miles. Stalling occurs at intersections and low speeds where power steering and brakes are lost—a serious collision risk. Full tank replacement (valve is non-serviceable) costs $1,100–$1,800. The only confirmed workaround is filling the tank only three-quarters full. Chrysler has not recalled the tank or issued service bulletins despite multiple complaints.
Third, random complete engine shutdown while driving creates hazardous loss of power steering and brakes. These occur at 35–75 mph with no warning, sometimes years apart or multiple times in days. Dealers cannot diagnose the failures, and no codes are stored. Owners believe this stems from PCM dropout or fuel system issues, but Dodge offers no investigation or recall.
Same Dodge Charger engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Dropped or Loose Valve Seats (5.7L HEMI)
Valve seats made of powdered metal expand at a different rate than aluminum cylinder heads, causing seats to drop into cylinders and contact pistons. This leads to catastrophic internal engine damage, loss of compression, metal debris in cylinders, piston damage, and complete engine seizure. Owners report sudden loud knocking or banging noises at startup or during operation, followed by inability to start or loss of power.
When: Typically 40,000–144,000 miles; one case at 53,000 miles, another at 105,000 miles, another at 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or banging noise from engine; Engine will not start or difficult start with horrible noise; White smoke from tailpipe; Sudden loss of power while driving; Loss of compression in one or more cylinders; Rattling sound before complete failure; Engine shuddering before shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement or overhaul required; owners cite $6,000–$9,000+ for new engines, plus labor; no factory recalls or warranty coverage offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge corporate denies knowledge of defect; dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose; owners report Dodge stated 'you should not expect much more than 100,000 miles from any vehicle'; later 2010+ models have redesigned valve seats with pinning, confirming Dodge knew of defect
Stalling After Fuel Tank Refill (Evaporative Emissions Fault)
Vehicle stalls immediately or within minutes of refueling, particularly when tank is filled to brim. Owners report a faulty rollover/vent valve on top of fuel tank allows liquid fuel to enter EVAP canister instead of vapor. When purge solenoid opens, it pulls raw liquid fuel into engine, causing rough idle, violent bucking, and stalling. Stalling at low speeds (stop signs, traffic lights) lasting 5+ miles. Problem recurs every refuel unless tank filled only 3/4 full. Affects multiple makes: Charger, Magnum, Chrysler 300.
When: Variable; some cases at 33,000 miles; others intermittent over years of ownership; one owner reported issue from 2009 through 2013 continuously
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls immediately or within minutes of refueling; Rough idle when restarted after stall; Violent bucking and shuddering; Loss of power steering when stalled; Loss of power brakes when stalled; Engine will not restart immediately (vapor locked); Hesitation during acceleration before stalling; Stalling recurring 5+ miles after refuel, especially at stops; Multiple stalls in succession at intersections
Repairs/costs cited: Entire fuel tank replacement required (valve not serviceable separately); $750–$1,100 parts plus $500–$900 labor (2–6 hours); workaround: fill tank only to 3/4 capacity
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claims no service bulletins exist; many owners report dealers state 'no recalls' and cannot diagnose; one owner mentioned NHTSA forced extended warranty (PE13016) but eligibility criteria not disclosed; no factory recall issued
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Dropout & Electrical Shutdown
PCM loses power or communication intermittently without warning. Engine shuts down briefly or completely at seemingly random times, more common during acceleration from stop (stoplight, merging to highway). Outages last a fraction of a second to several seconds. At speeds above ~15 mph, engine may jolt as if key turned off then back on; at lower speeds, engine stalls completely. Instrument cluster chimes, warning lights flash (check engine, throttle, electronic power steering, ABS). Diagnostic code U0100 (Lost Communication w/PCM) may appear. Problem intermittent—can go weeks without occurrence or happen multiple times in three days. Initial fix attempt: TCM reprogram, transmission fluid/filter change, battery replacement—all unsuccessful. Replacement PCM initially resolved issue for two months, then recurred.
When: Variable; appears to be independent of mileage or refueling; unpredictable frequency
Symptoms owners cite: PCM shuts down briefly or completely without warning; Engine stalls at low speeds, restarts after key cycle; Engine jolts/lurches at highway speeds; Instrument cluster chime/beep; Check engine light (flashing or steady); Electronic throttle control light; Electronic power steering warning light; ABS warning light; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Sudden loss of power during acceleration from stop; Near-accidents when merging or at intersections; Auto shutdown relay control voltage drops to zero (measured by owner)
Codes mentioned: U0100 (Lost Communication w/PCM)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose initially; attempted TCM reprogram, transmission service, battery replacement without success; PCM replacement with refurbished unit (new unavailable) provided temporary relief; issue recurred after ~2 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives
Hesitation, Misfire & Rough Idle on Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates or bogs when accelerating from stop, especially from traffic lights. Engine makes rough whining or winding noise. Severe cases result in vehicle almost stalling and sputtering. RPM dips suddenly with chime alert. After multiple occurrences, dealer diagnosed multi-cylinder misfire (cylinders 2–4 reported). Engine light comes on. Dealer replaced oxygen sensors, PCM, wiring harnesses without permanent resolution. One owner's vehicle repeatedly returned to dealer (37 days, 9 key cycles, 250 test miles) with dealers 98% confident problem fixed, only to recur same day customer took vehicle home. Symptoms include lack of acceleration above 20 mph after rough startup, especially after backing out of driveway. Another report: hiccup during acceleration, RPM plummets, chime sounds, brief (<1 second), then returns to normal (mild or jerky).
When: Early in ownership (first weeks to months) and intermittently thereafter; one case at 6 months; another after dealership service at 5,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration from stop; Rough whining or winding noise from engine; Engine almost stalls, sputters; Lack of acceleration (below 20 mph); RPM dips suddenly with chime alert; Severe violent shaking of vehicle; Check engine light (flashing in severe cases); Multiple repair attempts by dealer without resolution; Engine light flashing repeatedly (indicates multi-cylinder misfire); Loss of power steering capability (severe stalls)
Codes mentioned: Multi-cylinder misfire (cylinders 2–4 reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced oxygen sensors, PCM, wiring harnesses, transmission fluid/filter, battery; one vehicle sat at dealer 37 days with multiple component replacements and 250-mile test drive, yet problem recurred immediately; one report mentions TSB exists but parts unavailable at time of service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer mentioned TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) related to evaporation leak; parts on backorder; dealer advised vehicle 'safe to drive' with constant check engine light despite multi-cylinder misfire
Complete Engine Shutdown While Driving
Engine shuts down completely without warning while vehicle is in motion at various speeds (35–75 mph). All electrical power lost: no power steering, no power brakes, no lights, no dash illumination. Vehicle coasts to a stop. Engine may restart after sitting minutes or may require multiple key cycles. No warning signs before failure. Occurs on highways, city roads, and in traffic. Multiple incidents per owner, some separated by years. Extremely dangerous at high speed or in traffic.
When: Variable; can occur years apart or multiple times in days; speeds 35–75 mph reported
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all engine power while moving; All dashboard lights extinguish; Loss of power steering; Loss of power braking; Engine will not restart immediately; Vehicle coasts to stop unpowered; No warning indicators before shutdown; Occasional check engine light when power restored; Near-accidents in heavy traffic or merging situations
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate or diagnose; no codes stored; one owner reported to NHTSA in Jan 2017 with no follow-up contact or recalls issued as of complaint date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated consumer would not be contacted; advised to keep receipts in case recall issued; no recall action taken despite multiple reports
Engine Overheating & Radiator Fan Motor Failure
Radiator cooling fan motors fail repeatedly without warning, causing rapid temperature spike from 195°F to 240°F+ in seconds. Temp gauge needle immediately spikes into red. No warning signs before failure. Fan blades appear normal on inspection but motors lock up solid. One owner experienced four fan motor failures in eight months (replacements failed at 10 days, few months, few months intervals). Another owner's vehicle overheated after dealer oil change. Different manufacturing plants have service bulletins for fan replacement, but coverage unclear and not disclosed to owners. One report: cooling fan failure occurred shortly after dealer-performed service (oil change, fan recall replacement).
When: Early: one case at ~1 year after purchase; repeated failures: within 10 days to few months of replacement; overheating events post-service
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid temperature gauge spike to red (seconds); Temperature readout jumps to 240°F+ from normal 195°F; Warning light illuminates with beep; Fan motor seized/locked up; Engine overheating in low-speed driving (drive-thru, traffic); Repeated failures of replacement fan motors
Repairs/costs cited: Fan motor replacement $500–$1,000+ per set; owners report dealership completely checked cooling and electrical systems—all normal; each replacement fails within days to months; one owner forced to shut off engine repeatedly in drive-thru line to prevent overheat
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler offered no suggestions beyond checking cooling/electrical systems (all normal); service bulletins exist but eligibility based on manufacturing plant unclear; no extended warranty or recall issued despite repeated failures
Exhaust Manifold Cracking (Both Sides)
Cast iron exhaust manifolds crack and break, both left and right sides often within short mileage intervals. Right (passenger) side fails first, then left side fails within ~6,000 miles. Both failures occur within California EPA warranty period (70,000 miles). Dealership reports selling 15 right-side manifolds per week, indicating systematic problem. Carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes leak into vehicle cabin at highway speeds.
When: Around 76,000 miles; right side failure, then left side within 6,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong odor of gas and exhaust; Audible exhaust noise; Carbon monoxide/exhaust odor in cabin at highway speed; Manifold cracked into two pieces (both sides)
Repairs/costs cited: Both manifold replacement: $1,035.20 total; Chrysler reimbursed 50% ($250.96) only; dealership reported selling 15 passenger-side manifolds per week
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler paid 50% of repair cost ($250.96 of $1,035.20); no recall issued despite obvious pattern (dealership selling 15 units/week)
Throttle Control Malfunction (Cold Weather Sticking)
Electronic throttle sticks or fails to respond, especially in cold temperatures (<25°F). Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive or causes RPM to stick at 4,000 RPM. Owner can lift pedal manually to reset, but throttle is electronically controlled. In winter conditions with >90 inches of snow, creates extreme safety hazard. Dealer diagnosed gas pedal assembly fault and replaced it ($495), but issue persists due to disconnected throttle plate actuator connector at air intake. Replacement part showed no signs of rust or damage.
When: Cold weather conditions (<25°F); multiple snow seasons
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator unresponsive; RPM sticks at 4,000 RPM in cold; Throttle electronically stuck; Can manually lift pedal to reset; Engine speed difficult to control in winter
Repairs/costs cited: Gas pedal assembly replacement $495 (parts + labor); root cause was disconnected throttle plate actuator, not gas pedal; replacement throttle actuator had 20 mph top speed and two dashboard lights on during test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service provided no assistance; service writer blamed wrong component
Rod Bearing Failure & Engine Knock
Engine develops loud ticking or knocking sound attributed to rod bearing failure or connecting rod bearing defect. Owner reports repeated engine stalling and jumping (bucking) before bearing failure. After third stall incident, owner heard metal-on-metal noise. When restarting, heard loud ticking sound. Tow truck arrived and engine examination revealed rod bearing issue requiring $6,300 engine replacement. Dealership originally stated stalling/jumping caused by gas tank fault (with warranty), but later claimed damage could not be proven to result from stalling—contradicting earlier statement.
When: After repeated stalling/bucking incidents over recent months
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking sound from engine; Loud knocking noise (metal on metal); Engine stalling and violent bucking preceding bearing failure; Engine rattling
Repairs/costs cited: $6,300 engine replacement; dealership contradicted itself on cause (blamed gas tank vs. claimed no proof of causation); warranty denied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refused to cover repair; stated mileage disqualified claim and causation could not be proven, contradicting earlier dealership assessment
Oil Sludge & Engine Block Seizure (Piston Ring Landing Flaw)
Engine runs much hotter than normal due to overly small oil drain holes in cylinder head and block, combined with flaw in piston ring landing design. High engine temperatures break down oil prematurely, leaving sludge deposits that block oil flow, eventually causing oil starvation and engine block seizure. One owner with meticulous maintenance reported rocker bearing on top of motor broken (not rolling). Engine was the cleanest mechanic had ever seen despite synthetic Mobil 1 0W-40 oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles.
When: 109,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running hotter than normal; Rocker bearing failure/broken (not rolling); Excessive sludge in engine; Oil starvation
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; meticulous maintenance (synthetic oil every 3,000–5,000 miles) did not prevent failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer noted thermostat issue and stated cars 'run a little hotter'; service bulletin issued but not disclosed to customer; no extended warranty or recall
Synthesized from 250 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
My car from work like any normal night when all of sudden my car shut off and would not start back up. Eventually I called my insurance to have it towed home since after 11pm. The next morning I have my car towed to Dodge to be informed that engine had blown. My car gave me no indication or signs at all before this happen. The dealership informed me that the engine was blown due oil sludge. I…
After filling up at a gas station, the car will stall out randomly at all speeds of travel. This is a huge safety issue that has sht down the car while merging onto freeway in front of semi-trucks only to have power steering and propulsion stop. Luckily truck was paying attention and honked and swerved around, while I rode off onto the shoulder. Then it restarted, ran for another minute and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred after the fuel tank was refueled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician informed that the vehicle was functioning as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…
I was driving home from work, going about 40 MPH on the freeway all of the sudden engine starts running rough. Pulled over, turned off car and was never able to turn it on again. Took it to the mechanic.. He said I had a broken seat valve, everything damaged...need to replace engine. After looking up online it seems it is a known defect with the hemi engine from 2005-2006.
The first time my motor failed I was driving on the freeway 70mph and someone cut me off I hit the brakes good enough to barely avoid them crashing into me , when I tried to push the throttle immediately after the motor started jumping back and forth like it wanted to jump out of the engine bay , took it to Dodge and they said two of my cylinders were only running at half the compression meaning…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Dodge Charger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 250 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 222 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 68,200 and 124,000 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 68,200; a quarter make it past 124,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Dodge/Charger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.