Look — Dodge's engine story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 3,636 complaints across 112 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024. Not a small number. Complaints are spread across the lineup with no single year carrying the load. That tells you it's a platform pattern, not a fluke. 158 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 2,737 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 68,931 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin DODGE / ENGINE
112 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Dodge engine problems
3,636 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Dodge vehicles for engine issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
3,636
Recalls
5
Year-models
112
Avg fix
$3,100
35crashes
158fires
29injuries
Worst-affected Dodge model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2005 Dodge Durango
261 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Dodge Charger
250 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Dodge Ram 1500
129 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Dodge Charger
101 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Dodge Avenger
91 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 severe
2009 Dodge Journey
88 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
82 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2012 Dodge Durango
75 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Dodge Journey
75 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2005 Dodge Magnum
75 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 Dodge Durango
72 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Dodge Magnum
67 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 Dodge Journey
66 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Dodge Challenger
60 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Dodge Charger
60 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2013 Dodge Durango
56 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 Dodge Dart
55 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Dodge Caliber
55 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 Dodge Avenger
54 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2016 Dodge Journey
53 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
52 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 Dodge Journey
51 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2007 Dodge Nitro
51 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
49 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Dodge Durango
46 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Active recalls — Dodge engine 5 on file
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.
On certain vehicles equipped with 2
This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on november 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines
If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T48.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2
If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
Chrysler is recalling 108,429 my 2007-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6
This could result in an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Dealers will add a bracket to support the engine compartment silencer pad adjacent to the EGR cooler. The recall is expected to begin during december 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Common questions
How many Dodge engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
3,636 complaints across 112 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 5 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Dodge lineup.
Which Dodge model has the most engine complaints?
The 2005 Dodge Durango leads with 261 complaints in this category. Next: 2006 Charger (250) and 2005 Ram 1500 (129).
What does it cost to fix Dodge engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Dodge lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Dodge engine recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover engine on Dodge vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Dodge.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.