2006 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5 from North America
Summary:
The concept is good but the quality is lousy
Faults:
It already started with a recall after 3 weeks at 1,000 miles - the engine could have been subject to a rod bearing issue and had to be opened.
The car is very receptive for not so well balanced tires and consequential jittering at highway speeds - requires frequent balancing of tires.
At 13,600 pulsation when braking at higher speeds got very strong - dealer resurfaced front rotors.
At 15,700 the transmission was leaking - dealer replaced an oring and guide bushing.
At 24,800 pulsation is back - dealer finally replaced front rotors.
Now at 31,000 the pulsation is slowly coming back at certain speeds. Also, a rattling and creaking is developing somewhere in the front axle - next issue coming around the corncer.
General Comments:
We still like how it rides and that it is relatively quiet and spacious sedan. But what a disappointment regarding quality! You would think that when they claimed that the LX platform has "Mercedes Technology" they also improved quality a little - dead wrong! Still the old Chrysler approach. It is rated 27 mpg highway, but I do not know how you could ever get there. I just cannot get more than 24 out of it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 2nd September, 2008
8th Apr 2014, 18:52
I have a 2006 Charger with the 3.5L engine. At 60,000 miles we never had a drop of oil consumed. Suddenly it starts consuming 3 quarts in 8 weeks of light driving. No exhaust smoke.
Your comment about high oil consumption being related to emissions and not engine wear is really interesting. The car has no performance problems/changes or codes, just sudden high oil consumption. Quite puzzling. My first guess was to think of a broken oil control ring on one cylinder.
I searched the Internet with a number of questions and didn't come up with a reason for the emission system to jack up oil consumption that you allude to.
Can you give me a clue as to how the engine emission system could increase oil use?
Thank you!
Bruce
2nd Aug 2015, 23:00
My Charger tore up rotors. Even though they had plenty of metal left and my pads had 80% left, the rotors would warp incredibly fast.
It's a drag, because I clearly can't be putting new pads and rotors on both sides every 5,000 miles, so it's a problem you'll just have to live with.
2nd Aug 2015, 23:01
I forgot to mention my Charger was a 2011, so next generation and they still eat rotors.
14th Mar 2014, 12:36
I have a 2006 Charger and see some of the same issues; brake rotors get warped and front end issues. Also relatively high oil consumption, though that's not due to worn engine parts, but rather the design of the engine/emissions (look it up for more info).
However, beyond those problems it's a fantastic car. It's dead reliable, durable, and as the 3.5L gets more mileage, you will get better MPG; I can get 28 on the highway.
The seats are so comfortable, climate control excellent, handling excellent, quiet and relaxed, yet sporty. I wouldn't trade it for anything, even with 130K on the clock. Just wish the front end was a bit more durable.