Dodge Charger R/T
5.7L Hemi V8, cast iron block, pushrod two-valve — 375 hp and that unmistakable idle burble. MDS deactivates cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 under light throttle — deactivated lifters run dry on cam lobes, metal debris destroys the camshaft. Class action: Petro v. FCA. Manual cars skip MDS entirely — no deactivation hardware, no lifter lottery. That is THE buying tip. Software delete via DiabloSport/HP Tuners: $400-650, prevents activation but lifters stay, voids warranty, costs 2-4 MPG. On 0W-40 at 5,000 mile intervals, the bottom end is solid.
5.7 Hemi Charger — 370 hp family sedan with an identity crisis
Four doors, a trunk, and a 5.7L Hemi that wakes up the neighborhood at 6 AM. The car for people who need a sedan but refuse to buy a Camry. MDS lifter drama applies. The sound makes it worth it — until the repair bill arrives.
Engine Weaknesses 4
MDS deactivates 4 cylinders under light load. Deactivated lifter rollers run dry, metal debris destroys camshaft. Class action: Petro v. FCA (1:22-cv-00621). Engine replacement ~$5,000. Manual cars have NO MDS — this failure doesn't apply to stick-shift Challengers.
Symptoms: Loud ticking progressing to knocking, misfires, check engine light, metal shavings in oil
Plastic impeller separates or bearing wears. Weep hole dripping coolant is the early warning. Bearing failure causes pulley wobble.
Symptoms: Coolant puddle under front, squealing noise, overheating, pulley wobble
Metallic ticking from valvetrain on cold start. Can be harmless exhaust manifold leak or dangerous MDS lifter damage. Tick that persists past warmup is a red flag for lifter failure.
Symptoms: Ticking on cold start, may disappear after warmup (exhaust) or persist and worsen (lifter)
Steel bolts on aluminum heads — different thermal expansion snaps bolts after heat cycles. Ticking on cold start that disappears when metal expands is the classic symptom.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking on cold start, disappears after warmup, exhaust smell in cabin
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Same TIPM defect as Challenger. Cascading failures: no-start, random horn, fuel pump relay failure. Recall covers certain VINs.
Same EPS circuit board contamination as Challenger. Loss of assist makes steering dangerously heavy. NHTSA recall for affected VINs.
Same alternator diode failure as Challenger. NHTSA recall 14V634000 covers 442,000 vehicles. Free dealer replacement.
Same LX platform as Challenger — bushings distort under 4,200+ lbs. Non-adjustable factory rear camber means bushing wear directly causes alignment drift and tire wear.
Door panels warp and detach where panels meet windows. Adhesive failure from sun/heat. Class action filed. Can interfere with side airbag deployment. 2015+ most affected.
Same UConnect freezing as Challenger. Hold volume + browse simultaneously to force reboot. Many units need hardware replacement.
4,200+ lb sedan with Hemi power generates extreme brake heat. Slotted rotors improve dissipation.
Same diff whine as Challenger. Synthetic gear oil change reduces noise significantly.