Anyone who knows anything worth a dime about cars knows this Dodge is one of the most beloved brands, especially among muscle and sports car enthusiasts, and rightfully so. The quality for the price far exceeds most, making them a great investment. Overall, Dodge cars have earned a name for themselves and have become some of the most reliable cars both on and off the track.
However, no beauty or beast is without flaws, and Dodge cars are no exception, despite being one of the most reliable car brands. Throughout the company’s century-long history, Dodge owners have had various complaints, but none of them could be solved with proper maintenance. It is good to keep in mind that these problems are not present in all Dodge vehicles, but only some of the most common ones, as with all car companies.
Information has been gathered from many reputable sources, including CarComplaints and Consumer Reports, to highlight issues to look out for when buying a Dodge.
10 Dodge Ram’s delicate dashboards crack easily
One of the most common complaints about Dodge cars is that the dashboards have an unfortunate tendency to crack right across. This can be attributed to manufacturing defects where the correct temperature is not used when forming the instrument panels, but that does not change the fact that this is a blatant safety issue. In the event of an accident, sharp fragments of the instrument panel can cause fatal injury as reported by some owners on CarComplaints.
On the other hand, it also detracts from the car’s aesthetics, giving it an outdated look. Fortunately, this problem was mostly prevalent in Ram trucks manufactured between 1998 and 2006; The incidence of instrument panel cracking has decreased since then, so if this particular car problem is stressing you out, look for a newer, more advanced model.
Models to look out for
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1998-2006 Dodge Ram 1500
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2003-2006 Dodge Ram 2500
9 Crooked doors prevent locking in the seventh-generation Dodge Charger
Another complaint that combines an aesthetic concern with a serious safety concern concerns the door deforms and peels off where it meets the windows, especially the front door on the driver’s side. This is most likely due to the quality of the material or an installation problem, but exposure to the sun can also accelerate adhesion failure.
In addition to the obvious visual problem, the curvature of the panel can interfere with the deployment of the side airbag and the activation of the anti-theft systems. It can also cause problems with door locks, preventing them from doing their job properly and increasing the problem of theft. In addition, heating and cooling systems may be affected. If you don’t want to risk having this problem, avoid the 7th gen charger as it is the most common problem in those model years according to many owners on CarComplaints.
Models to look out for
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Dodge Caravan 2012
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Dodge Charger 7th generation (since 2011)
8 Instant airbag deployment in 2008-later Dodge models
Beginning in 2008, Dodge began receiving complaints alleging that the airbags deploy suddenly and with such force that the metal inflators shatter, making them a dangerous source of injury. During further investigation it was found that the fuel used inside the inflatables was unstable in nature and exploded more and more frequently over time. This turned the slowest crashes into much worse scenarios than they were, as reported on CarComplaints.
This problem is perhaps the only complaint on this list that can’t be blamed solely on Dodge, as the improper deployment of the airbag was actually the fault of a Japanese auto parts company called Takata. Unfortunately, Dodge was one of twenty US automakers to experience this complication. In 2019, the company announced that it was no longer going to work with Takata.
Models to look out for
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Dodge Ram 1500 2003
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Dodge Caravan 2001
7 Body drains need to be checked and cleaned in Dodge Ram
A simple word that needs no explanation, but the biggest nightmare of a car owner. Not only does this make your car look worn out, it can also ruin it from the inside, leading to a host of problems. A particular victim of this was the Dodge Ram 1500, produced between 2000 and 2012, because many complaints were filed online which talk about rusting of the car’s rear wheel arches and rocker panels due to clogged vents.
The lack of drainage leads to the accumulation of moisture, which creates an ideal environment for the rusting process. Fortunately, the fourth-generation 2009-2019 Dodge Ram 3500 doesn’t suffer from the same problems, which shows that Dodge is quite aware of its product’s shortcomings and is constantly working to improve them.
Models to look out for
6 Corrosion can cause tire pressure problems in some Dodge vehicles
Corrosion of the aluminum valve stems in the tire pressure control system is another serious problem and one of the most common problems with Dodge Challengers. Corrosion causes the metal valve caps to seize, which cannot be removed without breaking the stem and attached sensor. Corrosion that cannot measure pressure correctly can also cause the TPMS warning light to come on. The worst result is that the corroded stems can crack, causing air to escape from the tires at any time, even while you are driving. More than 44,000 Dodge vehicles affected by this problem have been recalled.
Fortunately, in future models, the aluminum was replaced with rubberized rods and covers, which eliminated the corrosion problem. For those of you who own older models, one thing to keep in mind is that valve stems are quite expensive to replace, so upgrading to a newer model may be a better solution in the long run.
Models to look out for
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2010 Dodge Journey
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2022 Dodge Challenger
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2022 Dodge Charger
5 Unexpectedly low oil levels are a constant problem for Dodge models
The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine that powers the Dodge Dart has a displacement of 5.5 quarts, and the oil indicator turns on when the oil level drops to 3.5 quarts or below. However, complaints state that the light flashes out of time and often flashes when the engine has already stalled. This is especially annoying when the engine’s piston rings are also bad, meaning oil leaks and burns in the compression cycle, further lowering the oil level.
Dodge says the consumption rate is normal and shouldn’t be a problem if the oil is changed every 4,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, the owners claim that a a quart is consumed every 1,000 miles as reported on CarComplaints.
Models to look out for
4 A nasty TIPM causes power failure in some Dodges
Perhaps one of the most important functions affecting the various functions of the car is the fully integrated power module, which manages the distribution of electricity in the car with the help of a computer system and fuses.
The most common problems with Dodge vehicles are the fuel pump not sending fuel to the engine, a malfunction in the fuel pump relay circuit that causes it to continue running even when the engine is off, malfunctioning power windows, random air bag deployments, and beeping. accidentally turns off. These questions are particularly popular in 2007-2014 Dodge cars as reported on CarComplaints.
Models to look out for
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2011 Dodge Durango
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2011 Dodge Ram 1500
3 Smoother shifting is reported in Dodge vehicles
Dodge’s electronically controlled monostable shifter confused drivers who thought they had parked their car when in fact they hadn’t. The new design was a departure from the traditional ‘PRNDL’ gear, which in itself was a shock, but they decided to go further; they reduced tactical feedback by making the clicks between gears less noticeable, making it difficult for the driver to judge which gear they were in, and an obvious source of complaint from drivers used to the “feel” and “click” of traditional gears.
The result of this new design is the usual confusion, so if you want to avoid that and stick with the classic ‘PRNDL’, then don’t get behind the wheel of the 2014 Dodge Challenger, 2013-2016 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Dodge. Durango. On the other hand, if you’re into electronics, don’t worry, Dodge has released a guide on how to master this particular piece of equipment. After all, it’s good to learn something new.
Models to look out for
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2014 Dodge Challenger
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2013-2016 Ram 1500
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Dodge Durango 2014-2016
2 Some Dodge vehicles lose control due to swaying
Coined the “Dodge Death Wobble”, the front vibration was a major source of concern for many Dodge drivers. They claim that strong vibrations lead to a loss of vehicle control, which increases the likelihood of an accident. The reason for this can be attributed to a mechanical malfunction of the steering or problems with the suspension.
Dodge was attentive to the problems of their customers, so in 2013 they redesigned the steering system, getting rid of the Dodge Death Wobble once and for all. This is confirmed by the lack of complaints about new models.
Models to look out for
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2004-2012 Dodge Ram 1500
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2004-2012 Dodge Ram 2500
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2004-2012 Dodge Ram 3500
1 Dodge’s anti-theft system can be hacked
Another problem that Dodge needs to understand is that everyone loves their cars, but unfortunately not all of those who love them get their hands on them legally. That being said, their anti-theft system needs some tweaking as the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are at the top of thieves’ lists. Thieves manage to steal these cars by duplicating the fobs with a computerized device, and once inside, it’s extremely easy for them to get away, just like most Dodge cars. This problem was reported on several platforms such as IIHS.
In response to the news, Dodge released a software update with dual-authentication features along with a four-digit security code that nerfs the engine, so a thief only has 3 horsepower to get away. This makes criminals easier to catch because they can’t quickly run away into the absolute beasts that Dodge produces.
Models to look out for
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2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
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2006-2010 Dodge Charger