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2009 Dodge Charger Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Dodge Charger has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire pressure sensor valve stem corrosion and failure.” 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 2009 Dodge Charger.

Reported to NHTSA

Tire pressure sensor valve stem corrosion and failure

WHEELS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2018-08

“TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR PROBLEMS: 7/6/2012 - RIGHT FRONT TPS CRACKED AND LEAKING AIR REPLACED. (MILEAGE 33,166) SAFFORD DODGE, FREDERICKSBURG, VA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865644
“THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR BROKE APART CAUSING THE SENSOR TO FALL INTO THE TIRE AND RESULTING IN A FLAT TIRE ON THE HIGHWAY, WITHIN SECONDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515116
“I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE VALVE STEM ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE DISAPPEARED CAUSING RAPID DEFLATION OF THE TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10423905

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cooling fan blade fracture damaging radiator

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2019-08

“WHILE DRIVING HOME (CITY STREETS - 30-40 MPH), I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IN MY '09 CHARGER RT BEGAN TO CLIMB. I HAD TO STOP A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME TO LET IT COOL DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245815
“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE FAN BLADES BROKE OFF AND WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10703809
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, STEAM EMERGED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102205

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

27 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2017-04

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970065
“RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL R25/NHTSA 15V-313. HAVE ATTEMPTED SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2015 TO GET RECALL FIXED BY KAHLO DODGE, NOBLESVILLE INDIANA WHERE VEHICLE PURCHASED. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT SUCCESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821838
“DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL: WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OUR DEALER IN ANDERSON SC TO FIX THIS RECALL ISSUE SINCE SEPT. 2015, IT IS NOW MAY OF 2016 AND DEALER STILL SAYS THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862568

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall from ignition or WIN module failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle had shut off unexpectedly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646559
“CHANGE TIRES AND THE LOW TIRE LIGHT DOESN'T COME OFF. TRUNK WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM KEY FOB OR INSIDE CAR. KEY HOLE TO OPEN DOOR EASY TO BREAK INTO. CAR KEEP CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASION. CUT OFF WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291308
“MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER AND MANY OTHERS I KNOW ABOUT WILL STALL FOR NO REASON AT ANY SPEED. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHICH RESULTS IN LOSS OF ALL POWER, STEERING, BRAKES ETC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378494

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain and valve train failure

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2020-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TIMING CHAIN DETACHED FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193464
“I'M WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HEMI TICK THAT CHRYSLER SEEMS TO KEEP OVERLOOKING KNOWING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIFTERS NOT GETTING ENOUGH OIL TO THEM AND CAUSING THEM TO EAT AWAY AT THE CAMSHAFT THIS IS COSTING US A LOT OF MONEY TO REPLACE THESE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11362316
“OUR 09 DODGE CHARGER TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND WE HAD TO PAY $5500 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725063

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2016-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS CRASHED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915251
“I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY DRIVING AND A LADY T BONED ME ON MY DRIVER SIDE. MY CAR WAS DECLARED TOTALED BUT AT NO TIME DURING THE COLLISION OR EVEN AFTER DID MY AIRBAGS DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10746145
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893256

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering column clock spring failure

STEERING, AIR BAGS, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2016-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BEFORE THE AIR BAG AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914408
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AT A LOW SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10493293
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK WHEN IT FELT LIKE I LOST POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE CAR TO TURN TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10458715

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)

96 crashes 1990–2024

How the 96 occupant deaths break down

65

driver deaths

31

passenger deaths

96

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 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.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2009 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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