Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Dodge Charger have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 109,800 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Charger | 189 |
| 2007 Charger | 211 |
| 2008 Charger | 32 |
| 2009 Charger | 4 |
| 2010 Charger (this page) | 17 |
| 2011 Charger | 18 |
| 2012 Charger | 57 |
| 2013 Charger | 48 |
| 2014 Charger | 52 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 powertrain 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report stalling without warning across a wide mileage range (40,000–152,000 miles), often with battery light illumination preceding complete power loss. Multiple complaints tie this to alternator failure; several owners note that replacing the alternator doesn't always solve the problem, and at least one mechanic stated that failed alternators commonly burn out the powertrain control module, requiring additional repair.
One owner's timing chain snapped suddenly without warning at an unspecified mileage, causing valve damage and requiring a complete engine rebuild ($4,000 to $7,000). That owner found a recall existed for the model year and engine type but their VIN was excluded.
Transmission failures include a complete replacement at 85,000 miles, repeated stalling after transmission work, inability to shift out of Park, and erratic shifting with the gear display showing incorrect positions. One owner reported the vehicle displayed as in Park but rolled backward in Drive, crashing into a pole.
Electrical gremlins surface across multiple narratives: burnt wiring harnesses, engine noise (tapping or winding), dashboard lights that won't turn off (check engine, battery, traction control, tire pressure), and a vehicle that caught fire while stalled. Owners consistently report difficulty getting consistent diagnoses—one mentioned visiting three mechanics including the dealership with differing conclusions.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and loss of power (electrical/PCM-related)
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds, often accompanied by battery light illumination and complete power loss. Multiple complaints suggest underlying electrical or powertrain control module issues rather than a single root cause.
When: Between 40,000 and 152,000 miles; occurs unpredictably while driving or stopped at lights
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Battery warning light illuminates; Complete loss of power; Check engine light illuminates; Unable to restart or requires jump start
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Battery warning light, ABS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced alternator, battery, and PCM; issues often persist or recur. One owner paid $4,000 for repair after dealer quoted $7,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall exists for timing chain (complaint #2), but owner's VIN not included. Another owner found VIN not under recall despite timing chain failure.
Timing chain failure
Timing chain snaps suddenly without wear or stretching, causing valve damage and requiring complete motor rebuild. Owner reports this is a recall issue for the model year and powertrain, but their specific VIN was excluded.
When: At or around the time of the failure; exact mileage not stated in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving; Subsequent inspection reveals broken timing chain; Bent valves; Metal debris in engine
Repairs/costs cited: Complete motor teardown, piston-by-piston inspection, bottom end rebuild/replacement. Owner paid $4,000 at independent shop; dealer would have charged $7,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for this motor, year, and vehicle type, but complaining VIN was not included in recall list.
Transmission failure and shifting issues
Automatic transmission requires replacement or exhibits erratic behavior including inability to shift, stuck gears, and abnormal sounds. Transmission display can show incorrect gear position on instrument cluster.
When: Between 43,000 and 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission requires complete replacement; Abnormal clicking sound when shifting; Unable to shift from Park to Reverse or Drive; Transmission gets stuck at high speed; Engine revs to 3,000 RPM while driving 75 MPH; PRND display shows flashing squares and error codes; Shifter feels locked up
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission replacement covered by warranty; other repairs not mentioned as covered. One vehicle transmission was replaced but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's VIN not under recall for transmission shifter interlock lever issue.
Alternator and charging system failure
Alternator fails, creating a cascade of electrical problems. Battery light comes on, vehicle stalls shortly after, and replacing the alternator does not always resolve the issue. In some cases, alternator failure damages the PCM.
When: Between 110,000 and 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls shortly after battery light appears; Jump starting provides temporary relief; Winding noise under hood; Check engine light comes on alongside battery light; Progressive failure: 2-4 minutes between battery light and stall initially, then 15-20 minutes after battery replacement
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; battery replacement. In one case, mechanic noted alternator failure commonly burns out the PCM module, requiring PCM replacement as well. Owner had to wait 2 months for PCM replacement; battery and check engine lights remained on after repair.
Shifter linkage and transmission interlock failures
Shifter display shows incorrect gear position while vehicle is in a different gear, or shifter becomes mechanically stuck. One incident involved vehicle displayed as in Park but actually in Drive, causing uncontrolled movement.
When: Between 39,700 and 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter display shows Park but vehicle is in Drive; Abnormal clicking when depressing brake pedal and shifting; Unable to shift out of Park despite foot on brake; Vehicle rolls backward unexpectedly; Shifter feels locked
Repairs/costs cited: One owner suspected column shifter linkage; vehicle crashed into pole and was not repaired. Another complaint of defective transmission shifter interlock lever at 66,000 miles; vehicle not serviced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not under recall for interlock lever issue.
Fire in vehicle
Vehicle caught fire while stalled at a stop light. Smoke and flames came from rear of vehicle.
When: At 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled at stop light; Smoke visible from vehicle; Fire visible from rear of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to yard; no diagnosis or repair noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in any recalls.
Burnt wiring harness (transmission and oxygen sensor)
Wiring harness connected to transmission and oxygen sensor wires burnt out, indicating potential electrical short or overheating.
Symptoms owners cite: Burnt wiring harness at transmission; Burnt wires at O2 sensor
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure
PCM malfunction causes engine to rock and jerk violently from side to side while driving, and vehicle can stall without warning. May occur in conjunction with alternator failure or as a standalone issue.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rocks and jerks violently from side to side; Vehicle stalls without warning while in motion or while parking; Feels like flat tire on right side while driving at highway speed; Loss of power during driving
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement performed in at least one case; check engine and battery lights remained on after replacement.
Engine noise (tapping/winding)
Abnormal tapping or winding noises from engine, reported as consistent across multiple 2010 Chargers and suspected as manufacturer defect. Also reported in conjunction with alternator and electrical failures.
When: Reported from day of purchase; also at 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tapping sound from engine; Winding noise from engine when accelerator pedal pressed; Noise reported as consistent across multiple 2010 Charger models
Transmission control and drivability issues
Various electrical or control issues cause transmission to malfunction, including shuddering, loss of power, and inability to exceed certain speeds.
When: Mileage not consistently specified
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light comes on and will not turn off; Vehicle shudders violently when exceeding 60 MPH; Loss of power while driving; Engine light and tire pressure light come on and won't turn off; Noise from front of vehicle when going over small bumps
Codes mentioned: Engine light, Tire pressure light, Traction control light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shops consulted with different diagnostic opinions; no clear repair path noted.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Driving home and battery light came on and immediately following the car killed on me mid-rush hour on a very busy street between 3:00pm to 6:00pm out of no where. I had help to get it off the main road and asked for a jump start the car started up and ten minutes into the battery light came on again and the car killed. Called a tow man due to the risk level of not knowing when the car will kill…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 43,000 and 137,000 miles, with the median around 109,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 137,000. 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 $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/2010/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.