2017 Dodge Charger Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2017 Dodge Charger
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (5.7l/6.4l hemi) (major severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:wiring.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Dodge Charger earns a 82.
Is the 2017 Dodge Charger Worth Buying?
The 2017 Dodge Charger offers a compelling blend of power and practicality, but it comes with a moderate risk profile due to a few common, albeit often manageable, issues. While not a top-tier reliability performer, a well-maintained V6 model can be a durable choice, though Hemi owners should budget for specific, known engine concerns. This vehicle can be a solid choice if you understand its quirks and commit to proactive maintenance.
The 2017 Dodge Charger is a compelling vehicle offering significant value and performance. While the V6 models can be a reliable choice with proper maintenance, the Hemi V8s carry a distinct and well-documented risk of expensive engine repairs. Buyers must be fully aware of these potential issues and factor in repai…
Best Model Years
2015-2018 (V6 models), 2020+ (with improved Hemi reliability)
Years to Avoid
2006-2010 (older platform issues), 2011-2014 (early Hemi MDS issues)
Biggest Strengths
- Robust ZF 8-speed transmission (V6/V8)
- Strong V6 powertrain durability
- Spacious and comfortable interior
What Tends to Fail First on the 2017 Dodge Charger
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Dodge Charger, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters and camshafts are prone to premature wear, leading to 'Hemi tick,' misfires, and eventual engine damage if not addressed. This is a well-documented design flaw.
The 8.4-inch Uconnect system can experience freezing, black screens, unresponsive touch inputs, or random reboots. While often fixable with software updates, hardware replacement can be costly.
Common complaints include parasitic battery drain (often traced to the radio/Uconnect module), sensor failures (ABS, wheel speed), and occasionally faulty wiring causing various warning lights or accessory malfunctions.
2017 Dodge Charger Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Dodge Charger most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, most vehicles are still under factory powertrain warranty, and only minor electrical or infotainment glitches might surface. This is generally a safe ownership period.
Maintenance Zone
Approaching or past the typical basic warranty, this is when scheduled maintenance (spark plugs for Hemis) and wear-and-tear items become due. Some initial signs of Hemi tick or suspension wear may begin to appear.
Elevated Risk Zone
Major engine issues like lifter/camshaft failure on Hemi V8s become a more pressing concern. Other age-related electrical issues or fluid leaks may also manifest, requiring more significant repairs.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, expect continued wear on suspension, possible transmission fluid leaks, and increased likelihood of major component failure if preventative maintenance has been neglected. Hemi engines are living on borrowed time witho…
2017 Dodge Charger Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Dodge Charger on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-800
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 2017 Dodge Charger Last?
For V6 models, mileage up to 100,000 is generally acceptable if maintenance records are impeccable. For Hemi V8s, I'd be very cautious above 70,000 miles unless the lifter/camshaft issue has already been professionally addressed.
What 2017 Dodge Charger Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Outstanding highway cruising comfort and stability.
- Muscular styling and presence on the road.
- Powerful engine options provide thrilling acceleration.
- Spacious interior for five adults and generous trunk space.
Common Frustrations
- Poor fuel economy, especially with V8 engines.
- Interior materials can feel cheap in places, leading to rattles.
- Significant blind spots due to thick C-pillars.
- High insurance costs for performance models.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Dodge Charger?
Best For
- Enthusiasts seeking a powerful, distinctive American sedan
- Families needing a spacious and comfortable highway cruiser
- Drivers prioritizing style and road presence over ultimate fuel economy
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute top-tier reliability and lowest ownership costs
- Drivers unwilling to perform proactive maintenance on specific known issues
How the 2017 Dodge Charger Compares to Rivals
The Charger's V6 models compare favorably to many full-size sedans, offering a good balance of power and reliability. However, its Hemi V8s, while delivering exhilarating performance, lag behind Japanese rivals in long-term engine durability and often incur higher repair costs…
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Maxima (earlier CVTs)
- Hyundai Genesis Sedan (first gen V8)
- Chrysler 300 (pre-2015 for certain issues)
Comparable To
- Ford Taurus SHO
- Chevrolet Impala (V6)
- Dodge Challenger
2017 Dodge Charger Recall History
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
What breaks on the 2017 Dodge Charger?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Dodge Charger Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Dodge Charger. Click any year for its full report.
2017 Dodge Charger Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Dodge Charger
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Dodge Charger
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Frequently Asked Questions
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