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In terms of reliability and build quality, Dodge kicked off the sixth generation of the Challenger pretty rough.

Let’s face it; with all the car manufacturers gradually electrifying their production lineups, the internal combustion engine is becoming a thing of the past. In the past few decades, folks at Dodge have done an excellent job keeping the original spirit of American muscle cars alive. However, even they seem ready to move on and join the EV community with their recent electric muscle car concept.

While the manufacturer is planning to bid farewell to the Charger and the Challenger in 2023 with ‘Last Call’ models, many enthusiasts aren’t ready to exchange combustion engines with batteries. On the other hand, even though the current Dodge Charger is the pinnacle of raw V8 power, not everyone is able to afford its skyrocketing price tags seen on the market.

If you’re on a budget, a used Dodge Charger can be your next dream car without drilling a hole in your pocket. However, not all Charger model years faired well. Without further ado, let’s see why the 2006 edition is the least reliable Charger to buy on the used market.

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The 2006 Dodge Charger has the highest number of registered owner complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. The reports cover various areas, including the engine, fuel system, service brakes, and steering.

Over a third of the complaints cover issues with the powertrain. According to the reports, many owners have experienced a complete engine failure well below the 100,000-mile mark. The issue mostly plagues the 5.7L Hemi engine. The problem is associated with failed valve seats. Based on the data gathered on the Car Complaints website, owners have spent over $5,500 on average to swap the engine with a new one.

Another frequently reported issue with the 2006 model pertains to the fuel system. “After filling up the car all the way, the car will stall out and/ or run very rough. The only way I have found to lessen the problem is not to fill it up all the way and when it starts sputtering just to hit the gas and not let off until the engine stops sputtering,” quoted one owner in their report posted on Car Complaints. Most owners couldn’t find a permanent solution to this issue. However, some managed to get rid of it by replacing the fuel tank for almost $2,000.

Several 2006 Charger owners commenting on NHTSA have complained about the steering shaking aggressively without any warning signs popping up on the cluster. Moreover, many have mentioned a complete loss of steering functions following intermittent engine stalls. Unfortunately, the majority couldn’t find a remedy for this issue even after having dealerships inspect their vehicle for days.

Last but not least, some owners mentioned a problem with the brakes. According to the reports, the ABS unit disengages intermittently and severely affects the vehicle’s braking abilities. In some cases, the ABS brakes heated up so much that they started a fire and completely destroyed the car.

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Right after its release, the manufacturer had to recall over a quarter of a million different vehicles, including 2006 Chargers, for a problem with the automatic transmission system. Based on the report, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may not be installed properly. This could cause the shaft to move out of position and prevent the driver from putting the vehicle in the 'PARK’ position.

Seven months after the first recall, Dodge recalled the 2006 Challenger again for improperly-installed rear brake tubes. Dodge acknowledged that an inadequate clearance between the rear brake tubes and the exhaust gas recirculation tube could result in the brake tubes wear and lead to a brake fluid leak.

Another necessary recall pertains to the infamous Takata airbag inflators installed in over 50 million different American and foreign vehicles, including the 2006 Dodge Challenger. These inflators rupture when exposed to high levels of humidity and temperature change. In case of a crash, the airbags deploy and strike vehicle occupants with pieces of metal.

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If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Charger, you should avoid the 2006 model year due to many widespread problems occurring at relatively low mileage. Newer chargers are significantly more durable and have fewer issues to deal with.

Typically, a well-maintained Dodge Charger can reach 200,000 miles on the odometer with the original engine and transmission. With the 2006 Model, however, you’ll probably need to take frequent trips to the mechanic for major overhauls once you pass 100,000 miles.

Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician, and car enthusiast. His favorite topics to write about are cars, tech, and gaming. When he's not writing, he's either playing music or listening to it.