DodgeChallenger20115.7L V8/dodge/challenger/2011/5-7l-v8/
LC platform

2011 Dodge Challenger — 5.7L V8

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Challenger 5.7L V8. Covers both the standard and High Output 5.7L V8.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 5.7L V8Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2011 Dodge Challenger is a passenger car riding on Fiat Chrysler's LC platform, its 5.7L V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA figures of 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg, with routine service requiring seven quarts of 5W-20 API oil including the filter. With 192 total owner complaints and six recalls on record—predominantly centered on the electrical system—the 2011 model year marks a meaningful step down from the 2010 Challenger's peak of 298 complaints across the 2008–2023 model history. That places this model year in a transitional period where the early second-generation teething problems were beginning to recede, part of a broader downward trend that would ultimately bottom out at just nine complaints for the 2022 model year.

Model year20132012201120102009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/25/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter04861746AB
Battery04608719AE
Front wiper blades68015148AA
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length197.6 in
Overall width75.6 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase116.1 in
Curb weight4083 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 25 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelMidgrade Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

5.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.00 sec — 2011 R/T Coupe
372 hpHorsepower (as tested)
400 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.00 sec13.50 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.60 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.60 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.40 sec13.80 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V86.20 sec14.50 sec372 hpRWD
2015R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.70 sec375 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.4 Pints, non_mvc
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.5 Pints, non_mvc
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 70, MT: 55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.540-.660 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance9240
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.50-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief16-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12+-0.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES / WITH FN3
Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs / 44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle85 ft-lbs / 140 ft-lbs / 96 ft-lbs
OtherPOLICE
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES / WITH FN3
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in / 0.0003 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in / 0.001 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 4: 50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 5: Loosen bolts in reverse sequence Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 8: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 9: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
2Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
3Bolts 1-1040 ft. lbs
4Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
5Bolts 1-1090 degrees
6Bolts 11-1525 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi; coolant at 104,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 104,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 8,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 16,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 16,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 32,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 48,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 96,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
At 104,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across this Challenger generation, federal complaints peaked early at 298 in 2010 before generally declining, while recalls remained steadily elevated between 5 and 7 from 2009 through 2012. The 2011 model year sits just after this complaint peak, dropping to 192 complaints but experiencing a notable spike in Technical Service Bulletins from 52 to 123, suggesting the manufacturer was actively identifying widespread service issues. For the 2011 Challenger specifically, the complaint profile is heavily dominated by the Electrical System (68) and Air Bags (27), alongside 8 fire and 5 crash complaints, though the data does not specify the root causes for these failures. Because 2011 represents a high-complaint, high-TSB transition year rather than a stabilized later model, it carries more inherent risk. Prospective buyers should strictly verify that all six recalls and the numerous electrical and airbag service bulletins have been properly addressed, making this a cautious buy rather than a standout year.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
123
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
192
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 8 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 192 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System68
Air Bags27
Fuel/Propulsion System15
Engine9
Unknown Or Other8
Electrical System,Engine5
Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5
Steering4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V018000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/01/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator…

17V435000Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorReported 10/07/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 123 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91001962023-07-27EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily…
08152232023-06-23Fuel System, GasolineFuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the…
9003357a2023-02-22Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Challenger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Challenger 5.7L V8 take?

7 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Challenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 5.7L V8 get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg.