2010 Dodge Charger engine problems

Rocker arm assemblies (especially on 3.5L HO engines) develop pin shear and lash adjuster defects that produce cold-start ticking noise. Noise worsens over time and becomes more constant even when warm. Factory parts ending in 'AA' are defective; replacements ending in 'AC' indicate a known engineering change. Multiple owners report the same assembly failing again after warranty replacement, suggesting a recurring defect in the replacement parts themselves.

When: Typically appears at relatively low mileage (20k–185k miles reported); most noticeable on cold startup and in winter

Symptoms owners cite: Engine ticking or knocking noise on cold startup, worse in winter; Ticking fades when engine warms but becomes more constant over time; Loud knocking noises from engine; No check engine codes present

Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm shaft lifter assembly replacement required on both cylinder heads; quoted cost $1,100–$1,500. Owners report replacement assemblies are rebuilt parts, not new, and the defect recurs within 10,000 miles of replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed as known issue; no recall issued despite multiple owners reporting repeated failures. Warranty covers first failure but not recurrence.

Cylinder heads fail prematurely, causing rough running, misfire codes, and loss of compression. At least one owner experienced head failure twice within 15,000 miles (both times under warranty), suggesting a systemic design or material defect rather than owner neglect.

When: As early as 29,000 miles; also reported at 13,000 miles with recurrence at 19,268 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Rough engine running; Misfire detected (check engine light illuminates); Loss of power or rough idle with shaking; Low cylinder compression (one report: cylinder 2 at 35 PSI)

Codes mentioned: P0305, P0300 (multiple cylinder misfire implied)

Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement required. Parts availability has been an issue for at least one owner (repair delayed due to unavailable parts at 113,000 miles).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs covered under warranty; at least one owner reported Chrysler initiated investigation but offered no remedy explanation.

Engine stalls during driving or idling with no warning lights or diagnostic codes. Stalling occurs during turns or braking, creating safety hazards (owners report narrow misses with oncoming traffic). Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose the failure. Some stalls accompanied by check oil warning light; some are completely silent.

When: Occurs at very low mileage (600–98,000 miles); one SRT reported it at 600 miles with car under 9 months old

Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off while driving without warning; Engine stalls while idling at stops or during turns; No check engine light or diagnostic codes present (most cases); Vehicle restarts normally after stall; Check oil warning light may illuminate during stall

Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed for most complaints; dealers cannot diagnose without a check engine code. One owner took car to independent mechanic for tune-up (unsuccessful). Another owner reports engine completely failed to restart after stalling at 78,000 miles; Dodge refused to investigate.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report inability to replicate failure and provide no remedy. Manufacturer was notified in several cases but no action taken.

Strong exhaust and fuel odors enter the cabin, particularly at idle or low speeds. Affects multiple police fleet vehicles, creating documented safety risk for K9 units and drivers. Occurs consistently or intermittently. Dealers unable to diagnose or locate source despite multiple visits.

When: Reported as early as 100 miles to 6,110 miles; some cases at 40,000+ miles with ongoing intermittent odor

Symptoms owners cite: Strong smell of exhaust fumes inside vehicle while idling or driving slowly; Smell of raw fuel when engine starts; Odor intermittent (3–4 times per week reported in one case); Odor noted in parked vehicle with engine running; One fleet of 12–13 police vehicles all experienced identical failure

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in any reported case. Dealers unable to locate source or offer remedy.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler engineer investigation promised in fleet complaint but delayed 2–3 months with no resolution reported. Dealers advised no assistance available.

Engine produces persistent knocking or tapping sounds, often described as 'HEMI tick' online. Associated with rough idle, shaking at idle until ~900 RPM, and persistent vibration even after multiple component replacements (cylinder head, gasket, exhaust manifold, EGR valve). Owners report seeing multiple people with identical issue on same model/year.

When: Present from time of purchase or very early in ownership (observed day one in at least one case); one case reported at 13,000 miles with recurrence

Symptoms owners cite: Tapping or knocking noise from engine compartment; Rough idle and shaking below 900 RPM; Vibration/shaking during idle and light acceleration; Persistent despite multiple dealer repairs; Engine runs normally at highway speeds

Codes mentioned: P0301 (cylinder misfire, implied from similar symptoms)

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suggested bad lifters. One owner had cylinder head, gasket, exhaust manifold, and EGR valve replaced, but shaking persisted. No root cause identified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued; owner suspects undisclosed recall. Salesman attributed ticking to need for oil change (incorrect diagnosis).

Engine locks up or seizes, sometimes with metal shavings found in oil indicating severe internal wear or bearing failure. At least one engine completely failed and required replacement. Owner reports this is a common failure pattern for 2010 Chargers.

When: At 78,000 miles and higher; one owner reports metal shavings found after seizure

Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off while driving and will not restart; Engine seized or locked; Metal shavings found in oil; No warning lights in at least one case

Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required in at least one case. Owner reports Dodge refused to investigate or replace engine.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refused to investigate cause or replace engine. No remedy offered.

White smoke appears from under the hood during normal driving, suggesting coolant leak, internal head gasket failure, or cracked cylinder head/block. One case escalated to flames under the hood.

When: At 84,000 miles; one fire incident at unknown mileage

Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from engine compartment while driving; Flames under hood (one case); Gas smell and smoke from hood

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; one case awaiting insurance company inspection. Owner suspected cracked block or head.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer not contacted in either case; no manufacturer involvement.

Timing chain fractures during normal operation, causing check engine light and inability to restart or operate. Repair parts unavailable at dealership at time of complaint.

When: At 113,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine unable to operate or restart

Repairs/costs cited: Repair parts unavailable at dealership; vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement; no recall or parts support offered.