purchased a 2023 Dodge Charger GT expecting a reliable new vehicle, but since almost the beginning, the car has had repeated mechanical and cooling system problems that the dealer has not been able to permanently fix.
The first check engine issue happened at around only 390 miles. Since then, the vehicle has been in and out of the dealership multiple times for different problems including delayed starting, transmission jolts, coolant loss, overheating concerns, vibration issues, and strong coolant/antifreeze smell from the exhaust.
One of the biggest ongoing issues has been the cooling system. The coolant level continuously drops even though the dealership repeatedly said they could not find an external leak and sometimes claimed it was “normal evaporation.” I documented the coolant loss over time with photos and mileage records because it kept happening again and again.
The car also developed overheating behavior where coolant reached extremely high temperatures in traffic and even boiled out of the system. The radiator was eventually replaced under warranty, along with a radiator cap and other related components, but confidence in the vehicle was already lost because the issue continued for a long time before serious repairs were finally done.
In addition to the cooling problems, the transmission has never felt normal. The vehicle sometimes jerks or shocks when shifting from Reverse to Drive, especially during startup. There has also been vibration felt from the rear/drivetrain area. The dealer stated this was considered “normal” according to Mopar technical information, but a brand new car should not feel this rough and inconsistent.
The vehicle has spent a significant amount of time at the dealership for repairs, inspections, pressure testing, battery replacement, radiator replacement, and extended test drives. Despite all this, I still do not fully trust the reliability or long-term durability of this vehicle.
What makes this even more disappointing is that this was supposed to be one of the last modern Dodge Chargers, a car many people buy because they love the Charger platform and expect performance and reliability. Instead, ownership became stressful, time-consuming, and frustrating.
I truly wanted to enjoy this car, but after repeated repairs, coolant problems, transmission concerns, and long periods without my vehicle, the ownership experience has been extremely disappointing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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purchased a 2023 Dodge Charger GT expecting a reliable new vehicle, but since almost the beginning, the car has had repeated mechanical and cooling system problems that the dealer has not been able to permanently fix.
The first check engine issue happened at around only 390 miles. Since then, the vehicle has been in and out of the dealership multiple times for different problems including delayed starting, transmission jolts, coolant loss, overheating concerns, vibration issues, and strong coolant/antifreeze smell from the exhaust.
One of the biggest ongoing issues has been the cooling system. The coolant level continuously drops even though the dealership repeatedly said they could not find an external leak and sometimes claimed it was “normal evaporation.” I documented the coolant loss over time with photos and mileage records because it kept happening again and again.
The car also developed overheating behavior where coolant reached extremely high temperatures in traffic and even boiled out of the system. The radiator was eventually replaced under warranty, along with a radiator cap and other related components, but confidence in the vehicle was already lost because the issue continued for a long time before serious repairs were finally done.
In addition to the cooling problems, the transmission has never felt normal. The vehicle sometimes jerks or shocks when shifting from Reverse to Drive, especially during startup. There has also been vibration felt from the rear/drivetrain area. The dealer stated this was considered “normal” according to Mopar technical information, but a brand new car should not feel this rough and inconsistent.
The vehicle has spent a significant amount of time at the dealership for repairs, inspections, pressure testing, battery replacement, radiator replacement, and extended test drives. Despite all this, I still do not fully trust the reliability or long-term durability of this vehicle.
What makes this even more disappointing is that this was supposed to be one of the last modern Dodge Chargers, a car many people buy because they love the Charger platform and expect performance and reliability. Instead, ownership became stressful, time-consuming, and frustrating.
I truly wanted to enjoy this car, but after repeated repairs, coolant problems, transmission concerns, and long periods without my vehicle, the ownership experience has been extremely disappointing.
- Nardin M., Sacramento, US