⚡ The Verdict
Across the major owner-complaint databases, the 2019 model year sits roughly in line with the rest of the LD-platform Charger run. It is not a lemon, but it is also not a Toyota. If you buy with eyes open and inspect for the two red-flag items below, this is a car you can keep to 150,000 miles or more.
📊 Most-Reported Problems by Mileage
Here are the most common 2019 Dodge Charger problems, ordered by how early they typically appear, with realistic independent-shop repair costs. Dealer pricing runs 20 to 40 percent higher.
| Problem | Typical Onset | Repair Cost | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uconnect screen freeze / reboot | 10k–50k mi | $0–$1,400 | Low |
| Backup camera dropout | 20k–60k mi | $150–$600 | Low |
| TPMS / wheel sensor faults | 25k–70k mi | $80–$250 ea | Low |
| Front suspension clunk (bushings, links) | 50k–90k mi | $300–$900 | Medium |
| Harsh / delayed 8-speed shifts | 50k–100k mi | $150–$1,800 | Medium |
| HEMI tick + oil consumption (V8) | 70k–120k mi | $400–$4,000+ | High |
| Cooling system / water pump weep | 80k–120k mi | $400–$1,100 | High |
🔎 The Breakdown
1. Infotainment and electrical gremlins
This is the number one complaint category. The Uconnect touchscreen can freeze, reboot at random, or lose the backup camera feed. Most cases are fixed by a free software update at the dealer or a quick reset. When the screen itself or the radio module fails, replacement parts and labor push the bill toward $900 to $1,400. If you see a persistent black screen, read up on the symptom at our Uconnect screen not working guide before paying for a new unit.
2. Suspension wear around 60,000 miles
A clunk or rattle over bumps usually means worn sway-bar end links, control-arm bushings, or strut mounts. None of this is unusual on a 4,300-pound sedan, and a full front refresh runs $300 to $900. If you hear a clunk on a test drive, it is leverage to negotiate, not a reason to walk.
3. The 8-speed automatic
The ZF-based 8-speed is generally smooth, but some owners report a hard 1-2 shift or a delay when accelerating from a stop. Many cases clear with a transmission software flash ($150 to $300) or a fluid and filter service ($250 to $400). A valve body replacement is the worst common outcome at $900 to $1,800. A truly slipping transmission, where RPMs flare without acceleration, is a different and far more serious story covered under DTC P0730 incorrect gear ratio.
4. HEMI tick and oil consumption (V8 only)
The 5.7L HEMI is a strong engine, but a subset develop a lifter or exhaust-manifold-bolt tick and can consume a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles as they age. A noisy lifter job can run $2,000 to $4,000-plus. The HEMI specifies 0W-40 full synthetic, and skipping that spec accelerates the problem. If you are looking at a V8, this is the single most important thing to verify.
⚠️ The Two Dealbreakers
- Slipping or overheating transmission. RPMs that climb while the car barely accelerates, a burnt smell, or a transmission-overtemp warning all point to internal damage. Confirm with a scan for codes like P0700 before committing.
- HEMI tick plus high oil consumption. A loud, persistent top-end tick combined with low oil on the dipstick suggests lifter or cam wear. Cheap to listen for, expensive to fix.
Everything else on the list above is normal aging or a software fix. Use it to negotiate, not to panic.
🧮 How to Inspect Before You Buy
- Scan for stored codes. A clean scan with no pending transmission or misfire codes rules out the worst surprises.
- Check the oil level and color. Low or very dark oil on a V8 is a warning sign of consumption or skipped maintenance.
- Cold-start and listen. A brief tick that fades is normal. A loud tick that persists after warm-up is not.
- Drive 15 minutes. Feel for harsh shifts, slipping, and suspension clunks. Test the Uconnect screen and backup camera repeatedly.
- Verify service records. Confirm 0W-40 oil on V8 cars and that any open recalls or software updates were performed.
If a quote comes back high after inspection, run it through our repair quote checker to see whether the price is fair before you sign anything.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📝 TL;DR
The 2019 Dodge Charger is an average-reliability full-size sedan with strong engines and predictable weak spots. Expect minor Uconnect and electrical glitches early, suspension wear near 60,000 miles, and occasional 8-speed shift quirks that software often fixes. The only true dealbreakers are a slipping or overheating transmission and a ticking V8 that burns oil. Inspect for those two, negotiate on the rest, and you have a car that will run well past 150,000 miles.