DodgeChallenger20133.6L V6/dodge/challenger/2013/3-6l-v6/
LC platform

2013 Dodge Challenger — 3.6L V6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Challenger 3.6L V6.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.6L V6Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2013 Dodge Challenger is an LC-platform passenger car that pairs a 3.6L V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission to deliver an EPA-rated fuel economy of 18/27/21 mpg. Keeping this powertrain properly lubricated requires exactly 6.0 quarts of 5W-20 API oil, a specific but vital maintenance figure for the V6. In the context of the model's 2008–2023 reliability timeline, the 2013 model year sits in the moderate middle with 179 total owner complaints predominantly focused on the electrical system alongside 5 recalls, meaning it avoids the problematic peak of 2010's 298 complaints but still presents a notably higher likelihood of electrical issues compared to the 2022 low of just 9 complaints.

Model year201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/27/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-55R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter04861746AB
Spark plugSP149125AF
BatteryBBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades68015148AA
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length197.6 in
Overall width75.6 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase116.1 in
Curb weight4083 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 27 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2013 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

6.0–6.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2015 SXT Plus Coupe
305 hpHorsepower (as tested)
268 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011SE Coupe 3.6L V66.40 sec14.90 sec305 hpRWD
2011SE Coupe 3.6L V66.40 sec14.80 sec305 hpRWD
2015SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V66.00 sec14.50 sec305 hpRWD
2015SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V66.20 sec14.70 sec305 hpRWD
2017GT Coupe 3.6L V66.30 sec14.80 sec305 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity4 Pints
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.7 Pints, non_mvc
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-85

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug TypeRER8ZWYCB4
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.50-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief16-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure30-139 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES / WITH FN3
Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs / 44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle98 ft-lbs
OtherPOLICE
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES / WITH FN3
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in / 0.0003 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in / 0.001 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., step 2: 10530 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
375 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.75 degrees
450 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.50 degrees
5Loosen bolts in reverse sequence
622.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
870 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.70 degrees
970 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.; Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.70 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 96,000 mi.

Every 12,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 18,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 30,000 miParking Brake System (adjust)
Every 96,000 miSpark Plug Wires (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Challenger sits in the middle of the generation’s complaint arc, which peaked at 298 in 2010 and then generally declined. With 179 complaints and 5 recalls, 2013 is notably better than the 2012 model (253 complaints, 6 recalls) but still worse than the 2014 model (146 complaints, 5 recalls). The 2013 year also has a high number of technical service bulletins (206), indicating that many issues were known to dealers, and its top complaint area is Electrical System (65), with 10 fire complaints—a figure that is elevated compared to later years. The data does not specify root causes for these complaints, but the trend shows that after 2015, complaints drop sharply (e.g., 78 in 2016). Overall, 2013 is a transitional year: it is less problematic than the early models but still carries above-average risk, making it a cautious buy only if you can confirm that electrical and fire-related TSBs have been applied.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
206
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
179
Owner complaints
6 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 179 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System65
Steering10
Air Bags9
Electrical System,Engine8
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Power Train6
Engine5
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V018000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/01/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator…

17V435000Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorReported 10/07/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 206 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
31-001-25 REV. B2025-08-16StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading…
31-001-25 REV. A2025-08-14StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading…
31-001-252025-08-13StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading…
31-001-242024-07-24Structure"Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading…
91002292023-09-20SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Challenger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Challenger 3.6L V6 take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 Challenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L V6 get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined mpg.