The five most common Dodge issues are Hemi lifter/cam tick, Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical faults, 62TE transmission wear, cooling-system leaks/overheating and evaporative emissions (EVAP) system leaks.
The good news? Most of these issues are preventable as long as you stay on top of your maintenance and get repairs done at consistent intervals.
If you want local repair ranges for your car, just enter your year/trim and ZIP into the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now to fix common problems with their Acuras. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need to take their Acura to a pro.
Model & trim cheat sheet (scannable)
Use the Jerry app to compare line-item quotes locally before you commit.
Quick checks for the top issues above (no special tools)
Run a diagnostic in the Jerry app and follow these tips if you notice any of the following:
Ticking from the top of the engine, misfire at idle or metal on the oil filter:
Cold start and listen near valve covers; pull dipstick to check for glitter and note misfire at idle.
Cranks but won’t start, random electrical glitches or fuel pump runs with key off:
Observe cluster lights and accessories; listen for fuel pump after shutdown.
Harsh shifting, slipping on upshift or delayed engagement into Drive:
On level ground, time the delay from selecting Drive to moving and do gentle accelerations.
Engine runs hot at idle or with A/C on, coolant smell or visible drip under the front:
Check coolant reservoir level cold; look for white residue or wet spots.
Fuel smell after fill-up or Check Engine Light with EVAP codes P0440–P0457:
Inspect gas cap seal and click once; sniff near filler after a full tank.
Maintenance that reduces risk for these issues
Preventive care helps Dodges last longer and fail more predictably, saving money and stress. Stay on a consistent schedule by marking maintenance for the following in the Jerry app:
Oil and filter:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually; use the correct spec (MS-6395). Hemi with multi displacement system typically uses 5W-20; street and racing technology (SRT) variants use the specified grade.
Coolant:
Replace every 5 years/100,000 miles; use the correct organic acid technology (OAT/HOAT) coolant. Inspect hoses and the water pump at each service.
Spark plugs:
Hemi V8s often need plugs every 30,000-60,000 miles (16 total); 3.6L Pentastar typically at ~100,000 miles with coils inspected.
Brake fluid:
Flush every 2-3 years to protect ABS and reduce internal corrosion that causes sticking valves and warning lights.
Fueling/EVAP:
Click the cap once, avoid topping off and replace weak caps if applicable early to prevent EVAP codes and fuel smells.
If your car has an unknown history, do fluid, filter and plug replacements by 90k/120k checkpoints and combine jobs where labor overlaps (e.g., plugs with intake off). Remember that documented maintenance can merit a small premium when it comes time to sell.
When to stop driving (to avoid bigger bills)
If you’re unsure if it’s safe to keep driving, pull over and call a roadside assistance company. New warning lights, severe new noises or smells, or fluids pouring out are all ‘stop now’ signals. Here are common situations where stopping immediately is the right move:
Temperature warning or overheating, especially with heat loss or steam.
Flashing Check Engine Light with power loss or heavy misfire.
Brake warnings, a soft pedal or grinding that worsens suddenly.
Oil-pressure light on or loud knocking/ticking that escalates quickly.
If you’re using the Jerry app, you can run a quick triage in Diagnose before you tow to compare price ranges from local shops for the likely repair.
The horn relay was to blame. On many Dodge models, the horn relay is integrated into the distribution center circuit board. There was a time when this repair would’ve cost less than $100, but electrical faults on modern vehicles can be surprisingly expensive and the bill came to roughly $850.
What our customers are asking us
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My Hemi ticks at startup, but quiets down when warm do I need to worry?
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Can a bad gas cap trigger my Check Engine Light?
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Am I overpaying for a Hemi cam and lifter job?
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Should I insist on OEM Mopar parts or are aftermarket parts okay?
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The cooling fans on my Charger run loudly even after the vehicle is turned off. Is that normal?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
