Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) |
| Every 60,000 mi | Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Charger 3.6L.
The 2018 Dodge Charger 3.6L is a passenger car built on Dodge's LD platform, pairing its 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy of 19 city, 30 highway, and 23 combined mpg — figures kept healthy in part by a 6.0-quart oil capacity spec'd to 5W-20 viscosity. Owner complaints total 122 with six recalls on record, the bulk of grievances centered on the electrical system, which places this model year well below the trouble peak of 2006 (1,293 complaints) and closer to the low-water mark of 2024 (a single complaint), suggesting the Charger's reliability curve has improved markedly over time and that the 2018 sits in the safer, more mature portion of that trajectory.
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 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.
| Engine oil filter | 04884899AC alt 04892339BE |
| Engine air filter | 04861746AB alt 68172459AA |
| Spark plug | SP149212AC alt SP143877AB |
| Battery | BBH7F001AA alt BBH8F001AA |
| Front wiper blades | 68194930AB alt 05182439AB |
| Thermostat | 52028898AJ alt 05184894AA |
| Cabin air filter | 68535614AA |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 8-spd |
| Overall length | 198.4 in |
| Overall width | 75.2 in |
| Overall height | 58.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.1 in |
| Curb weight | 4158 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63.4 / 63.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 56/44 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 19 / 30 / 23 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 105 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 16 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent published road-test results.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4 GT Plus Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.40 sec | 14.90 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.20 sec | 14.70 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2016 | SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.40 sec | 14.80 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2013 | SXT Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.40 sec | 15.00 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2012 | SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.60 sec | 15.10 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2012 | SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V6 | 6.70 sec | 15.30 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2011 | Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V6 | 7.20 sec | 15.70 sec | 292 hp | RWD |
| 2011 | Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V6 | 7.30 sec | 15.60 sec | 292 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, DOT 3 brake fluid. 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 | ATF+4 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 5.3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | Mopar ZF Automatic transmission fluid |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.0-10.0 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | 175 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 175 FIA Front Axle |
| Engine Coolant | MS-12106 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 70.0 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 27 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 111 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 130 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 130 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 130 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 157.0 Do not re-use old hub nut ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 170.0 Do not re-use old hub nut 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 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | Mopar |
| Refrigerant Capacity | R134a |
| Oil Type | ND 12 Oil |
| Oil Type | ND-12 or equivalent. |
| Oil Capacity | 4.40 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| 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 after Refinish | Front: 1.040; Rear: 17 |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | .0004 |
| Maximum Rotor Runout | .0014 when measured on vehicle. |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Front: 1.040; Rear: 17 |
| 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 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 33 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 4 | Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench. | 125 degrees |
| 5 | Loosen all fasteners in reverse sequence. | |
| 6 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 7 | 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 8 | 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 9 | Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench. | 130 degrees |
| 1 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 33 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 4 | Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench. | 125 degrees |
| 5 | Loosen all fasteners in reverse sequence. | |
| 6 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 7 | 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 8 | 33 ft. lbs. | 33 ft. lbs |
| 9 | Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench. | 130 degrees |
| 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) |
| Every 60,000 mi | Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace) |
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 Charger sits firmly within the generation's downward arc of federal complaints, which peaked at 1,293 in 2006 and spiked again to 692 in 2011 before steadily declining. With 122 complaints, the 2018 model aligns closely with its immediate predecessor (125 in 2017) and successor (118 in 2019), reflecting a stabilized and relatively low complaint volume for the platform. However, recalls did increase slightly from four in 2017 to six in 2018, dropping back to five in 2019, indicating some ongoing regulatory interventions despite the lower overall complaint count. For the 2018 model specifically, the Electrical System accounts for the highest volume of issues at 24 complaints, followed by Unknown Or Other (20) and Structure (18), with five crash and one fire complaint reported; the data does not specify the root causes of these issues. Given its position in a mature, stabilized phase of the lifecycle with significantly fewer complaints than earlier model years, the 2018 Charger represents a quantifiably stronger used purchase than the generation's problematic early years, provided buyers verify that the six recalls have been properly addressed.
All 122 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall…
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 266 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 Use oil meeting Chrysler specification MS6395, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined mpg.