Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Charger engine problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DODGE/CHRYSLER: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. DUE TO AN ENGINE FRACTURED TIMING CHAIN GUIDE, THE TIMING CHAIN IN ENGINE WILL BREAK AND WOULD RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. MODEL 2009-2012 CHALLENGER, CHARGER, 300.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2009 Dodge Charger engine exhibits multiple critical failure modes. Timing chain detachment or breakage appears in numerous complaints, sometimes at relatively low mileage (59K) and as high as 140K, with owners experiencing sudden engine shutdown, loss of power steering, and near-crash situations. When timing chains fail, fragmented metal circulates through the engine, causing secondary damage to camshafts and lifters.
Cooling system failures are widespread: electric cooling fan blades fracture and shatter, destroying radiators and causing overheating. This problem mirrors a 2006-08 recall that was not extended to 2009 models despite identical failure modes. Owners also report head gasket failures recurring even after repairs, water pump weep hole failures, and catastrophic valve seat failures entering pistons.
Engine stalling without warning—sometimes multiple times over months—occurs across various speeds and driving conditions, with complete loss of power steering and brakes creating serious safety hazards. Owners report dealership diagnostics often find no fault codes, making repair difficult. Additional issues include HEMI lifter tick from inadequate oil delivery to lifters, PCV valve failure at low mileage, oil drain plug threads stripping prematurely, and engine sludge accumulation requiring complete overhauls. One vehicle experienced total engine fire at highway speed. Engine knock and locked-up engines are also documented.
Same Dodge Charger engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain detaches, breaks, or experiences metal debris circulation; causes complete engine shutdown, loss of power steering/brakes, and secondary damage to internal engine components. One incident occurred at 55 mph with vehicle loss of control; another at 59K miles; reported through 140K miles.
When: 59,000–140,000 miles; some failures unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of braking power; Lightning bolt check-engine icon illuminated after failure; Engine noise and poor running after chain repair; Misfires on odd cylinders following chain replacement
Codes mentioned: Lightning bolt icon (check engine), P-codes for misfires (owner-reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Full timing chain replacement reported; one owner paid $5,500 for engine replacement due to chain failure; secondary repairs for camshaft and lifter damage required after chain breaks and metal fragments circulate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Timing chain recall issued (owners reference recall honoring), but manufacturer did not cover secondary damage from metal debris; owner's complaint that Dodge only fixes chain and not collateral damage
Cooling Fan Blade Fracture
Electric cooling fan plastic blades fracture, detach, and eject pieces that puncture and destroy the radiator; causes overheating and coolant loss. This problem was subject to a 2011 customer satisfaction notification for 2006-08 model years but was not extended to 2009 despite identical failure mode.
When: Documented at 40 mph, 57K miles, and up to 102K miles
Symptoms owners cite: White or steam visible from under hood; Temperature gauge climbs rapidly; Coolant leak; Abnormal noise from engine compartment; Fan blade fracture visible
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement fan package (part CBHZL080AA) cost dealers ~$10 but not sold to customers; owners forced to purchase individual fans (~$70 total) plus radiator, thermostat, hoses, clamps, and radiator cap (hundreds of dollars). One owner performed DIY weekend repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer satisfaction notification L08 (2011) for 2006-08 models; 2009 models explicitly excluded from recall or parts coverage; FCA refused to assist or supply parts to 2009 owners
Head Gasket Failure (Recurrent)
Head gasket fails causing white smoke, overheating, and engine shutdown. Critically, failures recur immediately after repair (same day or shortly after), requiring multiple replacement attempts. Catalytic converter or engine cylinders damaged in process.
When: Approximately 42,000 miles for reported case
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from under hood; Temperature gauge suddenly increases to hot; Coolant loss; Engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement performed twice by independent mechanic, then vehicle taken to different shop for third repair attempt; additional cylinder head or catalytic converter work noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but response not specified
Valve Seat Failure
Valve seat fails, detaches from cylinder head, and enters the piston cylinder causing catastrophic engine failure and hard engine knock. Reported in fleet pursuit vehicle; second similar failure in less than a year at comparable mileage on identical engine type.
When: Documented in fleet vehicle; timing not specified but suggests early-to-mid-life failure
Symptoms owners cite: Hard engine knock after routine maintenance startup; Catastrophic engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; failure occurred in two separate 5.7 HEMI pursuit vehicles in fleet within one year at similar mileage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Engine Stalling Without Warning
Engine stalls randomly during driving at various speeds with no warning lights illuminated (or only check engine light afterward). Complete loss of power steering and brakes. Multiple incidents over weeks or months. Dealership diagnostics often find no fault codes, making diagnosis and repair difficult.
When: Reported over 6–7 months of ownership with 15+ incidents; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at speeds of 30–55 mph; Loss of power steering; Loss of braking power; Hesitation before stalling; Engine restart possible after pulling over; No fault codes or only check engine light
Codes mentioned: No codes reported or generic check-engine only
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement and throttle cleaning attempted; problem recurred after one week of short trips and reappeared during longer 20-mile drive. Repeat visits to dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented relief or recall
HEMI Lifter Tick (Inadequate Oil Supply)
5.7 HEMI engine develops characteristic lifter tick from lifters not receiving adequate oil pressure, causing them to wear and damage the camshaft. Owners characterize this as a known manufacturing issue that Chrysler acknowledges but does not address or recall. Problem cited as occurring since HEMI reintroduction in 2005.
When: Can occur stationary or while driving; described as long-standing issue since 2005
Symptoms owners cite: Characteristic lifter tick noise audible; Tick occurs when stationary or during driving; Progressive wear of lifters and camshaft
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter and camshaft replacement required; owner reports significant cost for parts and labor; one owner mentions cost to replace parts without specifying total
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler and dealers acknowledge issue as 'common with the HEMI' but refuse to issue recall or cover repairs
Water Pump Weep Hole Failure
Water pump weep hole fails, allowing coolant to leak and causing shaking, coolant odor, and engine shutdown.
When: Approximately 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant odor; Vehicle shaking without warning; Engine fails to restart after shutdown; Smoke from hood after jump start
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required; repair not completed at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware
Oil Drain Plug Thread Stripping
Oil drain plug hole threads strip prematurely, requiring oil pan replacement at low mileage. Problem attributed to dealer cross-threading during oil changes. Service manager acknowledged this as 'common' for these vehicles, which owner contests.
When: At 52,000 miles after dealer oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Oil drain plug very tight and difficult to loosen; Aluminum debris visible on seal; Plug will not tighten after removal; Oil leak hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replacement needed; dealer service manager stated stripping is 'common' after a few oil changes; owner identifies as environmental hazard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged as 'common' but offered no remedy
Engine Sludge Accumulation
Significant engine sludge discovered during coolant leak repair. After repairs, engine runs briefly then fails to restart; complete engine overhaul required.
When: Timing of discovery not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sludge visible during disassembly; Engine failure to restart after coolant leak repair; Severe degradation requiring full overhaul
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine overhaul required
Engine Fire
Engine became engulfed in flames while driving at highway speed after smoke emission from under hood. Vehicle destroyed; fire department response required.
When: Approximately 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emitted from under hood and inside vehicle; Engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Engine Knock / Valve Seat Failure
Hard engine knock and engine seizure incidents. One case involved valve seat failure; another involved engine locking up without warning during driving.
When: 130,000 miles (seizure); timing not specified for knock
Symptoms owners cite: Hard engine knock; Engine seized; Engine locked up during driving
Valve Job / Complete Engine Work Needed at Low Mileage
Vehicle required complete valve job shortly after purchase (used vehicle, unknown prior history). Cost estimates from independent mechanic and dealer were $2,000–$4,500. Dealer also attempted to upsell timing belt and tensioner repair that independent mechanic found unnecessary.
When: Early ownership; vehicle appeared to have undisclosed mechanical issues from previous use
Symptoms owners cite: Engine would not start
Repairs/costs cited: Valve job quoted at $2,000–$4,500; independent mechanic inspection $84, dealer diagnosis $384 for same conclusion; timing belt and tensioner inspected as good condition but dealer recommended replacement at $400
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner escalated to Chrysler corporate but no documented resolution; dealer attempted to include questionable repairs
Electronic Throttle Control / Spark Plug Issues
Electronic throttle control light illuminates when vehicle stalls at highway speed. Dealer recommended spark plug replacement but vehicle was not repaired and problem recurred.
When: At 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at 50 mph; Electronic throttle control light illuminates; Vehicle restartable after stall
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control light
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement recommended; repair not completed; problem recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution documented
PCV Valve Failure
PCV valve fails at very low mileage, causing abnormal popping noises and loss of acceleration power.
When: At 23,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal popping noises; Decreased acceleration power
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement; repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and complaint filed
WIN Module / Theft System Fault
Wireless integrated network (WIN) module fails, preventing vehicle start despite functional battery. Red theft system light activates; related to broader issue affecting 2008–2009 Chargers. Owner reports 100+ complaints and YouTube videos documenting identical issue; 2008 models received recall but 2009 not included despite being known issue.
When: Early ownership (purchased October 2014, problem shortly after)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Red theft system light blinks; Mileage display functions; Door status indicator active; Remote locking/unlocking and trunk functions work; Battery test shows 100% charge
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler and Dodge dealership both refused to issue recall despite acknowledging the issue as ongoing; dealer technician reported fixing problem 'over 1000 times' in short tenure; 2008 Chargers received recall for same problem; 2009 models explicitly excluded
2.7L Timing Chain Issues (Class Action History)
2.7L timing chain engine has documented history of failure; Chrysler addressed in bankruptcy class action but continues to deny recalls on remaining vehicles with same engine defect.
When: Ongoing since 2.7L introduction
Symptoms owners cite: Timing chain failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action settlement history exists but Chrysler refuses recall on remaining affected 2009 vehicles
Rod Breakage / Engine Seizure
Engine rods break, requiring complete engine replacement within 5 months of ownership. Associated with exhaust emissions system failure.
When: Within 5 months of new ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from engine compartment; Loss of speed from 58 mph; Complete engine shutdown; Acrid burning smell
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; cost over $5,000; exhaust emissions issue also present
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I purchased this vehicle used in september 2010. The vehicle had a clean car fax report when I bought the vehicle. I drove the vehicle to work on saturday and back home saturday evening and parked the car in the driveway. When I went to start the car on monday to take my kids to school the car did not start. I had the car towed to an independent mechanic assuming it must have been the…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. 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/2009/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.