The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Charger have filed 48 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 58,000 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
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Charger | 4 |
| 2010 Charger | 17 |
| 2011 Charger | 18 |
| 2012 Charger | 57 |
| 2013 Charger (this page) | 48 |
| 2014 Charger | 52 |
| 2015 Charger | 30 |
| 2016 Charger | 21 |
| 2017 Charger | 16 |
6crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 48 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 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
Owners have filed 48 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 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.
Transmission Shift Enhancements - Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Dodge Charger powertrain carries multiple documented failure modes across nearly 50 complaints. Electronic shifter (E-Shift) defects are widespread: owners report the shifter popping back to neutral or park while driving, refusing to engage gears, or shifting into sport mode without warning—creating dangerous situations when drivers cannot quickly select reverse on public roads. Vehicles have rolled away from park with engine off and parking brake applied, causing property damage and one pedestrian injury.
Transmission problems cluster around jerking, harsh downshifts to low gear at highway speeds, and stalling. Owners describe sudden RPM spikes without acceleration and violent lurching that Chrysler acknowledged was a valve body defect but could not repair for years. Engine misfiring (number 3 and number 6 cylinders) was initially dismissed as normal "hemi tick" but escalated to loud knocking; one dealership quoted $8,599 for repair.
Alternator failures cause complete electrical shutdown with battery terminals smoking during jump attempts, and the P60 recall replacement has been delayed or unavailable. Multiple owners report selling dealerships failed to disclose five active safety recalls before purchase. Stalling events, output shaft fractures, AWD disengagement during snow, and brake failure on cold start round out the safety concerns documented in these narratives.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure / P60 Recall (electrical)
Alternator assembly fails, causing loss of electrical power, dashboard warning lights, engine shutdown, and loss of power steering. Battery terminals may smoke when jumped. Some vehicles covered under unrepaired P60 recall.
When: Various mileages reported; some early (2,000-5,000 mi), others at 52,000 mi
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; All dashboard lights flashing; Windshield wipers activate involuntarily; Vehicle jerks then stalls completely; Loss of power steering; Electrical smell in cabin; Battery terminals smoke when jumped
Codes mentioned: P60 (alternator recall), Battery saver mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; P60 recall replacement part (unspecified cost by owners)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: P60 recall notification; Chrysler/Dodge recalls (Campaign numbers referenced: 13V610000, 16V240000); manufacturer initially provides no rental/loaner support
Transmission shift control / electronic shifter failure
Electronic shifter (E-Shift) fails to engage properly or pops out of selected gear without warning. Vehicle may shift automatically into sport mode or neutral, or refuse to shift from park. Multiple owners report shifter pops back to neutral or park during driving, creating safety hazard during gear changes.
When: Early in ownership (7,300 mi reported); as early as 3 years old; some intermittent ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter pops out of reverse back to neutral or park while driving; Vehicle shifts into sport mode automatically and without warning; Unable to shift from park; shifter stuck in drive position; Gear selector fails to respond to commands; Multiple failed attempts to shift gear; E-Shift service indicator on dashboard
Codes mentioned: E-Shift fault codes (specific codes not provided by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter module replacement under recall S27/NHTSA 16V-240; used OEM parts substituted when new modules unavailable; no aftermarket options available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S27/NHTSA 16V-240000 (Power Train); Chrysler aware of valve body separate plate part issue; fix promised May/early June but delayed; dealerships unable to perform repairs without parts; service advisories issued but no permanent fix deployed during complaint period
Transmission jerking / harsh downshift / RPM surge
Transmission exhibits abrupt downshifts to low gear, sudden RPM spikes, harsh jerking during acceleration, and late shifts from stop. Occurs sporadically while driving at various speeds. Transmission reprogramming by dealer provides temporary or no relief. Owners report Chrysler aware of valve body defect.
When: Low mileage (7,300 mi) to high mileage (229,662 mi); some occurring after 2+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift to first or low gear while driving highway speeds (60+ mph); Violent jerking and harsh gear engagement; RPM spike without corresponding acceleration; Car lurches badly just before stopping; Late shift from stop; car jumps forward at complete stop; Transmission sticks in first gear from stop; cannot accelerate normally; Check engine light illuminated during events
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (P-series codes not specified), Torque converter failure codes (referenced by one owner)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission reprogramming (temporary fix, does not resolve issue); full transmission replacement cited by dealers; valve body separate plate part replacement promised but not available during complaint window; repair costs estimated $8,599 at one dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler aware of valve body separate plate part defect (STAR case S1421000013); parts promised end of May/early June 2014 but not delivered; no repair possible until parts available; dealers instructed to monitor; some customers advised to continue driving until recall/TSB released
Engine misfire / cylinder lifter collapse
Engine develops misfiring cylinder, producing loud ticking or knocking noise at low RPM initially described as 'hemi tick,' later progressing to loud engine knock at highway speeds. One owner diagnosed with collapsed lifter in number 3 cylinder; another reports number 6 piston misfire. Dealership quoted $8,599 repair on warranty claim.
When: Initial tick present at purchase; deteriorates over time; loud noise develops around 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Initial ticking noise at idle/low RPM (dismissed as normal 'hemi tick'); Loud knocking or ticking sound resembling truck engine; Number 3 cylinder misfiring (one owner); Number 6 piston misfiring (another owner); Cylinder lifter collapsed (partial engine damage already present)
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost estimated $8,599 at Crown Dodge; other dealership performed repair for multiple police vehicles with same issue; repair method not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall cited; issue appears known across multiple Chargers and law enforcement fleet vehicles but treated as isolated warranty claims
Stalling / loss of power while driving
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds, from city driving to highway. Vehicle refuses to restart or requires multiple restart attempts. PCM communication failures noted. Some events accompanied by loud bang in drivetrain and subsequent loss of power.
When: Various mileages: 45 mph (52k mi, 67.5k mi), 75 mph (124.5k mi), mid-freeway events
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving at speed; Vehicle loses all power while driving; Check engine light or service transmission warning message; Loud bang in rear of vehicle (drivetrain); RPMs elevated but car stalled (contradictory electrical state); Multiple stalls on single trip; Failure to restart or prolonged restart difficulty
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific P-codes not provided), Service transmission message, PCM communication failure (scanner unable to read)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement recommended/performed by dealers; PCM replacement implied by diagnostics; one owner reported six recalls and three warranty repairs but problem unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; commitment to follow-up stated but not documented in narratives
Transmission output shaft / driveshaft failure
Output shaft fractures or driveshaft becomes fractured between transmission and transfer case, typically triggered by acceleration from stop. Owner hears loud bang and loses propulsion. Transmission and transfer case require replacement.
When: Early mileage: 5,000 miles reported; another at 124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang during acceleration from stop; Vehicle fails to accelerate after bang; Unable to shift vehicle into park; Loss of propulsion/drivetrain drive
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 13V610000 (Power Train) referenced but VIN not included in recall
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer ordered full transmission inspection instead of localized repair; entire transmission, driveshaft, and transfer case replacement to be supplied; repair not completed in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; recall campaign 13V610000 cited but VIN exclusion noted; full replacement warranty coverage offered
Park / Neutral / Drive selection failure - vehicle rollaway
Vehicle rolls away or moves despite being placed in park with parking brake applied and engine off. Multiple owners report car continues to move when opening doors, sitting overnight, or without warning while parked on flat surfaces. Some incidents result in collisions with property or pedestrians. Defect present since purchase for at least one owner.
When: Present at purchase (one owner); various mileages 29,950 to 37,184 miles reported; occurs after sitting parked
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves on its own while parked in park; Vehicle rolls backward without warning; Vehicle accelerates forward while parked at very low speed (1 mph); Vehicle continues rolling after door opening while in park with engine off; Vehicle rolls despite parking brake engaged; Crashes into fence, pole, tree, wall, or other vehicle/structure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) – shift module/park function recall
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 16V240000 remedy applied; remedy failed in at least one case; vehicle body damage repaired; park mechanism not repaired or replaced in most narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V240000 issued and applied; manufacturer buy-back option offered in one case; aftermarket/used shifter module substituted when OEM parts unavailable; remedy effectiveness questionable
AWD system failure / intermittent disable
AWD system disengages while driving, forcing vehicle into rear-wheel-drive only, particularly during snow/poor conditions. 'Service AWD' message appears. System may re-engage spontaneously after restart or remain disabled.
When: Middle of snow storm; failure mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: AWD system disengages during driving; Service AWD warning message displayed; Vehicle spins out repeatedly on snow/ice with only RWD; System re-engages after restart (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; technician unable to replicate issue or diagnose root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Acceleration control failure / unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input or after accelerator released. At low parking speed (1 mph), vehicle suddenly accelerates and crashes. Remote start system causes unwanted acceleration. One incident resulted in person pinned by vehicle.
When: Very low mileage (3,500 mi, 4,000 mi); one at 1 mph parking event
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly accelerates while parking at walking speed; Vehicle accelerates without pedal input via remote start; Loss of steering control during acceleration event
Repairs/costs cited: Body damage repaired; mechanical cause undetermined/not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; investigator contact promised but not confirmed as completed
Brake pedal failure / brake loss while driving
Total brake failure when system not heated to operating temperature. Brake pedal does not respond when depressed, requiring vehicle to be coasted to stop or relying on emergency brake.
When: Upon cold start before brake system heating
Symptoms owners cite: No brake response when pedal depressed; Brakes only functional after heating to third temperature line; Complete loss of braking authority
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or completed in narrative
Rear differential / AWD differential lockup
Rear differential locks up while vehicle is in motion at highway speed, preventing normal turning or propulsion response.
When: At 100,000+ miles during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Differential locks up completely while driving 75 mph; Loss of drivetrain responsiveness
Cooling system / radiator integrity failure
Radiator separates at seams or develops internal leaks, causing engine overheating. Dealership service advisors report seeing problem frequently in 2013 Chargers. Police department contacts report losing multiple police vehicles to same radiator failure with subsequent engine overheating/catastrophic failure.
When: Not specified; appears as ongoing/repeating issue
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator separates/splits at seams; Engine overheating; Radiator failure leading to engine 'blowing up'/catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required
Torque converter failure / overdrive malfunction
Torque converter fails in overdrive (D4), causing check engine light. Problem appears and disappears intermittently; no overdrive function until light resets itself.
When: Not specified; intermittent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates when accelerating in overdrive; Loss of overdrive function; Intermittent check engine light that clears on its own; Rough running at times, normal at others
Codes mentioned: Torque converter failure code (scanner reading) / Overdrive failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner driving with intermittent failure
Powertrain electrical system / battery and charging system failure
Multiple electrical and charging system failures causing complete shutdown of vehicle electronics and propulsion. Battery cable replacement and initial diagnosis unsuccessful, with vehicle stalling later. Vehicles sold with undisclosed active recalls and no repair path.
When: At 69,000 miles (used car with history); early in ownership at low mileage (various cases)
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob fails to start vehicle; Vehicle stalls while parking; Lights flashing before complete shutdown; Loss of all electrical systems
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cable replacement attempted but failed to resolve issue; no successful repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in some cases; five active recalls noted on sold vehicle; no loaners/rentals offered; no repair timeline provided
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I brought this 2013 Dodge charger with 86,000 miles used in 10/20/2016 from south chicago Dodge and when I got it, the car used to jerk when accelerating and I took it back to the dealer and told them about the car problem that I had. 1st time they had fix the transmission, 2nd, time the had put a new transmission in and now 2018 its having the same problem, its just somthing with this…
I was driving my 2013 Dodge charger on the highway doing 75 MPH when the rear differential locked up. The vehicle just passed 100,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. While stationary, the vehicle rolled back without warning. The dealer repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 48 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 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 26,700 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,700; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2013/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.