2021 Dodge Challenger

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 2021 Dodge Challenger 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 Challenger.

For oil changes, the 2021 Dodge Challenger 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 Challenger, 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 2021 Dodge Challenger have reported 5 common issues including "5.7L/6.4L HEMI Lifter and Camshaft Failure", "Transmission Shift Quality and Engagement Issues" and "TPMS Sensor Battery Premature Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. 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 2021 Dodge Challenger uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 Dodge Challenger 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 2021 Dodge Challenger. 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/6.2L Hellcat), 7 qt (5.7L)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Staggered wheels on R/T and above; may need side-to-side swap only
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/Hellcat
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 8-speed auto or TREMEC 6-speed manual; ATF+4 (auto)
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
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 2021 Dodge Challenger.

Common problems reported by 2021 Dodge Challenger owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

5.7L/6.4L HEMI Lifter and Camshaft Failure

Both the 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines can develop lifter failures causing a ticking or knocking noise from the valvetrain. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) hydraulic lifters wear prematurely due to under-sized needle bearings, potentially leading to camshaft lobe damage. Metal debris from failed lifters can contaminate the oil system and cause additional engine damage.

Solution

Replace all MDS and non-MDS lifters, camshaft, and associated hardware. TSB 09-002-22 covers HEMI lifter noise diagnostics. Use updated 'AD' suffix lifters. Change oil every 5,000 miles with OEM-specified full synthetic. Consider MDS delete kit to eliminate the system entirely.

Est. Cost: $2,500 - $6,000
2

Transmission Shift Quality and Engagement Issues

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, jerking during gear changes, and delayed engagement. Some owners report the vehicle refusing to shift gears or slipping into neutral unexpectedly. The torque converter may shudder at light throttle between 30-50 mph. These issues create safety concerns, particularly in traffic.

Solution

Reflash the TCM with updated calibration software. TSB 21-019-22 addresses shift quality. A transmission fluid flush with ZF-approved ATF may resolve torque converter shudder. Valve body replacement for persistent shift quality complaints.

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

TPMS Sensor Battery Premature Failure

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensor batteries fail prematurely, causing inoperative tire pressure monitoring and a persistent TPMS warning light on the dashboard. Without functioning TPMS, the driver has no real-time awareness of tire pressure changes, which is particularly concerning for a high-performance vehicle.

Solution

NHTSA Recall 22V-578 covers replacement of TPMS sensors with updated units at no cost. All four wheel sensors and the spare tire sensor should be checked and replaced if necessary.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
4

Fuel Tank Difficulty Filling

Owners report extreme difficulty filling the fuel tank, with the fuel pump nozzle clicking off repeatedly as if the tank is full when it is not. Fueling can take 15-20 minutes for a full tank. The issue is caused by the EVAP system vent valve or fuel filler neck design creating back-pressure that triggers the pump nozzle shutoff.

Solution

Replace the EVAP canister vent valve and inspect the fuel filler neck for obstructions. TSB 14-005-22 covers fuel fill difficulty diagnostics. Inserting the nozzle only halfway and fueling at a slower rate is a temporary workaround. Updated fuel filler neck components are available.

Est. Cost: $200 - $600
5

Engine Surge and Sudden Power Loss

Owners report sudden loss of power during acceleration, engine surges at steady throttle, and illuminated Check Engine lights with no clear resolution. The issue is intermittent and difficult to replicate at the dealer. It can be caused by faulty throttle body sensors, fuel injector issues, or PCM software bugs.

Solution

Update the PCM software to the latest calibration. TSB 14-008-22 addresses engine performance and driveability concerns. Clean the throttle body and inspect fuel injectors. Replace the throttle position sensor if erratic readings are found during diagnostic scan.

Est. Cost: $100 - $800

2 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign: 21V664000 Date: 26/08/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y58.

2

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign: 21V516000 Date: 08/07/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

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Challenger — Other Model Years
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See Also
2021 Dodge Challenger Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Dodge ChallengerAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 Dodge ChallengerWiper Replacement: 2021 Dodge Challenger