Estimated maintenance schedule for the 2018 Dodge Charger
GarageHub's estimates for the 2018 Charger, not the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
GarageHub estimates the 2018 Dodge Charger oil change interval at every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $45-$90); this is not the manufacturer's figure, so check your owner's manual.
Service intervals
GarageHub estimates for the 2018 Dodge Charger, not taken from the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for the exact figures.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemGuide How to Change Your Oil · The engine oil system: what every part does | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $45-$90 | |
| Tire RotationSafety itemGuide How to Rotate Your Tires at Home · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 7,500 mi≈ 12,000 km | $25-$50 | |
| Engine Air FilterGuide How to Replace Your Air Filter (Engine & Cabin) | 30,000 mi≈ 48,000 km | $20-$45 | |
| Cabin Air FilterGuide How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter | 20,000 mi≈ 32,000 km | $15-$35 | |
| Brake Fluid FlushSafety itemGuide How to Bleed Brakes (and Change Brake Fluid) | 24 mo | $80-$140 | |
| Brake Pad Inspection & ReplacementSafety itemGuide How to Change Brake Pads: Step-by-Step Guide | 40,000 mi≈ 64,000 km | $180-$450 | |
| Transmission Fluid & FilterGuide How to Change Transmission Fluid | 60,000 mi≈ 97,000 km | $200-$350 | |
| Coolant FlushGuide How to Flush Your Coolant System | 100,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 161,000 km / 120 mo | $120-$200 | |
| Spark PlugsGuide How to Change Spark Plugs · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | $150-$400 | |
| Rear Differential Fluid (RWD)Guide How to Change Differential Fluid (Rear Axle and Front 4x4) | 50,000 mi≈ 80,000 km | $90-$150 | |
| Transfer Case & Front Differential (AWD)Guide How to Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4 and AWD) · How to Change Differential Fluid (Rear Axle and Front 4x4) | 50,000 mi≈ 80,000 km | $180-$280 | |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementGuide How to Replace a Car Battery (on a Modern Car) · The car battery and charging system: what every part does | 48 mo | $150-$280 | |
| Serpentine BeltGuide How to Replace a Serpentine Belt | 90,000 mi≈ 145,000 km | $80-$160 |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
What happens if you skip it
- Neglecting transmission fluid changes can cause harsh shifting and premature failure of the ZF 8HP unit, a $4,000+ repair not covered under powertrain warranty after 60,000 miles.
- Deferred brake fluid service on Brembo-equipped models leads to moisture contamination, reducing boiling point and risking brake fade during aggressive driving or emergency stops.
- Ignoring differential fluid changes on limited-slip rear ends causes clutch pack degradation, resulting in clunking during turns and eventual complete differential failure.
- Skipping spark plug replacement on supercharged Hellcat engines can cause misfires under boost, potentially damaging catalytic converters ($1,200+ each) or causing detonation that cracks pistons.
- Overdue coolant service accelerates corrosion in the aluminum cylinder heads and cooling system components shared by all HEMI engines, leading to head gasket failure or water pump leaks.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 60,000+ mi
- ZF 8-speed transmission may develop shudder or delayed engagement if fluid not serviced; early fluid change often resolves symptoms.
- 80,000+ mi
- Water pump failure on 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines, often preceded by coolant seepage or bearing noise from the front of the engine.
- 70,000+ mi
- Rear suspension bushings and sway bar links wear prematurely on all models, causing clunking over bumps and imprecise handling.
- 100,000+ mi
- HEMI 'tick' from exhaust manifold bolt failure or lifter wear becomes more pronounced; may require manifold replacement or lifter service.
- 90,000+ mi
- Alternator failure more common on high-output HEMI models due to increased electrical demands from performance accessories and cooling fans.
- 120,000+ mi
- Front lower control arm bushings and ball joints show significant wear, particularly on AWD models and those driven in cold climates.
Common questions about the 2018 Dodge Charger
How often does a 2018 Dodge Charger need an oil change?
GarageHub estimates the 2018 Dodge Charger oil change interval at every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $45-$90); this is not the manufacturer's figure, so check your owner's manual.
What maintenance does a 2018 Dodge Charger need?
GarageHub's estimate of the services not to skip on a 2018 Dodge Charger: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; tire rotation every 7,500 mi; brake fluid flush every 24 mo; brake pad inspection & replacement every 40,000 mi. These intervals are estimates, not the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for the exact figures.
What goes wrong on a Dodge Charger at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 60,000+ mi: ZF 8-speed transmission may develop shudder or delayed engagement if fluid not serviced; early fluid change often resolves symptoms. 80,000+ mi: Water pump failure on 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines, often preceded by coolant seepage or bearing noise from the front of the engine. 70,000+ mi: Rear suspension bushings and sway bar links wear prematurely on all models, causing clunking over bumps and imprecise handling. 100,000+ mi: HEMI 'tick' from exhaust manifold bolt failure or lifter wear becomes more pronounced; may require manifold replacement or lifter service. 90,000+ mi: Alternator failure more common on high-output HEMI models due to increased electrical demands from performance accessories and cooling fans. 120,000+ mi: Front lower control arm bushings and ball joints show significant wear, particularly on AWD models and those driven in cold climates.