ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Charger engine problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Dodge Charger have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Charger | 101 |
| 2008 Charger | 60 |
| 2009 Charger | 31 |
| 2010 Charger | 40 |
| 2011 Charger (this page) | 31 |
| 2012 Charger | 39 |
| 2013 Charger | 24 |
| 2014 Charger | 26 |
| 2015 Charger | 10 |
1crash
4fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2011 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 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 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.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2011 Dodge Charger owners describe engine troubles across the board. Fuel-system leaks from tank hoses cause strong gasoline odors inside the cabin and visible pooling underneath; this starts at 35,000 miles and persists even after warranty expires, with dealerships refusing to cover repair costs.
Engine failures strike at low mileage. One owner documented camshaft wear and lifter damage at 81,000 miles despite regular maintenance—spark plug and coil replacements didn't fix it. Another experienced complete engine seizure at 90,000 miles with no warning. A third faced a bad connecting rod at unknown mileage, costing $8,000 to repair after a rain-induced stall. Head gasket failure, engine fire on startup, and sudden loss of power on highways with no diagnostic codes appear in separate reports.
Alternators fail repeatedly—burning smell, whining noise, ABS light illumination, and total electrical shutdown occur between 45,000 and 90,000 miles. One broken radiator fan blade took out the alternator and caused overheating with no dashboard warning. A radiator fan blade broke and damaged the alternator.
Cylinder misfires and rough idling plague multiple vehicles. One owner faced a Cylinder 3 misfire with lifter failure; another hit Cylinder 5 misfire and entered limp mode at highway speed. Dealers struggle to diagnose rough idle and revving RPM issues even after multiple visits.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil filter housings, and exhaust leaks create burning-oil smells and smoke. Carbon monoxide leaks into cabins, and one fleet of police vehicles reports persistent exhaust/fuel odors unresolved by air-intake adjustments. Overall, warranty denials and inadequate recall repairs compound the safety hazard.
Same Dodge Charger engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel system leak (gas tank/filler neck hoses)
Fuel leaks from tank or hoses connecting filler neck to tank, causing strong gasoline odors inside cabin and under vehicle. Owners report fuel smell intensifies when tank is full, and leaks visible underneath vehicle.
When: 35,000–113,680 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor in cabin when tank is full; Odor subsides as fuel level drops; Visible fuel leaking from underneath vehicle; Nausea and fatigue from prolonged exposure to fuel fumes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite faulty filler neck hoses as cause; no repair costs detailed in narratives. One dealer refused repair after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers denied warranty coverage after expiration; no recall mentioned despite multiple owner reports.
Camshaft and valve train failure
Internal engine failure causing camshaft wear and lifter damage. Rockers stop functioning, leading to catastrophic engine degradation. Occurs at relatively low mileage despite regular maintenance.
When: 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine idling rough despite normal RPM gauge reading; Difficulty starting, sputtering on ignition; Loss of acceleration on highway; vehicle feels like it's braking when pedal is released; Erratic acceleration after stall; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs, coil pack, and fuel injector replaced without resolution. Eventually diagnosed as internal camshaft failure requiring engine work; powertrain warranty expired.
Sudden loss of power and engine stall on highway
Vehicle loses all throttle response and stalls while driving at highway speeds without warning codes. Multiple incidents; restart may or may not be successful. Critical safety hazard.
When: Unknown mileage; repeated incidents over multiple days
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration; pressing gas pedal produces no response; Vehicle stalls mid-turn during highway lane changes; Hard starting following stall event; No check engine light or diagnostic codes present; Intermittent recurrence at same location
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or replicate; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 'no code, no problem' despite multiple customer-reported incidents.
Cylinder misfire and lifter failure
Cylinder misfire causing engine to enter limp mode during highway driving, reducing power and creating hazardous condition. Diagnosis reveals worn or bad lifter inside cylinder head.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates while driving at highway speed (70 MPH); Engine enters limp mode, restricting power; Potential for sudden loss of power in traffic
Codes mentioned: P0305 (Cylinder 5 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost over $4,000 to address lifter and related engine work.
Engine head gasket failure
Head gasket failure causes sudden engine stall without warning. Vehicle immobilized and requires towing.
When: 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at low speed (30 MPH); No prior warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis made by independent mechanic; owner did not repair vehicle.
Connecting rod failure
Bad connecting rod causes engine noise and loss of function during wet weather operation. Internal engine damage requires full engine overhaul or replacement.
When: Unknown mileage; occurred during rain
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls in rain; Abnormal engine noise after restart; Engine unable to continue operation
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $8,000. Neither original nor extended warranty covered the failure.
Valve cover gasket leak and oil seepage
Fractured valve cover gasket leaks oil onto pressure sensor switch, causing sensor failure and engine complications. Oil pooling creates burning oil smell and smoke.
When: 113,680 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from instrument panel area; Check engine light illuminated; Burning oil odor through vents; Smoke from front passenger side of engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed fractured gasket; owner did not repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA without providing support.
Oil filter housing leak
Damaged or defective oil filter housing creates major oil leak in engine, posing fire hazard. Large amounts of oil accumulate under vehicle.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Considerable amount of oil pooling under parked vehicle; High-risk fire hazard from oil in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $582 for parts and labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner considers this a safety recall issue but no manufacturer response detailed.
Engine seizure
Engine suddenly seizes during normal driving with no prior warning lights. Complete engine failure requiring replacement.
When: 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes suddenly while driving at moderate speed (45 MPH); No warning lights illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced by independent mechanic after dealer tow.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA without providing warranty support.
Alternator failure
Alternator fails to charge battery or overcharges, causing vehicle shutdown or battery damage. Multiple occurrences reported across different mileage points. Can cause sudden loss of electrical power and battery save mode activation.
When: 45,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, forcing shutdown; ABS warning light and radio shutdown; Whining noise in engine compartment; Burning smell from alternator; Battery enters power save mode; Engine compartment smoking; Vehicle stalls as battery power depletes
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator assembly replacement. Repair costs range from $1,000 to $1,000+ for parts and labor. One owner reported alternator overcharge damaged battery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied warranty coverage; no recalls issued.
Radiator fan blade failure
Radiator fan blade breaks and detaches, striking and damaging alternator. Fan blade lodges in hood area. No dashboard warning prior to catastrophic failure.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Broken fan blade visible in hood area; Alternator punctured, leaking fluid; Engine overheating due to alternator failure; No dash warning lights illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced as a consequence of fan damage.
Engine misfire and rough idling
Engine misfires and exhibits rough idle behavior unresponsive to conventional repairs. Check engine light illuminates. Dealer unable to identify root cause despite multiple visits.
When: 13,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs rev up and down erratically while driving at low speed (15 MPH); Check engine light illuminated; Engine runs rough
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug and coil replacements unsuccessful; dealer unable to remedy despite multiple service visits.
Engine ticking noise during idle
Ticking noise emanates from engine during idle operation. Vehicle continues to operate but issue remains undiagnosed.
When: 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from engine while vehicle is stationary and idling
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; issue undiagnosed.
Evaporative emission system leak
Internal leak in evaporative emission system allows carbon monoxide to escape into vehicle cabin, creating health hazard.
When: 74,657 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Carbon monoxide detected inside vehicle; Health exposure risk
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; vehicle was repaired.
Exhaust/fuel odor in cabin (widespread fleet issue)
Strong exhaust or fuel smell inside cabin of police fleet vehicles. Issue affects multiple vehicles in same fleet. Problem persistent and unresolved by air intake mode changes or driving.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Very strong exhaust or gas smell inside cabin; Odor present especially after engine idle and A/C operation; Switching between fresh and recirculated air does not resolve issue; Driving does not clear odor; Affects multiple vehicles in fleet
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs detailed; fleet issue remains unresolved.
Engine fire
Engine catches fire immediately after vehicle startup, destroying vehicle completely. Critical safety failure.
When: 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire starts immediately upon vehicle startup
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of issue.
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump fails, requiring replacement early in vehicle ownership. Check engine light illuminates.
When: Early ownership (within first few months after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced early in vehicle life.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware; vehicle was under recall investigation for computer system issue at time of failure.
Overheating despite multiple dealer repairs
Vehicle continues overheating after multiple dealership service visits and alleged repairs. Problem persists despite stated reassurance that issue was resolved.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits; repairs unsuccessful.
Engine stall without diagnostic code
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at moderate speed. No check engine light or diagnostic codes present. Towed home; cause not diagnosed.
When: 48,000–55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at low to moderate speed (40 MPH); No diagnostic codes or warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case; no action reported.
Limp mode activation during highway driving
Engine enters protective limp mode while driving on highway, cutting power and creating hazard. Check engine light illuminates.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates while driving at highway speed; Engine enters limp mode, restricting power output
Codes mentioned: P0305 (Cylinder 5 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement required; cost over $4,000.
Engine stall following PCM or electrical malfunction
Vehicle stalls on freeway after owner applies throttle. Restarts and runs after impact from following vehicle. No check engine light. Owner suspects faulty PCM.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls after throttle application on freeway; No check engine light illuminated; Vehicle restarts successfully after impact event
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; vehicle runs normally after stall event.
Recall repair inadequacy and false documentation
Engine recall repair allegedly performed but engine fails during highway driving shortly after. Owner reports dealer replaced engine with rebuilt unit instead of new. Vehicle exhibits water leaks from exhaust, extreme shaking, and burning oil smell post-repair.
When: Post-recall repair; failure during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure on highway after recall repair; Water leaking from exhaust pipe; Extreme engine shaking; Burning oil smell; Rebuilt engine substituted for new engine in recall replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair performed with rebuilt engine; owner reports false documentation and inadequate repair. Requested new engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer replaced engine with rebuilt unit instead of new; owner disputes adequacy of repair.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Check engine light comes on as im driving on a highway at 70mph and my car goes into "limp" mode which could of caused an accident. Cylinder 5 misfire is the diagnosis after taking it to the dealer. It appears to be a bad lifter inside of the head in which caused over 4k to fix. This is a safety hazard in which the engine failed while driving with my family inside!!
On april 4th approximately 11 pm, my 2011 Dodge charger shut down while driving I had no electrical power what so ever, no warning prior to issues, replaced the battery along with the alternator assembly, was told by Dodge no longer under warranty and there were no recalls ton my vehicle, the according to my mechanic, the alternator caused an overcharge on the battery. Luckily at…
Letter from senator johanns on behalf of constituents regarding her 2011 Dodge charger safety issues. (experiencing carbon monoxide) *smd the consumer stated she and her son became severely ill.
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 2011 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 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2011/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.