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2016 Dodge Challenger maintenance schedule

The 2016 Challenger is part of the LA generation (2015-2023), sold as a coupe. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Challenger needs, and when

11 of these 12 items come from Dodge's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Dodge's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Do not exceed; follow Oil Life Monitor

10,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Replace filter

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

Replace filter

20,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Tire rotation

Staggered wheel setups cannot be rotated front-to-rear

10,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Brake fluid2 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant150,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid (Auto)

Replace fluid and integrated pan filter (ZF 8HP)

60,000 mi / 8 yearsIndependent
Spark plugs

Replace spark plugs

100,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark; supercharger belt interval is 60,000 mi)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD/RWD)

Severe service or track use

40,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Inspect trunk-mounted battery venting tube

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-20 (3.6/5.7) / 0W-40 (6.4/6.2)
Coolant
OAT Purple
Transmission fluid
Mopar ZF 8 Speed ATF / TR6060 MTF

Powertrains in this generation

  • 3.6L 6-cyl (ERB), 305 hp, 8-Speed Automatic, RWD / AWD
  • 5.7L 8-cyl (EZC), 374 hp, 8-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual, RWD
  • 6.4L 8-cyl (ESG), 485 hp, 8-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual, RWD
  • 6.2L Supercharged 8-cyl (ESD / ESJ), 763 hp, 8-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual, RWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2016 Challenger owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Driveshaft / U-Joint Failure

high severity

15,000-50,000 mi · $1,000-$2,500 to fix

Clunking when shifting, vibration at highway speeds

Source: au7o.io

ZF 8-Speed Valve Body Failure

high severity

40,000-60,000 mi · $625-$1,500 to fix

Harsh shifting, transmission shudder

Source: au7o.io

Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm / Lifter Tick

high severity

50,000-100,000 mi · $800-$1,200 to fix

Engine tick prominent on cold start, misfire codes

Source: au7o.io

Supercharger Internal Bearing Failure

high severity

40,000-80,000 mi · $2,000-$4,500 to fix

Rising whine/growl from front of engine varying with RPM

Source: au7o.io

HEMI Exhaust Manifold Bolts

medium severity

50,000-100,000 mi · $259-$419 to fix

Ticking noise at cold startup fading when warm, exhaust smell

Source: au7o.io

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Dodge Challenger

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Dodge dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Power train

NHTSA 18E053000

July 2018

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 to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

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 customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

Electrical system

NHTSA 18V332000

May 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$634

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Challenger model years

LA (2015-2023)

201520162017201820192020202120222023

LC (2008-2014)

2014

Shopping new? The Dodge Challenger guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Challenger for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Challenger earns before you buy it.

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