Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Engine & cooling

2009 Dodge Charger Engine problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2009 Dodge Charger's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 25% of all its complaints, most recently on May 12, 2021. They describe 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. The contact was driving at 35 mph, when all of the warning lights illuminated then stopped. The vehicle stalled but the contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The contact then saw black smoke coming from the engine compartment and was able to put the fire out with a wet rag and some water. The contact then contacted his insurance company when he noticed that there was smoke coming from the rear seats. The fire department arrived and opened the trunk with a...

Read the full complaint

crowbar and saw that the battery had caught fire. The contact and his daughter, who was a passenger in the vehicle did not sustain injuries. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11416348
Engine & cooling

Headgasket, fel-pro engine cylinder head gasket, remove carbon, and make all necessary adjustments.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11408367
Electrical systemEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

All of my steering column components quit working, I have no turn signals, wipers, brights, cruise control, horn or power mirrors. Now the taillights illuminate only when they want to but brake lights work. I was stopped and informed that I had no rear lighting at all and that is was very unsafe. I've spent a lot of money replacing parts but nothing is getting fixed not too mention the safety aspect of it all with no turn signals or windshield wipers and the taillights or running lights not working unless I unhook...

Read the full complaint

the brake light switch which I also replaced. The airbag light comes on here and there as well. I believe it's the tipm but I need something done about this. It's been months since I've been able to drive the car and having everything working properly. I also take care of my vehicles and keep up on routine maintenance.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11407164
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the battery service and check engine warning lights illuminated. The fuel gauge to reading was incorrect. The contact took the vehicle to rick hendrick jeep chrysler dodge ram fiat (8333 rivers ave, north charleston, sc 29406; (843) 639-5475) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the pcm failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump assembly, battery, alternator, spark plugs, fuel...

Read the full complaint

pump, heating hoses, pcm, and thermostat also needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and referred the contact to the nhtsa. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11377707
Engine & cooling

I'm writing to complain about the hemi tick that chrysler seems to keep overlooking knowing that there is a problem with the lifters not getting enough oil to them and causing them to eat away at the camshaft this is costing us a lot of money to replace these and I think that chrysler should be held accountable for this issue and that they should be made to cover the cost of parts and repairs for this its a shame we have to pay for something they know is an issue and they just cover it up as (oh that's common with...

Read the full complaint

the hemi) no its not common because its a hemi, its common because its an issue with the lifters they won't fix even though they know what it is I think this should have been recalled by now something needs to be done they should be made to recall and repair this problem it happens when stationary on any street or highway its an issue by far its been going on since they brought the hemi back in 2005.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11362316
SuspensionEngine & cooling

After taking care of this car I've notice that the manufacture has failed me. I began to think I was the only one that this has occurred to. And after further review it seems to me that most all chargers are having the same issue. Which I think that dodge should be held accountable for replacing the engine in the vehicle. If anyone is like myself you hate to give up such a beauty. But at this time I'm almost heartbroken to say it must be done. I feel whoever is responsible for making this engine should consider...

Read the full complaint

replacing not the same model in the vehicle but give a better brand. Or is that can not exist be considerate enough to give the owner have of what they have invested into the vehicle. But you must show proof. Dodge its not right and someone should be held accountable especially if we have to pay a car payment or cash in hand for this beauty. Please consider this letter to uphold your end of the bargain. It is only fair. My engine is gone. Sign unsatisfied costumer

Filed Incident Suspension · EngineNHTSA 11352014
LightsEngine & cooling

Dashboard lights not working anymore. Sometimes it fades in and out and sometimes nothing at all. With the engine, when I 1st start it while cold I'll wait 30 seconds or so and put it in drive and it sounds like it wants to die on my kinda but doesnt. Was told wait til car is warmed up and muffler noise will go away once it warms up. All of this while it is parked in driveway.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11348933
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Prior to my mishap I had no signs of malfunction I was driving early one morning in my car just shut off and will not restart come to find out there's a recall on my tipm but the recall was only for a certain timeframe and my car was manufactured literally few months after the recall dates ended no I have a really problem under the fuse box and I feel it's not fair that the recall was only for a certain time. When I have all the same parts as the recall car is dead my car was manufactured in december 2008 but got the 2010 tipm dude box I spent a large amount of money trying to diagnose and fix the problem and so we realized it was the internal relay .Is there anything I can do about this

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11320048
Engine & cooling

While driving home (city streets - 30-40 mph), I noticed that the temperature gauge in my '09 charger rt began to climb. I had to stop a few blocks from home to let it cool down. A couple of hours later I added coolant & drove the last 0.3 Miles. At first I thought a radiator hose had failed, but I found that the plastic blades on one of the twin electric cooling fans came apart & destroyed the radiator. A web search showed that chrysler issued "customer satisfaction notification l08 - engine cooling fans " in 2011...

Read the full complaint

for the 2006-08 model years describing the exact problem I experienced. I called chrysler & opened case # 59502947. After a few days of phone calls I was told that my car wasn't part of that recall & fca would not assist with repairs or even supply the parts. A local dodge dealer stated that the replacement fan kit (cbhzl080aa - cooling fan package) cost dealers about $10, but was not for sale to customers; I had to by two fans individually for a total of about $70. In addition, I had to buy a radiator, thermostat, hoses, clamps, and a radiator cap which added up to hundreds of dollars. I spent the weekend gathering pats & then repairing the vehicle.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11245815
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While driving various speeds, the engine seized. The contact pulled the vehicle over, shifted into park, and restarted the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11196544
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While driving 55 mph, the timing chain detached from the engine and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle spun out of control and almost crashed into oncoming traffic. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, a lightning bolt icon flashed on the control panel after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then towed to legacy dodge of natchitoches (1798 highway 3175 n byp, natchitoches, la 71457, (318) 238-3383) where it was...

Read the full complaint

diagnosed that a new timing chain was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 140,000. The vin was invalid.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11193464
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The win module has trouble communicating with the key fob and the vehicle shuts off while driving. Loose all power to dash. Happened to me on the highway and on the street while driving. Almost had an accident. Win module stops working all together

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11141412
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While driving unknown speeds, steam emerged from the hood of the vehicle and there was a coolant leak. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The contact researched the failure online, repaired the vehicle, and determined that it was a design flaw. The contact sent the manufacturer a bill for the repair. The failure mileage was 102,000. *Tt the consumer stated the cooling fan blades exploded and cut holes in the radiator causing a major coolant leak. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11102205
Engine & cooling

The vehicle engine shut off while driving the the expressway. This incident was very dangerous. There was no warning. It just shut off. Please give me some guidance with this matter.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11089726
Engine & cooling

Timing chain broke causing additional engine damage. Had timing chain replaced when broke at 59k miles.. Ever since repaired lots of misfires on odd cyl. Now running so bad had it looked at and said now cam shaft and lifters need replaced. Although time chain still intact, I believe this damage was from the previous repair of time chain that sent out pieces into engine causing more problems down the road. Dodge won't cover with time chain recall. Only fix time chain not all the damage that the chain breaking sending metal pieces into engine problems down road.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10905892
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, smoke emitted from under the hood and inside the vehicle. The contact coasted to the side of the road and was able to exit the vehicle without injuries. The vehicles engine became engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10898759
SteeringEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the steering wheel seized and was difficult to manuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 10884422
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While reversing, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, radiator fluid was witnessed leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed from the scene to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,584.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10882716
Engine & cooling

The problem is with the 2.7 Timing chain and engine. Chrysler had issues with this problem and had filed for bankruptcy. There was a class action regarding this issue. However, chrysler corporation still exists and the customers with the problem still have the same engine issues. There should be a recall for the 2.7 Engine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10838474
Engine & cooling

The engine is making noise. My mechanic said the timing chain is bad. The oil pressure is low.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10826002
Engine & cooling

The vehicle was taken to the shop for a coolant leak. In the course of the repairs, significant engine sludge was discovered in the engine. Once the repairs were completed, the engine ran for approximately 30 min after repairs completed before being unable to start and going back to the shop. They now say that a complete engine overhaul is needed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10819871
Engine & cooling

Got a 2009 dodge charger with 150.000 Miles while normal driving on highway engine light came on I stopped right away thermostat cap blew off took it to dealer after I replaced the cap because it was running hotter than normal they told me might be a sensor next day they called car was smoking and needed new motor I did check it before I took it and it wasn't smoking they took two weeks to replace engine now called me not ready needs knock sensor the longer they have it the more broken things they find if it's not one thing it's another I am going to just go get it before they flatten my tires and say I need new ones ??

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10780688
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, there was a coolant odor present and the vehicle started to shake without warning. The vehicle was shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was jump started. The contact discovered smoke fumes from the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the weep hole was failed on the water pump and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10767547
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Our 2009 dodge charger was in the garage, I noticed smoke on the outside of the house and went into the garage and our car was engulfed in flames. The fire caused extensive damage to the garage and smoke & water damage to the entire house. This the summary from the fire inspector that was sent out by our insurance company: based on scene observations, witness interviews, and information received, the cause of the fire was most probably related to an electrical failure involving wiring and or components of the...

Read the full complaint

2009 dodge charger. More specifically, the fire occurred in the engine compartment on the driver side. The cause of the fire was an electrical event occurring in the origin area resulting in the ignition of combustible wiring insulation and other combustible materials within the engine compartment area left side.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10763729
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge charger. While in the parking lot, an abnormal noise emitted from the engine. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fan fractured and ejected pieces of hard plastic against the radiator. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,304.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10726910

Dodge Charger engine complaints by year

Charger engine problems, every year

Had a engine problem with your 2009 Charger? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience