2018 Dodge Charger

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
5.7L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (7 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Wheel Torque
130
ft-lbs

The 2018 Dodge Charger maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Charger.

For oil changes, the 2018 Dodge Charger takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Dodge Charger, torque the lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger have reported 5 common issues including "5.7L HEMI Lifter Tick and MDS Failure", "ZF 8-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting" and "Uconnect Infotainment System Freezing". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 6 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Dodge Charger. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2018 Dodge Charger uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2018 Dodge Charger Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity7 qt
Lug Nut Torque130 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Dodge Charger. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
8,000 mi / 12 mo
5W-20 full synthetic (3.6L V6/5.7L HEMI) or 0W-40 (6.4L SRT), 7 qt (5.7L)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
40,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4; Brembo brakes on SRT
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 8-speed TorqueFlite; ATF+4 or ZF-approved fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT coolant; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
HEMI uses copper core plugs at 30,000 mi; V6 iridium at 100,000
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Dodge Charger.

Common problems reported by 2018 Dodge Charger owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

5.7L HEMI Lifter Tick and MDS Failure

The 5.7L HEMI V8 develops a persistent ticking noise from the valvetrain, commonly called 'HEMI tick.' It is caused by worn hydraulic roller lifters with under-sized needle bearings, often linked to the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) that deactivates cylinders. The MDS system starves oil to certain lifters at idle, accelerating wear. The ticking typically starts on cold start and may persist as the engine warms.

Solution

Replace the affected lifters and camshaft with updated parts. The latest lifter revision (suffix 'AD') has improved needle bearings. TSB 09-002-22 covers HEMI lifter noise diagnostics. Use only OEM-recommended 0W-20 or 5W-20 full synthetic oil. Some owners install an MDS delete kit to prevent future lifter failures.

Est. Cost: $2,000 - $5,000
2

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifts, jerky gear changes, delayed engagement from park to drive, and occasional hesitation during acceleration. Some owners report the vehicle surging forward or the transmission slipping into neutral unexpectedly at highway speeds, creating a safety hazard.

Solution

Reflash the TCM with updated shift calibration software. TSB 21-019-22 addresses shift quality and torque converter shudder. Perform a transmission fluid exchange using ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid. Valve body replacement resolves persistent harsh shifting.

Est. Cost: $0 - $2,500
3

Uconnect Infotainment System Freezing

The Uconnect 4C or Uconnect 5 system freezes, becomes unresponsive to touch, or displays a black screen. Bluetooth audio cuts out mid-stream, navigation loses GPS signal, and the backup camera may not activate when in reverse. Disconnecting the 12V battery to force a reset can damage the radio module firmware.

Solution

Update to the latest Uconnect firmware. TSB 08-040-22 covers infotainment diagnostics and reprogramming. Avoid disconnecting the battery while the radio is active. Replace the head unit module if software updates fail to resolve the issue.

Est. Cost: $0 - $1,200
4

TPMS Sensor Battery Premature Failure

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensor batteries fail prematurely, causing the TPMS warning light to illuminate and the system to become inoperative. The vehicle cannot monitor individual tire pressures, which is both a safety concern and a federal compliance issue. Multiple sensors may fail in succession.

Solution

NHTSA Recall 22V-578 covers inspection and replacement of TPMS sensors with updated units that have improved battery life. Dealers replace the affected sensors at no cost. All four sensors plus the spare should be checked.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
5

Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage

The 5.7L HEMI exhaust manifold bolts break due to thermal cycling, causing an exhaust leak that creates a ticking sound at cold start and a sulfur smell in the cabin. The leak reduces engine performance and fuel economy. Broken bolt remnants can be difficult to extract from the cylinder head without damaging threads.

Solution

Extract the broken bolts and replace with updated Mopar exhaust manifold bolts with improved metallurgy. If the manifold is warped or cracked, replace the manifold. TSB 09-011-22 addresses cold-start exhaust ticking. Best addressed during other engine service to reduce labor costs.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,500

6 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Dodge Charger. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign: 24V198000 Date: 14/03/2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.

2

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 20V512000 Date: 27/08/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.

3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Campaign: 18V524000 Date: 09/08/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 18V332000 Date: 17/05/2018

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

5

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 18V280000 Date: 01/05/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

Consequence

If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

6

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign: 18V281000 Date: 01/05/2018

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.

Consequence

If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.

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See Also
2018 Dodge Charger Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Dodge ChargerAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2018 Dodge ChargerWiper Replacement: 2018 Dodge Charger