SERVICE BULLETIN # 14-002-14: Fuel tank "roll over" valve failed immediately after fill-up saturating the purge solenoid and dryer canister for the fuel vapor vent reburning system. This service bulletin described failure caused liquid fuel rather than vapor to be dumped into the intake manifold stalling the vehicle in traffic in unsafe conditions. The car was towed to Beamon Dodge at 1705 S.…
2007 Dodge Charger engine problems
moderate 101 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
101
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 101 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 101 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.
Among the 14 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2007 Dodge Charger engines have multiple serious defects: casting-sand sludge causing total seizure, cooling-fan blade fracture damaging radiators, random stalling without warning, and head-gasket/oil-sludge issues. Expect $2,000–$8,000 repairs and dangerous stalling scenarios; Chrysler denies most warranty claims.
The 2007 Dodge Charger engine cluster shows widespread, overlapping defects that owners say Dodge refuses to own.
Casting-sand sludge is the most severe: manufacturing debris left inside engine blocks combines with coolant to form clogs that seize engines between 40,000 and 55,000 miles—exactly when cars should hit their stride. One owner at 49,000 miles had a dealership service manager tell him in a conference call that he'd report the sand but expected Dodge to attempt a "forced buyout" rather than issue a recall. Owners say replacement engines cost $5,600–$8,000 or more.
Cooling-fan blade failure is widespread and documented since 2011 in Chrysler Customer Satisfaction Notification L-08, yet Dodge applies it selectively. Fan blades fracture or shear and lodge in radiators, causing punctures, coolant floods, and overheating. Some owners report the same blade breaking twice in two weeks; repair shops say they see this "every week" on Chargers. Yet Chrysler denies most claims—either the VIN falls outside the stated range, the cooling system is classified as "heavy duty" instead of "severe duty," or the car is out of warranty.
Random stalling without warning hits numerous owners. The engine cuts off at highway speeds, traffic lights, or during acceleration with zero warning lights. Owners have spent $800+ on diagnostics at multiple shops; dealers cannot replicate the failure. Some owners report 10–25+ stalls; one narrowly avoided a rear-end collision multiple times.
Oil sludge and head-gasket failures plague the 2.7L V6 in particular. Sludge accumulates despite 2,500-mile oil changes. Head gaskets warp, causing coolant to boil and spray from the filler cap. Engines seize or require total replacement.
Lifter ticking appears early in the engine's life—as early as 6,000 miles on used vehicles—indicating premature wear. Dodge refuses to acknowledge the pattern despite forum complaints.
Same Dodge Charger engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine failure from casting sand sludge
Casting sand left in the engine block during manufacturing reacts with HOAT or OAT coolant to form sludge that clogs the engine and causes complete failure. Owners report total engine seizure or catastrophic damage requiring engine replacement.
When: 40,000–55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine heat issues; Complete engine seizure; Engine block sludge buildup; Potential fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement or bottom-end rebuild required; costs reported at $5,600–$8,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Stellantis acknowledged the issue in newer engines but denies coverage on 2007 models; owners report dealerships attempting 'forced buyout' approach
Engine cooling fan blade failure and radiator damage
Electrically powered radiator cooling fan blades fracture, separate, or shear off during operation and become lodged in the radiator, puncturing it and causing severe coolant leaks and overheating. Chrysler Customer Service Notification L-08 (2011) addressed this on 52,000–55,000 vehicles but with VIN-range limitations that exclude many 2007 Chargers.
When: 40,000–180,000 miles; often during acceleration or idle
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang, pop, or explosion from engine; Engine overheating; Temperature gauge spike into red zone; Coolant leaking from radiator; Fan blades missing or fractured; Pieces of fan lodged in radiator
Repairs/costs cited: Fan assembly and radiator replacement; costs $677–$2,000+ reported; repair shops noted seeing this 'every week' on Chargers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Notification L-08 issued 2011; most claims denied due to VIN exclusions, out-of-warranty status, or incorrect cooling-system classification (heavy duty vs. severe duty)
Unexpected stalling without warning lights
Engine shuts off abruptly during normal driving—on highways, at traffic lights, during acceleration—with no warning indicators or check-engine light. Failures recur despite multiple diagnostic visits and repairs. Owners report 10–25+ stalls and dangerous near-miss incidents.
When: 1,000–100,000+ miles; sporadic and unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; No check-engine light or warning indicators; Loss of power steering during stall; Stalling during acceleration, at traffic lights, or on highways; Difficulty restarting (sometimes requires multiple attempts); Occurs at various speeds (10–75 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced coils, thermostat, fuel-related components, and powertrain control modules; none provided lasting fix; diagnostic costs $110–$800 with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate failure; diagnostic testing inconclusive; some dealers claim only Dodge can run full diagnostics (covering 70% of program); no recalls issued
Loss of propulsion and limp-mode operation
Vehicle loses forward propulsion while power systems remain on; power must be cycled through park and back to drive to restore motion. Often linked to PCM failures but remains undiagnosed in many cases.
When: Unknown precise mileage; inconsistent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of forward propulsion; Power steering and other systems remain functional; Vehicle moves only after shifting to park and back to drive; Intermittent and terrifying to owners
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected PCM replacement; diagnostic costs prohibitive ($110+) and inconclusive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim only Dodge can perform full diagnostics covering PCM issues
Engine stalling and low-speed power loss
Engine stalls or 'bumps' (revs to prevent stalling) when slowing or stopped, particularly after highway driving. Leads to hard restarts, delayed gear engagement, and multiple stalls in succession.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine 'bumping' or revving to prevent stall; Multiple stalls in succession; Stalling during low-speed deceleration or at stops; Delayed engagement after restart; Occurs especially after highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs identified in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Premature valve seat wear and compression loss
Valve seat on cylinder head wears prematurely, causing total loss of compression in affected cylinder. Engine loses power and stalls under load.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to accelerate; Engine sputtering under load; Electronic throttle control warning light; Engine shutdown under load; 0 PSI compression in affected cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine disassembly and valve seat replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; treated as out-of-warranty failure
Oil sludge buildup and engine seizure
Oil sludge accumulates in the engine despite regular maintenance and oil changes, causing loud ticking, engine locking, and seizure. The 2.7L V6 engine is particularly prone to this defect.
When: 40,000–60,000 miles despite 2,500–3,000 mile oil-change intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, fast ticking under hood; Check oil light flashing; Loud knocking or grinding noise; Engine lockup or seizure; Failure despite regular maintenance
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement or rebuild required; costs $5,600–$8,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny responsibility; blame owners for incorrect oil type or inadequate maintenance despite evidence of regular service
Head gasket failure and coolant boiling
Head gaskets fail on 2.7L V6 engines, causing coolant to boil in the reservoir and spray from the coolant cap when RPMs increase. Can progress to engine block damage.
When: 15,400 miles and earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant boiling in reservoir; Coolant spraying from cap at elevated RPMs; Overheating; Block test failure
Repairs/costs cited: Requires teardown of cylinder heads to check for warped gaskets; entire engine replacement reported for 2.7L models; costs unknown but owners cite $125 diagnostic fee
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers advise teardown inspection; acknowledge issue common to 2.7L engines; some owners told full engine replacement necessary
Engine lifter ticking and failure
Engine lifter develops loud ticking noise early in vehicle's service life, indicating premature internal wear. Common across multiple 2007 Chargers per forum reports.
When: As early as 6,000 miles on used purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise from engine; Noise present during idle and operation
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement cost approximately $1,200
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refuses warranty coverage; no recall issued despite pattern of complaints
Engine overheating from fan lock-up
Engine cooling fan motor locks up during operation, preventing fan blades from rotating and causing rapid overheating. Related to but distinct from blade fracture failures.
When: Variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge spike into red; Fan assembly locked or stopped; Engine overheating; Fan blades damaged or broken as result
Repairs/costs cited: Fan motor and radiator replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSN-L08 issued but with severe-duty limitation; heavy-duty cooling systems excluded from coverage
Fuel vapor system failure and stalling (EVAP/rollover valve)
Fuel tank rollover valve fails, dumping liquid fuel (not vapor) into the intake manifold and purge system. Causes raw fuel to be drawn into engine, stalling vehicle and creating fire hazard. Service Bulletin 14-002-14 issued April 2014 but coverage denied for many VINs.
When: Multiple occurrences, including immediately after fill-up
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling in traffic after fuel fill-up; Rough running after stall; Multiple stalls during single trip; Loss of power steering during stall; Dangerous on highways
Repairs/costs cited: Rollover valve, purge solenoid, and fuel vapor dryer canister replacement; costs $4,680 reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 14-002-14 issued April 2014; many VINs reported as not covered
Check engine light with no serviceable codes or sluggish acceleration
Check engine light illuminates intermittently with sluggish, hesitant acceleration and feeling of near-stalling during throttle response. Multiple diagnostic visits yield no actionable codes or defects.
When: 40,000 miles and beyond; persistent for years
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on and off randomly; Little power during acceleration; Engine idles down and feels close to stalling when accelerating; Hesitant throttle response
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold tuning valve replacement ($800) attempted but did not resolve issue; further diagnostics quoted at $1,200 with no confidence in resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers decline further assistance after failed repair; no explanation provided
Tranny and electrical issues (gearshift stuck, relay failure, trunk light malfunction)
Transmission gearshift becomes stuck in park; relay switches fail; trunk light malfunction unresolved despite bulb, fuse, and connection checks. Often occur alongside engine failures.
When: Variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Gearshift stuck in park; Electrical relay failures; Trunk light inoperative despite good bulb and fuse; Unclear intermittent electrical gremlins
Repairs/costs cited: Gearshift and relay replacement; electrical diagnostics inconclusive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler unable to diagnose trunk light issue; no resolution offered
Synthesized from 101 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Within a year or so of first purchasing the car (2007) I noticed it would feel like someone hit me from behind as I got off the interstate and was waiting for a light. I have since learned this was the engine "bumping" to keep it from stalling. I would either give it gas or put it in neutral and it would be ok. Within the last year the car has actually stalled on me at the lights. I noticed this…
Dodge charger is leaking pink anti freeze from compartment. I have been told that this occurs frequently and can result in engine failure. The whole part has to be replaced inorder to resolve issue. *tr
While parked at idle, radiator fan, without warning, suddenly and catastrophically fails sending fan blades into the radiator causing rupture of radiator and uncontrolled pressurized release of coolant. Setting: parked vehicle in parking spot of a department store with intent to shop. Places vehicle in park, within a few swcidns a loud explosion resonates from the engine compartment and begins…
My 2007 Dodge charger had coolant leaks that were repaired under warranty. I had to get a water pump replaced, under warranty. Now I am being told I have engine sludge from the engine not cooling properly. Why in the world is this not fixed under warranty? *tr
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 101 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 86 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 48,414 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 89,645. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,414; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2007/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.