2006 Dodge charges with 5.7 hemi v8 - experiencing random stalling. Happens at any speed. Everything shuts off including the power steering and ABS. First happened while merging onto freeway and I had to drive off the road to avoid a semi-truck. This happened with my young child in the vehicle. I had the gas tank, fuel canister, and purge valve replaced. The problem still occurs regardless…
2006 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
moderate 189 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
189
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 189 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 189 powertrain 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.
Among the 16 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2006 Dodge Charger buyer should be aware this model has documented, unresolved powertrain defects including random engine stalling (often without warning on highways), transmission shift-lock failure that can strand the vehicle in Park, and catastrophic engine valve failure at low mileage. Multiple owners report Chrysler refuses responsibility despite acknowledging these are recurring problems.
The 2006 Dodge Charger has a history of serious powertrain failures that Chrysler has not adequately addressed. The most frequent complaint is random engine stalling—vehicles stall at highway speeds, idle, during acceleration, and in traffic with no warning. The check engine light may flash and RPM gauges drop; sometimes the vehicle restarts immediately, other times it won't start for days. Owners report dealers cannot reproduce the fault and diagnostic machines often show no codes.
Transmission shift-lock failure is endemic. The plastic transmission interlock spring hook breaks, locking the gear shifter in Park indefinitely. Even when the same failure affects multiple identical model-year vehicles, Chrysler issued only partial recalls and refuses to cover out-of-pocket repairs for excluded VINs. A $16 part inside a shifter assembly costs dealerships $450–$600 to replace.
Engine valve failure has been reported at very low mileage (under 70,000 miles), with catastrophic internal damage. One owner's insurance company confirmed this is a "known common issue," yet Chrysler denies warranty and states there are no known engine problems—a contradiction even dealership technicians dispute.
Owners also report stalling triggered immediately after filling the fuel tank, transmission slipping and delayed gear engagement, computer module failures causing loss of communication, and unintended acceleration. Most dangerous: stalling occurs unpredictably during highway merging and traffic situations where sudden power loss creates collision hazards.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift interlock mechanism failure (stuck in Park)
The plastic transmission gear shift interlock return spring hook breaks, preventing the gear shifter from leaving the Park position. Multiple owners report this is a known defect affecting many 2005–2007 Chargers, yet many VINs are excluded from recalls despite having identical failure modes.
When: Typically early in ownership, ranging from 42,000 to 151,000 miles; some failures occur when the vehicle is parked and owner attempts to shift out of Park.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter locked in Park position; Inability to shift into Reverse, Drive, or Neutral; Engine runs normally but transmission will not move; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement of entire shifter assembly costs $450–$500 or more; independent shops can replace only the broken plastic interlock spring hook (~$49–$150). Owners report a cheap plastic part that should be metal. Several owners found and ordered the $16 replacement part online and self-repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial recall issued under NHTSA Campaign K39 (Transmission Gear Shift Interlock) for some 2005–2007 Chargers/Magnums/300s, but many identical-year vehicles with the same problem are excluded. Chrysler refuses to cover repair costs for excluded VINs, even though the failure and part are identical to recalled vehicles.
Random engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls without warning at any speed—highway, city, idle, acceleration, or during normal driving. Loss of all or partial power; vehicle either restarts immediately or takes minutes to days. Multiple owners report this is endemic to 2006 Chargers; some lose power steering and ABS during stall. Check engine or throttle control warning lights may illuminate.
When: Can occur from early ownership to high mileage (30,000+ miles); happens intermittently or progressively worsens from once per month to several times per drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly with no warning; Loss of engine power for 1–2 seconds, then restarts; RPM drop and gauge needle drop; Jerking sensation before or after stall; Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light flashes; Engine light ('ding' sound) may illuminate; Occurs at any speed, including highway merges; Steering and ABS lock up during stall (some cases); Loss of acceleration response after stall
Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), U0100 (Loss of Communication with ECM/PCM), U0101 (Loss of Communication with Transmission Control Module), Electronic Throttle Control code, No codes detected (in many cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report $550–$4,000 in repairs including: spark plug replacement, ignition coil replacement (all 8 coils, $440+), fuel pump replacement, fuel tank work, ECM/PCM replacement, fuel canister and purge valve replacement, transmission service. Many repairs fail to resolve the issue. One owner spent ~$4,000 over months (plugs, coils, computer) before trading the car. Dealerships often cannot reproduce the intermittent fault and may find no diagnostic trouble codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge/Chrysler acknowledges it as a recurring complaint but denies responsibility. Owners told the company is 'aware of a stall problem' but won't address it without customer paying for experimental diagnostics. No recall issued despite repeated complaints.
Transmission slipping and delayed/failed gear engagement
Transmission fails to properly engage or shifts erratically during acceleration. In some cases, transmission loses power delivery while engine revs, creating dangerous loss of vehicle control. In others, vehicle jerks violently when attempting to shift or accelerate. One owner reports transmission-drag and improper shifting after computer replacement.
When: Can occur from early ownership; some triggered during hard acceleration or highway merging; others occur randomly during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips during acceleration (engine revs, wheels don't accelerate); Jerking or violent shifting; Loss of power to wheels while in gear; Delayed response to throttle after acceleration; Transmission disengages from engine speed when driver releases accelerator; No response from accelerator pedal after disengagement; Vehicle requires coasting down to ~20 mph before transmission re-engages
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $450–$500 for shifter repair after transmission failed early in ownership (3.5L V6, ~67,716 miles, with low mileage history). Some owners report the problem has existed since the car was new and been present for years without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or technical service bulletins mentioned. Owners report dealerships unsure how to diagnose or fix transmission slipping.
Engine mechanical failure (valve and engine block damage)
Engine valve breaks or shatters inside the cylinder, causing catastrophic engine damage. At least one owner reports valve failure in Piston #2; another describes engine failure with loud knocking noises at 67,716 miles after warranty expiration. One owner replaced original engine; second engine also develops stalling issues.
When: Can occur at very low mileage (67,716 miles reported); one owner experienced failure after only 3 days of ownership and replaced engine with higher-mileage used unit that also developed problems.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging/knocking noise from engine (described as 'horrendous' and like 'diesel truck'); Engine shuts down completely; Engine loss of power and stalling after valve failure; Electronic Throttle Control warning light after engine replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. One owner was denied warranty coverage despite regular maintenance. Insurance company told owner this is 'a known common issue' with 2006 Chargers; engine parts (block, valves, etc.) are on 2–6 month back-order, suggesting high failure frequency.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denied warranty claim and stated there are 'no known issues' with the engine or valves, even though dealership technician stated it is a 'common problem' that 'should have been recalled.' No recall issued.
Transmission fluid leak (transmission pan seal or O-ring)
Transmission fluid leaks from the transmission pan area. Service advisor diagnosed the problem without visual inspection, stating other vehicles had the same issue. Owner also reports prior transmission fluid leak mentioned as 'recall' work by dealership.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage; one owner noticed leak months or a year before seeking repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid dripping or pooling under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced O-ring and bushings; cost ~$153. Owner notes this could have been 'a major problem' if leak had gone undetected longer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; dealership identified this as a common problem among 2006 Chargers.
Engine stalling after refueling (fuel-system related)
Engine stalls immediately or shortly after filling the gas tank to full. Vehicle stalls in traffic, at intersections, or shortly after leaving gas station. Problem persists even after fuel pump replacement and other fuel-system repairs. Multiple owners describe identical pattern.
When: Occurs within minutes to hours of filling tank completely (to the click).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls shortly after filling tank; Loss of all power; Vehicle restarts but stalls again at low speeds or idle; No warning; stall can occur in traffic or at traffic light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced fuel pump but issue persisted. Another replaced fuel pump, fuel canister, and purge valve—all failed to resolve the problem. Some owners suspect fuel tank design issue or vapor pressure problem when tank is full.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or technical bulletin mentioned; owners forced to troubleshoot at their own expense.
Unintended acceleration and brake failure
Vehicle suddenly accelerates when driver depresses brake pedal. Brake pedal fails to respond, and vehicle continues accelerating. Dealer unable to reproduce or diagnose the problem.
When: Fall 2008 reported; occurred at approximately 30,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates instead of decelerating when brake pedal pressed; Brake pedal does not respond; Vehicle continues to accelerate; driver must pull to right and apply brake repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer could not duplicate the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; dealer unable to identify cause.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) / Engine Control Module (ECM) and software issues
PCM/ECM fails or loses communication with transmission control module, causing stalling, loss of power, and inability to diagnose root cause. Replacement of computer/chip/software may temporarily resolve stalling but does not provide permanent fix; problem recurs.
When: Can occur at any mileage; one owner experienced issue after dealership installed 'updated memory chip' during scheduled service.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of communication diagnostic codes with ECM/TCM; Engine stalling and loss of power; Vehicle stalls intermittently and may not restart for days; No check engine light or warning codes on some occasions; Electrical drain from battery (vehicle loses power to 4–5 volts every other day in one case)
Codes mentioned: Loss of Communication with PCM, Loss of Communication with ECM/ECM, Loss of Communication with Transmission Control Module, U0100, U0101
Repairs/costs cited: PCM/ECM/computer replacement costs $600+. Replacement of 'updated memory chip' can cause subsequent electrical and stalling problems. One owner's battery drained to 4–5 volts after chip update; diagnostic machine found no fault with battery, alternator, or electrical system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership can replace computer but issue often recurs. One owner reports being charged $600+ for TCM replacement for the 'same problem' that was supposedly fixed the previous month (wiring and TCM work, $241).
Ignition coil deterioration and engine misfire
Ignition coils deteriorate over time, causing engine misfires and stalling. Internal shielding fails to prevent stray electrical noise from traveling into the engine controller, effectively resetting it without leaving diagnostic codes.
When: Coils deteriorate over vehicle lifetime; one owner reports issue resolved temporarily after coil replacement but recurring after 4 weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Trembling and shaking of entire vehicle; Electronic Throttle Control warning light; Vehicle shakes, jumps, and stalls while driving
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced 3 direct ignition coils and 6 spark plugs plus fuel injection plenum gasket (~$?, described as tune-up plus parts); issue recurred 4 weeks later. Another owner notes replacing all 8 factory coils ($55 each = $440+) is 'quite a gamble' that may not fix the issue; aftermarket coils also reportedly don't resolve it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership recommended coil replacement; no recall or TSB for this issue identified.
Synthesized from 189 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2006 Dodge charger started leaking transmission fluid. I took it to the dealership, where they told me the problem was some plug that goes into the transmission pan. The service advisor diagnosed the problem without even looking under the car, because he said there had other vehicles in for repair for the same problem. I dropped the car off the following monday for repair. The receipt states…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2006 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 189 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 168 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 53,698 and 101,001 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,698; a quarter make it past 101,001. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.