2020 Dodge Challenger maintenance schedule

The 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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

1 NHTSA recall for the 2020 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.

Visibility

NHTSA 21V516000

July 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

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)

LC (2008-2014)

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 2020 Challenger earns before you buy it.

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