Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Challenger engine problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 9 model years of Dodge Challenger in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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.
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2014 Challenger owners describe persistent valve train ticking from bad lifters starting as early as 9,000 miles, often audible in the cab at 1500 RPM and above. Dealers have replaced lifters and valve rocker arm guides under service bulletin, but the problem recurs; one owner reports lifters on back order 6–8 months, with warnings the camshaft will break and engine will seize if driving continues. Multiple owners cite mechanics seeing this same issue repeatedly on the 5.7-liter engines.
Oil filter housing and oil cooler adapter leaks are endemic—one mechanic notes 34,000 of this part on back order across Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge due to how common the problem is. Owners report oil leaks starting around 32,000 to 102,000 miles, with repair costs near $788.
Early failures include fuel pump cutouts while highway driving at 65 MPH (at 17,505 miles from new) causing complete stalls and loss of power steering. Cooling system failures appear even on used purchases, with water pump replacement needed at 28,000 miles and subsequent overheating at 40,000 miles, leading one mechanic to recommend a new engine.
Rough idle and poor fuel economy (16 MPG versus advertised 21 MPG) show up in brand-new vehicles, along with fuel sensor malfunctions within days of purchase. One owner reports the vehicle in the shop four times in the first months with no permanent fix.
Same Dodge Challenger engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Valve train ticking / lifter noise
Loud ticking, clicking, or sewing-machine-like noise from valve train, typically on passenger side. Owners report noise audible in cab at 1500 RPM and above. Some narratives indicate faulty lifters damaging the camshaft, leading to misfire and potential engine seizure.
When: From new or early in ownership; reported at 9,000 miles, 31,555 miles, 60,900 miles, 76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or clicking noise from passenger side; Noise audible in cab above 1500 RPM; Sewing-machine-like sound; Hesitation on acceleration; Misfiring; Spark knock in MDS mode
Repairs/costs cited: Valve rocker arm guides replaced under service bulletin. Lifters replaced. Owners cite lifters on back order 6–8 months. Dealer states camshaft may break if driving continues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for ticking noise. Dealer told owner over-rev code appeared; manufacturer claimed ticking was normal.
Oil filter housing / oil cooler adapter leak
Oil filter housing assembly or oil cooler adapter leaks oil without warning. Multiple owners report this issue; one narrative notes 34,000 parts on back order due to widespread problem across Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles.
When: 32,300 miles, 102,000 miles, 60,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from filter housing visible when stationary; Burning oil smell
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing adapter replacement cost cited as $788. Parts frequently on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite apparent widespread problem. Mechanic noted over 34,000 parts on back order.
Cooling system overheating / intake manifold gasket failure
Engine overheating while driving, with coolant loss from reservoir. Root cause identified as intake manifold gasket failure and oil cooler adapter housing issue.
When: 102,300 miles (post-purchase used vehicle); also 28,000 miles on purchased used vehicle requiring water pump replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating while driving; Rapid coolant loss from reservoir; Running hot
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required at 28,000 miles; second failure at 40,000 miles requiring new engine per mechanic. Intake manifold gasket and oil cooler adapter replacement cost $788.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued.
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump cuts out without warning while driving, causing engine stall and loss of power steering. Occurs early in vehicle life.
When: 17,505 miles from new; also 5 days after purchase; 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump cuts out while driving; Engine stalls; Loss of power steering; Check engine light; Fuel leak visible and smell of gas while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement required. One owner reports fuel tank replacement needed for fuel leak at 33,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response noted in narratives.
Engine stall without diagnosis
Engine stalls without warning while driving, unable to be reproduced or diagnosed at dealer.
When: 31,555 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving over 40 MPH while attempting to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated or diagnosed at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware; vehicle was not repaired.
Engine failure after water ingestion
Engine ceases after driving through pool of water; engine replacement required.
When: 102,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalled after driving through water; Multiple warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Vehicle not yet repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed no open recalls apply.
Rough idle and poor fuel economy
Vehicle runs rough at idle and fuel economy significantly below manufacturer's advertised rating.
When: 5 days after purchase (brand new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Poor fuel economy (16 MPG vs. advertised 21 MPG); Check engine light; Fuel sensor/pump malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel sensors/pumps replaced. Vehicle in shop 4 times; no permanent fix noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Over-rev code with sudden deceleration
Check engine light with over-rev code accompanied by sudden deceleration and tire chirping.
When: 11,750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Over-rev code; Sudden deceleration; Rear tire chirping
Codes mentioned: Over-rev code
Oil change reminder light malfunction
Oil change reminder light stays illuminated after oil change and does not reset. Dealer reports repairing same issue on multiple 2014 Challengers.
When: 7.5 months into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil change recommended light illuminates at startup and remains on after oil change
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer to repair; technician reports seeing same problem on two other Challengers that week.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
My 2014 challenger r/t has had a bad ticking valve train since about new. The ticking, clipping, sewing machine noise is on the passenger side,it's loud and clearly heard in the cab at around 1500rpm and up. Star case tab removal was performed, no good.next lifters and mds solenoids was replaced still no good. Now along with the ticking noise I have loud spark knock in mds mode on passenger side.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil from the oil filter assembly without warning. The contact called motorworld Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 888-459-2493 (located at 150 motorworld dr, wilkes-barre, pa 18702), but was unable to speak with a service technician. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed…
Tl* the contact owns 2014 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 13,000.
Have a 2014 challenger 60,900 miles and the oil filter housing assembly started leaking oil. Had to be replaced. Also the transmission is now starting to not shift properly.
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she smelled a burning oil odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil filter housing adapter was leaking and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not…
Hear a tapping in the engine so I took it to the dealership and they told me that the lifters need to be replaced and that my warranty expired 2 months ago. They also said that if I keep driving it the cam shaft will break and motor will seize and they also told me they are having a lot of these 5.7 liter engines with the same problem.
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Dodge Challenger?
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 2014 Dodge Challenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 17,505 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 33,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,505; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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/2014/Dodge/Challenger.
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.