YearToAvoid

2017 Dodge Charger Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Dodge Charger, 13% of its 128 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,724 miles. Two related driveshaft recalls (18V281000, 17V097000) exist for AWD models, though neither is a do-not-drive order.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
17
13% of 128
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
49,724 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report hard or delayed shifting, including the transmission taking too long to come out of second gear with violent jerking and hesitation.
  • Some describe a howling or whining noise from the rear differential area at highway speeds that returns when accelerating and fades when coasting.
  • Several report the front driveshaft failing or clicking, tied to the bolts loosening or the shaft disconnecting, matching the recall condition.
  • One owner reported unintended acceleration at 45 mph that required shifting into neutral to stop the vehicle.
  • Others describe complete transmission failure with a burning smell, overheated fluid, and the transmission locking into second gear.
  • A few mention a rattling powertrain noise and a service shifter warning light followed by stalling and electrical disruptions.

When 2017 Dodge Charger transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 8, 2017, latest Jul 16, 2026.

2017 Dodge Charger transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2017Aug 2019Apr 2021May 2023Sep 2023Mar 2024Feb 2025Jul 2026
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2017 to Jul 2026; peak Apr 2021 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Dodge Charger

  1. NHTSA 18V281000May 1, 2018Transmission & Powertrain13,928 vehicles

    Power train:driveline:driveshaft

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 17V097000Feb 14, 2017Transmission & Powertrain69,298 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.

    Risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Charger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2006218 (17%)
  2. 2007220 (40%)
  3. 200833 (5%)
  4. 20096 (3%)
  5. 201019 (8%)
  6. 201121 (3%)
  7. 201265 (10%)
  8. 201348 (13%)
  9. 201460 (17%)
  10. 201532 (24%)
  11. 201625 (14%)
  12. 201717 (13%)
  13. 201810 (8%)
  14. 20191 (1%)
  15. 20200 (0%)
  16. 20215 (15%)
  17. 20223 (19%)
  18. 20239 (35%)
  19. 20240 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA lists 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Dodge Charger, making up 13% of its 128 total complaints for the year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Dodge Charger transmission or driveshaft?
Yes. Recall 17V097000 covers front driveshaft bolts that may loosen and disconnect on AWD Chargers, and recall 18V281000 covers front driveshaft universal joints on AWD V8 pursuit models. Neither recall carries a do-not-drive warning.
At what mileage do 2017 Charger transmission problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 49,724 miles.
Did the 2017 Charger transmission issues cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for this year.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.