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2007 Dodge Charger Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Dodge Charger has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shifter failure to release from Park.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Dodge Charger.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shifter failure to release from Park

POWER TRAIN

33 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2024-12

“The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact had experienced approximately 5 failures and had the vehicle towed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631666
“WHEN TRYING TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE, MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. NEVER HAVING A SHIFTING ISSUE BEFORE, I WAS IN A PANIC AS TO WHAT TO DO, SINCE I HAD MY CHILDREN WITH ME AND FELT STRANDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789626
“AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SWITCH OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK LEVER SPRING HOOK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836726

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cooling fan blade fracture puncturing radiator

ENGINE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2021-02

“I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU WAITING ON THE CASHIER, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND POP FROM UNDER MY ENGINE. I COULD ALSO FEEL IT THROUGH MY BRAKE PEDAL. SCARED AND WONDERING WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED? I IMMEDIATELY PULLED FORWARD AND PARKED MY CAR AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144104
“MY RADIATOR FAN MOTOR ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP AND A BLADE CAME OFF. THE BLADE WENT INTO THE RADIATOR. IT DAMANGED THE RADIATOR AND LEFT ME STRANDED. HAD NO PRIER NOISES OR PROLEMS. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10887657
“MY 2007 DODGE CHARGER WITH 98,000 MILES JUST THREW A COOLING FAN BLADE THROUGH THE RADIATOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag recall parts unavailable (Takata)

AIR BAGS

57 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2021-11

“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Charger. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags) and 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441056
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935336
“TAKATA RECALL- DEALERSHIP HAS NO IDEA ON WHEN THEY WILL BE GETTING IN REPLACEMENT. WAS TOLD TODAY (MARCH 28) TO CALL BACK AGAIN IN 2 TWO WEEKS. AND, IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THEM THEN, TO CALL BACK IN ANOTHER TWO WEEKS. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851926

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall shortly after refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2025-02

“Filled fuel tank up until the pump shut off. As I drove onto the road, the engine suddenly died causing me to run off the shoulder as the power steering went out as well. I eventually got it re-started, but it ran rough and stalled out several more times on my way home”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645197
“Our 2007 charger is having the same issues with overfill and stalling after the car is filled full with gas. Dodge recalled the 2005-2006 charger tanks, but our 2007 has the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578154
“2007 DODGE CHARGER 5.7 170,000+ MILES STALLING IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY AFTER FUELING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN DRIVE. IDENTICAL TO SAME ISSUES IN THE 2006 MODELS. CAR IS IN MOTION EACH TIME IT HAS STALLED ON CITY STREETS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Internal engine failure (valve seats, lifters, head gasket)

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2026-04

“The engine in my vehicle (2007 Charger, 49,000 miles) has completely failed due to "Casting Sand Sludge". This issue has been acknowledged by FCA Stellantis; but only in much newer engines”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729971
“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THIS 3.5 LITER V6 ENGINE. ONE QUART OF 10W30 MOBIL 1 IS LOST EVERY 400 TO 500 MILES. NO LEAKS, NO BLUE SMOKE, NO DROPS IN DRIVEWAY OR STREET. COOLANT COLOR IS FINE, NO CONTAMINATION AND REMAINS AT SAME LEVEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174569
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CHARGER AWD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE MADE A TICKING NOISE BEFORE STALLING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985975

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS warning light and control module failure

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2021-03

“MY REAR BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE I DRIVING AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON. IT CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND IT STARTED A FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366300
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A FAILURE DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V493000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL/EPS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208789
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

173 crashes 1990–2024

How the 173 occupant deaths break down

116

driver deaths

57

passenger deaths

173

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

18

complaints mentioning a crash

17

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Dodge Charger reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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