Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Challenger 3.6L.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger 3.6L is a passenger car built on the LA platform, utilizing a 3.6L engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration achieves EPA ratings of 19/30/23 mpg and requires 6.0 quarts of 5W-20 engine oil. With 74 owner complaints and four recalls, this model year sits between the 2010 high of 298 complaints and the 2022 low of 9 complaints across the model's 2008-2023 history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI H7 · 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.
| Engine oil filter | 04884899AC alt 04892339BE |
| Engine air filter | 04861746AB alt 68172459AA |
| Spark plug | SP149212AC alt SP196724AC |
| Battery | BBH7F001AA |
| Front wiper blades | 68015148AA |
| Thermostat | 52028898AJ alt 05184894AA |
| Cabin air filter | 68535614AA |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 8-spd |
| Overall length | 197.6 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 in |
| Overall height | 57.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Curb weight | 4169 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63 / 63.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 56/44 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 19 / 30 / 23 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
No 2018 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | GT Coupe 3.6L V6 | 6.30 sec | 14.80 sec | 305 hp | AWD |
| 2015 | SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V6 | 6.00 sec | 14.50 sec | 305 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V6 | 6.20 sec | 14.70 sec | 305 hp | RWD |
| 2011 | SE Coupe 3.6L V6 | 6.40 sec | 14.90 sec | 305 hp | RWD |
| 2011 | SE Coupe 3.6L V6 | 6.40 sec | 14.80 sec | 305 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, 175 in the differential. Torque lug nuts to 130 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.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | Mopar ZF Automatic transmission fluid |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.0-10.0 |
| Differential Gear Oil | 175 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 175 FIA Front Axle |
| Engine Coolant | MS-12106 |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 11.1 |
| Engine Coolant | MS-12106 |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 14.7 |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 6.6 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 84.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 133.0 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 130.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s) | 22.0 ft-lbs |
| Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s) | 38.0 ft-lbs |
| Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s) | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 130 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 111 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 130 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 170.0 Do not re-use old hub nut ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | 0.6-0.9 ohms |
| Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance | 6,000-9,000 ohms |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Spark Plug Gap | .043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 13 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant Capacity | R134a |
| Oil Type | ND 12 Oil |
| Oil Type | ND-12 or equivalent. |
| Standard BCI Group Number | H7 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 730 cca |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 53.0-63.0 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum | 53.0 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum | 63.0 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum | 53.0 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum | 63.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 53.0-63.0 psi |
| Engine Compression | 100 |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: 44; Rear: 23 |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Front: 98; Rear: 81 |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: 44; Rear: 23 |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Front: 98 ft-lbs; Rear: 81 ft-lbs |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Install new fasteners |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Front: 1.040; Rear: 17 |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | .0004 |
| Maximum Rotor Runout | .0014 when measured on vehicle. |
| 1 | 15.0 ft. lbs. | 15 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90.0 | |
| 1 | 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105 | 30 ft. lbs |
Prep If the threads of the old bolts are stretched or damaged, do not re-use old bolts. Do not apply additional oil to the bolt threads.
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 33.0 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 3 | 33.0 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 4 | Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 125 degrees | 125 degrees |
| 5 | Loosen all bolts completely in reverse order. | |
| 6 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 7 | 33.0 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 8 | 33.0 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 9 | Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 130 degrees. | 130 degrees |
| 1 | Bolts 1-10 | 25 ft. lbs |
| 1 | Bolts 1-10 | 25 ft. lbs |
| 2 | Bolts 11-15 | 15 ft. lbs |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 | 45 ft. lbs |
| 4 | Bolts 11-15 | 21 ft. lbs |
| 5 | 1-10: Turn 90 | |
| 1 | M12 Bolts 1-10 | 25 ft. lbs |
| 2 | M12 Bolts 11-10 | 40 ft. lbs |
| 3 | M12 Bolts 1-10 | 45 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 4 ft. lbs. | 4 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 11 ft. lbs. | 11 ft. lbs |
| 3 | 22 | |
Prep M11 Inner bolts
| 1 | 15.0 ft. lbs. | 15 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees; M8 Outer bolts | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 16.0 ft. lbs. | 16 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90.0 degrees; M8 Side bolts | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger recorded 74 complaints and 4 recalls, representing a modest uptick from the 2017 low of 49 complaints but still far below the generation's peak of 298 complaints in 2010. The recall count of 4 places 2018 in the middle range—below the 7 recalls issued in 2009–2010 but above the single recall in 2020—suggesting the model had moved past its worst quality-control phase but was not yet at the refined reliability seen in later years. Complaints trended downward from 2012 (253) through 2017 (49), with 2018 marking a brief reversal before resuming the decline through 2022 (9). The top complaint areas—electrical system and unknown/other issues—each at 14 instances, indicate lingering electrical gremlins, while the 9 crash-related complaints and 2 fire complaints are notable but not extraordinary for the segment. Given that 2018 sits in the transitional zone between the troubled early-generation years and the markedly improved post-2020 models, it represents a reasonable used purchase provided a thorough pre-purchase inspection verifies the electrical system and addresses any outstanding recall work.
All 74 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
Showing 5 of 254 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2208000045 REV.D | 2026-06-26 | Structure | Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection |
| S2621000003 REV.A | 2026-03-09 | Power Train | The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the… |
| S2608000010 | 2026-03-05 | Electrical System | Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00… |
| 9100735 | 2025-12-10 | Electrical System | Verify "Z" part number availability. Order a "Z" part number for all Exchange Orders… |
| 108463 | 2025-11-18 | Service Brakes | PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
6.0 qt of 5W-20 Meeting Chrysler standard MS-6395 or equivalent., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined mpg.