Dodge Challenger Forum banner

Timing chain failure on the Dodge Challenger

1M views 6K replies 443 participants last post by  Mopar Frank 
#1 · (Edited)
I have been finding many reports of the timing chain breaking on the Dodge Challenger, mostly in the 5.7L Hemi engines. The timing chain breaks in most reported instances around the 35K-40K mile range.

Once the timing chain breaks, the end result is usually the valves smacking the pistons which bend the valves, damages the pistons and leads to catastrophic engine failure. This often requires a new long block.

How many of you have had the timing chain break? How many miles on the car when when it happened? and what was your experience in getting it repaired?

---------

Known instances of the timing chain breaking on the 5.7L Dodge Challenger just in this forum alone in the past few months:

1. 06/27/2011 -- mileage not mentioned -- ... come to find out the timing chain broke ...

2. 07/19/2011 -- 85,000 miles -- ... and the timing chain broke...

3. 09/27/2011 -- 33,385 miles -- 2009 R/T Motor Broke

4. 11/23/2011 -- 38,000 miles -- Club member's car. Broken timing chain. Car in shop for over two months.

5. 12/07/2011 -- 34,000 miles -- I found this thread the hard way...

6. 12/19/2011 -- 22,600 miles -- 2010 Challenger - Timing Chain Breaks...

7. 01/21/2012 -- 60,000 miles -- Engine went..........

8. 02/02/2012 -- 38,000 miles -- 2009 Challenger R/T lost a second motor .. (Second occurrence. See #3 above. 4,000 miles on new motor).

9. 03/08/2012 -- 50,000 miles -- BLOWN ENGINE 50,000 miles

10. 03/23/2012 -- 14,000 miles -- ... my timing chain snapped

11. 04/04/2012 -- 53,500 miles -- My timing chain just broke today ...

12. 04/16/2012 -- 46,000 miles -- Mine is in the shop with a broken timing chain...

13. 04/27/2012 -- 31,000 miles -- My chain broke back in December of 2011 ...

14. 05/22/2012 -- 37,000 miles -- Here's another 2010 Auto R/T with a broken timing chain! ...

15. 06/13/2012 -- 40,257 miles -- I too have a broken timing chain ...

16. 06/23/2012 -- 38,485 miles -- Guess I can be added to the list ...

17. 06/26/2012 -- 38,500 miles -- Just happened last Saturday ...

18. 08/02/2012 -- 59,134 miles -- ... all of a sudden Bam the engine shuts down

19. 08/03/2012 -- 38,000 miles -- I had this happen at 38000 miles, 2010 R/T Auto

20. 08/08/2012 -- 27,000 miles -- The timing chain on my 2010 R/T just broke ...

21. 08/10/2012 -- 59,300 miles -- ... timing chain broke again. (Third occurrence. See #3 and #8 above. 16,000 miles on new motor).

22. 08/10/2012 -- 63,000 miles -- ... timing chain broke cruising at 70mph on the highway

23. 09/03/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- ... while driving to dallas my timing chain broke

24. 09/11/2012 -- 24,000 miles -- Welp - chalk up another one ... (first 2011 to be reported here)

25. 09/21/2012 -- 31,100 miles -- This just happened a few days ago ...

26. 10/10/2012 -- 42,559 miles -- Well it's looking like I'm the latest timing chain victim ...

27. 10/24/2012 -- 65,000 miles -- ... driving on the highway 65MPH and "Pop goes to weasel"

28. 11/18/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- Mine just broke...2010 mopar 10, no mods, auto ... (first to break not at highway speeds)

29. 11/19/2012 -- 39,000 miles -- just got another 2010 with 39000 in today ...

30. 12/04/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- The timing chain on my 2010 Auto RT broke last Friday ...

31. 12/09/2012 -- miles pending -- ... R/T not running at the moment timing chain broke ...

32. 12/11/2012 -- 27,000 miles -- ... cruising on the interstate at 70, MDS on, when suddenly loss of power ...

33. 01/03/2013 -- 58,000 miles -- ... the dealer has confirmed that I did have a timing chain failure.

34. 01/22/2013 -- 40,000 miles -- It has been confirmed I as well did have a broken timing chain

35. 01/22/2013 -- 43,000 miles -- 2010 R/T, 5-speed auto with mds. No mods at all.

36. 02/22/2013 -- 52,000 miles -- ... it happen to me this weekend ...

37. 04/15/2013 -- 55,000 miles -- I have now become victim to a failed timing chain

38. 04/20/2013 -- 73,000 miles -- cruising at 65 mph, in MSD, engine 'shut down'

39. 05/13/2013 -- 66,000 miles -- lost it on the interstate doing 73 in MDS

40. 05/20/2013 -- 56.616 miles -- ... on the freeway headed to work in the rain and Wham

41. 05/24/2013 -- 28,000 miles -- the chain went on the highway at 70+ mph

42. 06/07/2013 -- 88,256 miles -- ... driving down the highway heard a loud pop ...

43. 07/01/2013 -- 52,000 miles -- Timing chain broke on freeway ...

44. 07/23/2013 -- 54,057 miles -- Was in a canyon going uphill at about 55mph ... (claims MDS not engaged)

45. 07/26/2013 -- 49,000 miles -- Cruising along 65 mph engine stalled.

46. 08/10/2013 -- 22,281 miles -- I wish I found this topic sooner

47. 09/17/2013 -- 40,091 miles -- driving 74 mph in cruse control just died ...

48. 10/04/2013 -- 68,000 miles -- Add another one to the list OMG.

49. 10/22/2013 -- 89,000 miles -- Timing chain went on my 09 Challenger

50. 11/13/2013 -- 55,320 miles -- I had hoped I would never be posting this message ...

51. 11/13/2013 -- 42,342 miles -- Just got up to highway speed Bam Powerloss ...

52. 11/21/2013 -- 53,000 miles -- Add me to the list of failures ...

53. 11/27/2013 -- 73,000 miles -- I was cruising at highway speeds (70 mph), in MDS

54. Recall initiated, see below.

Remember, these reports are from this forum alone. Real world numbers are greatly increased.

The things in common when the timing chain breaks so far are:

1. MDS is activated (auto trans., so 6-speed are excluded)
2. Traveling at freeway speeds (or coming off of freeway)
3. 2009-2011 model years affected so far.
4. Limited to the 5.7L motor so far
5. Dodge Challenger only

Things ruled out thus far:

A. 6-speed manual transmissions not affected
B. Other 5.7L vehicles not affected, i.e., Charger, 300, Ram truck
C. New guide shoe (white color) has also failed (see #8 on list of failures)
D. New crate motor has also failed (see #3 and #8 on list of failures)
E. Both stock and mod cars affected
F. Both stock tune and Predator tune (with MDS turned on) affected
G. All oil change intervals affected, i.e., 3,000 miles, 5,000 miles, etc.
H. All types of oil affected, i.e., both synthetic and conventional oil

* Author's notes (last updated 10/28/13):

(1) When I created this thread, I was so taken back by a timing chain failure happening and discovering at least a half dozen similar occurrences, that I attempted to discover if anyone here had experienced a timing chain failure and what their dealership experience was. I got a lot of adverse feedback along the lines of "alarmist" and "chicken little" and other name calling, including some from dealerships and master mechanics, as can be seen in just the first few hundred posts below. Many attempted to derail this thread by taking it off-topic on many, many occasions. Some are still out there promoting denial of the issue. Still, the problem remains, it is real and it continues to plague fellow Challenger owners.

(2) The timing chain concern can be alleviated by disabling MDS (a band-aid solution not a fix). All but one recent report have shown that MDS was engaged and the car was traveling at freeway speeds. You can prevent MDS from being activated by switching into manual mode while driving on the freeway. You can read How to use the Autostick feature and manual mode here. You can also use a tuner to disable the MDS feature, but be forewarned, if the dealership discovers your use of a tuner on the car, you are in for a fight to get the repairs done under warranty.

(3) Chrysler is aware of the issue and has been monitoring this thread for some time regardless of they might tell you. In addition, many people have already telephoned customer service and have written to Chrysler directly. But, even without all of that, you don't have timing chains, tensioners, heads and short blocks rolling out of the warehouse in the numbers that they have without raising some internal red flags of a potential issue.

(4) Talks of running off to court and filing a lawsuit over this issue are misguided. Your warranty specifically states that you MUST first submit the matter to arbitration. Any lawsuit would be immediately dismissed, and now you are out the filing fees.

(5) When I first created this thread, the weekly parts demand for timing chains was at about 15. It is currently hovering around 35 at the moment.

(6) Chrysler has switched from the black tensioner and guide to white (supposedly stronger) and then to an aluminum tensioner and guide with a plastic face plate (the current part). Both black and white guides have failed. No reports of the aluminum failing yet but they are relatively new first showing up in mid-2013 R/T's.

(7) The exact cause of the timing chain failure is still unknown. In fact, it may never been known. There are just too many factors involved to isolate the problem, and if we haven't discovered the cause in over 350,000 page views, how can we expect Chrysler to? While there is a lot of speculation as to the exact cause, which seems to go round-and-round every few hundred posts, it is all just that -- speculation. What we do for for certain is that MDS is playing a part in the timing chain failures.

(8) Special shout outs to Desert Bum, Hal H, hmk123, Force10, 19johned53, and the nameless many who have helped to keep this issue real and on topic. Your comments are appreciated.

---------

* Author's notes (last updated 02/12/14):

Customer Satisfaction Notification P01
Engine Timing Chain and Chain Guide
Models
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
Repair
2009-2012 (LC) Dodge Challenger
(LD) Dodge Charger
(LX) Chrysler 300
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 5.7L Hemi engine (sales code EZD or EZH), automatic transmission (sales code DGJ) and rear axle ratio 3.06, 3.73 or 3.92 (sales code DMP, DME or DMH) built from August 04, 2008 through July 10, 2012 (MDH 080406 through 071008).
The engine timing chain guide on about 50,800 of the above vehicles may fracture. A fractured engine timing chain guide could cause the engine timing chain to break. A broken engine timing chain will result in severe engine damage.
The engine timing chain, timing chain tensioner and timing chain guide must be replaced.
Customer Satisfaction Notification P01 Engine Timing Chain and Chain Guide Page 2
Part Number Description
CBPRN291AA Engine Timing Chain Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Chain, Engine Timing
1 Guide, Engine Timing Chain
1 Tensioner, Engine Timing Chain
1 O-ring, Oil Pick-up Tube
1 Gasket, Engine Timing Cover
NOTE: Order two heater tube O-rings separately listed below for each repair.
Part Number Description
53013736AA O-ring, Heater Tube (order two per vehicle)
Each dealer
to whom vehicles in the recall were assigned will receive enough Engine Timing Chain Packages to service about 5% of those vehicles.

----------

Recall type:

Customer Satisfaction Notification - Customer Satisfaction Notifications are preventive in nature and involve warranty or customer satisfaction issues such as non-safety repairs. Chrysler will correct the problem, at no charge, even if the vehicle is out of warranty and you are not the original owner.

You can check if your vehicle is subject to the timing chain issue recall (or any other recall) by visiting the Chrysler website and entering your vehicle's VIN number. Visit: http://www.chrysler.com/en/mobile/webselfservice/

----------

We really want to thank everyone who wrote us, (Pietro), with their timing chain concerns. The engineering team has completed their work and the following statement has been released. If there are any questions, reach out to us on this forum as opposed to sending an email as that will be quicker.

Chrysler Group is launching a customer-service action to bolster timing-chain system durability in certain cars equipped with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines.

The decision follows an extensive investigation to determine the precise issue and appropriate remedy.
The investigation discovered the engine’s fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology may cause an adverse interaction with the timing-chain system. (Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.) As a result, the Company will replace – at no cost to customers – the timing chains, tensioners and guides in certain vehicles built between Aug. 4, 2008 and July 10, 2012.

Affected are certain model-year 2009-2012 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 full-size sedans, and Dodge Challenger sport coupes. The scope is limited to vehicles equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions and axle ratios of 3.06, 3.73 or 3.92.

Beginning this month, Chrysler Group will contact affected customers with instructions to schedule service appointments with their dealers.

Chrysler Group greatly appreciates the patience demonstrated by its customers while this issue was under investigation. The Company also values and shares the passion expressed on these pages by customers and fans alike.

Thanks,

DodgeCares
----------

Article: Timing Chain Failure on the Dodge Challenger – Ground Zero

----------



 
See less See more
2
#2,991 ·
It won't handle 700 hp? Wont shift from 4th to 5th full throttle, that's 166 mph on my car. On my morning Walmart trips I shift from 4th to 5th at 150 mph, no problem. :) They didn't mention that it can be beefed up to handle 850 hp+ or that the axles will break long before the tranny gives you any problems.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Daves12R/T
#2,992 ·
Walmart trips

:eek:hyeah:On my morning Walmart trips I shift from 4th to 5th at 150 mph, no problem.


are you kidding me? I don't even want to go past 100mph, i fear of one of my lug nuts or 2 might pop off lol or have my tires inflate for some reason or another :jester:
 
#2,993 ·
Would the question now be appropriate to ask if any aftermarket company makes a gear drive conversion for this motor? I think it might provide some here with another option than to wait for their chain/ or tensioner to break?
 
#2,994 ·
Did you not see the smiley face inserted? Who ever wrote that article was full of it.Titling it as Nag1 WOES was insane. The driveshaft and axles are the weak parts of the drive train and then only if you increase HP to at least 650. I don't know of any shop that wouldn't tell you to upgrade not only your axles but your transmission as well. Automatics by nature are easier on your drive train than standards, the torque converter is a fluid coupling that takes most of the shock from your engine to your tansmission.
 
#2,995 ·
I went on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2011 and can't ask for a better car to drive on a long haul.
2009 BB R/T Challenger.
But now I have 36k on it and im not too confident in trusting another long road trip.

Car runs great but this TC issue really worries me. :shrug03:
 
#2,999 ·
"I have been finding many reports of the timing chain breaking on the Dodge Challenger, mostly in the 5.7L Hemi engines. The timing chain breaks in most reported instances around the 35K-40K mile range.

Once the timing chain breaks, the end result is usually the valves smacking the pistons which bend the valves, damages the pistons and leads to catastrophic engine failure. This often requires a new long block.

How many of you have had the timing chain break? How many miles on the car when when it happened? and what was your experience in getting it repaired?


Known instances of the timing chain breaking on the 5.7L Dodge Challenger just in this forum alone in the past few months"

Add another one to the list, it happen to me this weekend 2/17/2013. 2010 5.7L Dodge Challenger Auto 52K on odometer
freeway speed 70mph with cruise control and MDS on, the engine just stopped and I pulled off to the side of the fwy, engine completely dead.

Towed to dealer, come to find out timing chain broke causing bent valves & heads needing to be replaced. Still in the shop as I type, and get this... the dealership cannot find a gasket kit apparently anywhere in So Cal, said will be be at least a min of one more week in the shop.
Car is completely stock except for Mopar CAI & aftermarket exhaust.
 
#3,007 ·
Add another one to the list, it happen to me this weekend 2/17/2013. 2010 5.7L Dodge Challenger Auto 52K on odometer
freeway speed 70mph with cruise control and MDS on, the engine just stopped and I pulled off to the side of the fwy, engine completely dead.

Towed to dealer, come to find out timing chain broke causing bent valves & heads needing to be replaced. Still in the shop as I type, and get this... the dealership cannot find a gasket kit apparently anywhere in So Cal, said will be be at least a min of one more week in the shop.
Car is completely stock except for Mopar CAI & aftermarket exhaust.
Garry, sorry to hear you're the latest TC failure victim. Did you Challenger's engine have any modifications?
 
#3,006 ·
I was responding to Daves12R/T who was referring to an old post of mine in this very thread. That's if you don't mind. Now my ignore list is getting crowded, but every encounter I have with you seems to go the same way so please make yourself at home there. People who abuse exclamation marks and who need endless explanations get on my nerves anyway.
 
#3,010 ·
I have been reading this thread on and off for the last year. I'm at 19,000 miles and still drive around on D (MDS active). But most of my miles are on city streets, not cruising at 70+ where I do put in 5th gear.

One thing I have noticed is that this MDS will not stay in 4 cylinder if you even try to accelerate at a modest pace (like keeping up with a Toyota Prius). The MDS is too light in the Challenger. It toggles back and forth even just driving on a city street during normal traffic maneuvers like lane changes etc.

I have heard the Chargers and the trucks require much more throttle to go out of MDS. That I think is what is saving their timing chains. The constant switching could be a big contributor to the tensioner and chain going out. If this car would stay in 4 cylinder mode until I get the throttle 1/3 of the way down, it would be better on the fuel and might prevent chain failure. Meanwhile, I have figured out how to drive this car so that I can keep it in MDS without the toggling back and forth and will see what happens.
 
  • Like
Reactions: USRWDV8
#3,011 · (Edited)
I think if it waited til the throttle was 1/3 of the way down before it kicked out of MDS, it would lurch forward very hard when it went back to all 8. I haven't driven a 300 or Charger with MDS yet but I'll bet it is almost the same as the Challenger.

I think the MDS is almost like stop/start technology. It cuts out the 4 cylinders going down hills, under light load, and every time you let off the gas between 20mph and 80mph. Just by not feeding fuel to those cylinders it save a little gas. Kinda like when a normal gas car stops at a stop sign or traffic light, the stop/start tech kills the engine then restarts it as soon as the brake is let off (unless it's needed to keep the battery charged while sitting in traffic) just to not feed a little fuel to the cylinders while idling. I saw a video on 5th Gear once on this tech and it saved something like 20% using stop/start vs. not using it on the same car in the same test. I guess it adds up feeding fuel to those cylinders even when not needed on our cars.
 
#3,015 · (Edited)
For those inquiring minds........

Coming up on 7k since my TC failure. I drive 300-350 miles a week. With stock tune and MDS, avg mpg is 21.1. With the Predator in stock tune, MDS off, 10% throttle boost, and firmed up shifts, avg mpg is 19.9. I had swapped back to stock for a week to see the difference and compare. I like the driveabilty better as set now with the Predator. An FYI...I posted earlier that I felt they had reflashed my computer, the MDS definetly stays engaged more than before the TC failed.
 
#3,019 ·
Since this is only affecting cars into model year 2011, it would be interesting to note the build date and firmware revision # of the 2011 auto/MDS cars that have had the issue and those that haven't.

Based on the evidence collected so far, this is most certainly an MDS software issue, and it may have been corrected sometime in MY 2011. And as 72/340 mentioned, he suspects a reflash has caused his MDS to stay engaged longer.
 
#3,021 ·
Right. I didn't mean only 2011 cars. However, unless a 2012 car appears with the TC issue, I'm wondering if they have fixed this with revised programming at some point in 2011.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top