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Owning a modern Dodge muscle car will put you ahead of most drivers on the road, but it's not without its headaches.

Founded in 1900, Dodge has been behind some great high-performance vehicles like the Charger and Challenger. Both cars are among the most popular models for the company, especially due to their features, performance, and several trim levels that offer optional technology and performance upgrades.

Besides their performance, the Charger and Challenger are loved for their superior ride, especially the newer models. They offer smooth, bump-free rides on most terrains and handle incredibly when pushed hard. However, there have been a few common issues that owners have encountered over time.

Some Challenger models had issues related to the power steering assembly hose. The Challengers affected by this issue had corrugated assemblies that would separate from components and leak power steering fluid.

As a result of this issue, there was a large recall for the 2010 Dodge Challenger. It was a large problem for the Challenger since the fluid would leak into the engine compartment and potentially cause a fire. Anyone with a Dodge Challenger or considering buying one should check if this recall affected the vehicle.

Dodge Challengers from 2008 to 2013 have had a history of unexpected airbag deployment. Some incidents were more severe than a simple airbag deployment since the airbag could explode. The problem eventually resulted in a large recall for the Challenger.

The main cause of the airbag deployment issue was related to the propellant used in making the airbag. It was faulty, and Dodge prevented further damage by replacing it. When the deployment happened, it would throw some metal shrapnel in the cabin of the Challenger.

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Not many Chargers have struggled with brake problems; however, the issue was quite pronounced with the 2019 Dodge Charger. According to some owners, the brakes would have excessive vibrations and become too erratic.

Other owners complained of ill-fitted rear brake pads leading to broken rotors. These problems made driving the Charger dangerous while diminishing the driving experience. The best solution was to replace the brake pads.

Not all Challengers have an issue with the AC system; however, the problem was common in the 2014 model year. The main source of the issue was from leaks around the compressor and cabin. When Challenger owners were driving and using the AC, it would either begin blowing hot air or fail altogether.

The fix for this issue was installing either the compressor, AC, or evaporator coil. These Challenger models also had heat issues where the heater would run for a few minutes and shut down completely or make the cabin unbearably hot.

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The 2009 to 2016 Dodge Challenger models had issues with harsh transmission shifting. Some owners claimed that the problem started with no apparent cause. Most noted the problem when they hit 34,800 miles, which began as a weird metallic noise when shifting.

After a while, the issue progressed to becoming a noticeable thump from the transmission when shifting gears. Some owners complained about having their transmission not engaging at all. Dodge, however, fixed this issue by offering an updated TCM (Transmission Control Module) software.

2009 to 2010 Dodge Challengers were known to have crankshaft position sensor signal loss. This could trigger the check engine light under the error code P0339. The issue would normally appear out of the blue for most owners.

The solution was to add a shim or wedge to the crankshaft sensor. However, this wouldn’t fully resolve the problem. The Challengers sometimes needed a flex plate replacement to eradicate the problem.

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Owners of the 2011 Challenger also encountered alternator problems, with some experiencing a distinct burning scent and abnormal squeaking noises from the hood. Some owners experienced failure when driving, leading their Challengers to shut down and not restart.

Dodge issued a recall for the same since the alternator failure could lead to unexpected stalling, leading to crashes or accidents. Alternator failure could also lead to a short circuit, which could lead to a fire. Dodge fixed the issue by replacing the alternator.

Various issues could lead to premature wear and tear of the suspension system on the Charger. One of the leading problems was the stabilizer pins and tie rods wearing out prematurely. However, there were also instances where the front inner tie rods and ball joints would wear out.

Most suspension issues can be expensive to fix, especially when parts don’t last as long as they should. The problem can quickly decrease the vehicle's life, making it a more expensive car to keep.

Related: Why The Dodge Charger Scat Pack Is Ideal For Gearheads In Need Of A Practical Car

Another common problem concerning the Challenger is the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). The module can encounter electrical problems and was prevalent in the model years 2008 to 2021. The TIPM plays an integral part as the hub of electrical operations.

Some functions of the module include operating the windshield wipers and the fuel pump. Therefore, if the part fails, it can cause some dire issues like the deployment of the Challenger’s airbags, starters not cranking when starting the Challenger and randomly working horn noises.

Engine failure is the most severe problem of the Dodge Charger. The problem was common with 2008 to 2014 Dodge Chargers, making them the best examples to avoid. Even though the vehicles were built to harbor much power, that wasn’t an excuse for engine failure.

Unfortunately, once the Chargers started showing some engine symptoms, the fix wasn’t as easy as replacing a gasket. In most cases, the engines had to be rebuilt, meaning that the Charger would require frequent replacement, unlike most vehicles.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.