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Dodge · Sports Car · 2008–2023

Dodge Challenger LC

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

717–808 PS

6.2L Supercharged V8 Benzin

Hellcat — 717 hp, RWD, wheelspin in 3rd gear

Legendary!

Engine Overview

The Dodge Challenger LC is available with 6 engine variants — from 305 to 808 hp.

Challenger GT AWD · Petrol· 305 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Challenger R/T · Petrol· 375 PS
2009 2023
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Challenger SRT 392 · Petrol· 485 PS
2011 2023
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Challenger SRT Hellcat · Petrol· 717 PS
2015 2023
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye · Petrol· 797 PS
2019 2023
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Challenger SXT · Petrol· 305 PS
2011 2023
Be Careful 3 weaknesses

The Dodge Challenger GT AWD (Petrol, 305 PS) has the Pentastar-3.6-LC (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Dodge Challenger R/T (Petrol, 375 PS) has the Hemi-5.7-LC (5.7L Hemi V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Dodge Challenger SRT 392 (Petrol, 485 PS) has the Hemi-6.4-LC (6.4L Hemi V8 (392)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (Petrol, 717 PS) has the Hellcat-6.2-LC (6.2L Supercharged V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (Petrol, 797 PS) has the Hellcat-6.2-LC (6.2L Supercharged V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Dodge Challenger SXT (Petrol, 305 PS) has the Pentastar-3.6-LC (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
TIPM failure — total electrical chaos (2008-2014)

Totally Integrated Power Module controls all electrical functions. Internal defect causes random failures: fuel pump dies, windows cycle on their own, horn sounds randomly. Affects 22-34% of 2008-2014 vehicles.

Symptoms: Random no-start, door locks cycling, fuel pump relay failure, windows operating by themselves
from 112,000 km
Medium
!Alternator failure — recall (2011-2014)

Alternator diode fails from electro-hydraulic steering loads. Failed diode shorts, causing heat and smoke. NHTSA recall 14V634000 covers 2011-2014 with 3.6L and 5.7L. Free dealer repair.

Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery saver mode, dashboard flickering, engine stall
from 130,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
315 complaints · 2008–2023
Electrical
74
Engine
39
Powertrain
32

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (74 complaints)
Engine (39 complaints)
Powertrain (32 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Dodge Challenger LC (2008–2023) — 14 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, Rust, Gearbox.

Challenger (Hemi-5.7-LC, 2009–2023) — Be Careful: MDS lifter failure — camshaft destruction, Water pump failure, Hemi tick — harmless or catastrophic. Power: 375 PS.

Challenger (Pentastar-3.6-LC, 2011–2023) — Be Careful: Rocker arm tick, Oil filter housing leak — plastic cracks, Timing chain tensioner stretch (2011-2013). Power: 305 PS.

Challenger (Hemi-6.4-LC, 2011–2023) — Be Careful: MDS lifter failure — $15,000 engine replacement, Piston failure under forced induction (modified only), Exhaust manifold stud breakage. Power: 485 PS.

Challenger (Hellcat-6.2-LC, 2015–2023) — Be Careful: Intercooler leak — coolant in cylinders, Supercharger snout bearing failure (2015-2017), Heat soak — power reduction after hard pulls. Power: 717 PS.

Challenger (Hellcat-6.2-LC, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: Intercooler leak — coolant in cylinders, Supercharger snout bearing failure (2015-2017), Heat soak — power reduction after hard pulls. Power: 797 PS.

What to watch out for with the Dodge Challenger? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Dodge Challenger LC have? +
The Dodge Challenger LC has 14 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Dodge Challenger LC? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Pentastar-3.6-LC (3.6L V6), Hemi-5.7-LC (5.7L Hemi V8), Hemi-6.4-LC (6.4L Hemi V8 (392)), Hellcat-6.2-LC (6.2L Supercharged V8). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Hellcat-6.2-LC (6.2L Supercharged V8).
Which Dodge Challenger LC engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Dodge Challenger LC — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The supercharger whine announces the arrival before the car is visible. 717 hp to the rear through a ZF 8-speed. Dual key fobs: black limits to 500 hp. Red fob is why people bought this. Early snout bearing failures ran $10-12k. None of these facts have ever stopped anyone.
Is the Dodge Challenger LC worth buying used? +
The Dodge Challenger LC requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Dodge Challenger LC? +
The Dodge Challenger LC is available with engine variants from 305 to 808 hp. Petrol: Pentastar-3.6-LC (3.6L V6), Hemi-5.7-LC (5.7L Hemi V8), Hemi-6.4-LC (6.4L Hemi V8 (392)), Hellcat-6.2-LC (6.2L Supercharged V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee