Dodge Charger VII (LD) (2011 – 2023)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The seventh-generation Dodge Charger (code name LD) is a full-size sedan with a unique positioning as a "four-door muscle car". Sharing its platform (LX/LD) with the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Challenger, it had a long career marked by a major facelift in 2015 that modernized its design and interior, and standardized the excellent 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. A true North American icon, it was available from the sensible V6 version (available in RWD or AWD) to the crazy Hellcat versions with over 800 hp. Although its basic design is old, its overall reliability is rated average for its category by J.D. Power, benefiting from mechanics proven over the years. Its production ended in late 2023 to make way for a new electrified generation.

✅ Strengths

Inimitable look and true muscle car charisma
Generous interior space and large trunk (true family sedan)
Captivating sound of the HEMI V8 engines
Excellent 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox (TorqueFlite) post-2015
Intuitive and responsive Uconnect infotainment system
Availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) on the V6

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high weight (impacts agility and fuel consumption)
Gargantuan fuel consumption on V8 versions
Disappointing interior plastic quality on pre-2015 models
Very rapid wear of brakes and tires on sporty versions (Scat Pack, Hellcat)
Extremely high theft rate in North America (requires additional OBD/immobilizer protections)
Imposing size difficult to park in European urban environments

🎯 Verdict

The Dodge Charger LD is an endearing car, offering an unbeatable price/power/roominess ratio, especially in North America. Overall reliability is satisfactory, particularly with the Pentastar V6 and the 8-speed ZF gearbox. The HEMI V8s are robust but require an attentive ear (the famous HEMI tick) and rigorous maintenance to avoid camshaft issues linked to the MDS system. Favor models from 2015 onwards to benefit from the facelift, a much higher quality interior, and the standardized 8-speed automatic gearbox. Beware of running costs (fuel, tires, brakes) on the 392 and Hellcat versions, and imperatively check that recalls (notably the Takata airbags) have been performed.

Common issues

Défaillance du module TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Vérifier l'historique des réparations et les symptômes électriques aléatoires.

Dysfonctionnement des actionneurs de volets de mixage de climatisation (HVAC) Low

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 200 – 500 €

Tester toutes les zones de climatisation (chaud/froid) avant l'achat.

Fuites de la pompe à eau Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Inspecter régulièrement le niveau et la couleur du liquide de refroidissement.

Usure prématurée des composants de suspension (silentblocs, rotules) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 800 € par essieu

Écouter les bruits de claquement et vérifier l'usure des pneus.

Problèmes de solénoïdes ou de corps de valve de transmission High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 000 – 3 000 €

Tester les changements de vitesse à froid et à chaud, rechercher des à-coups.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£1 200 – 2 500
Complete brakes	£380 – 750
Estimated annual budget	£600 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.