DodgeCharger20113.6L/dodge/charger/2011/3-6l/
LD platform

2011 Dodge Charger — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Charger 3.6L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2011 Dodge Charger 3.6L is a rear‑wheel‑drive passenger car built on the LD platform and powered by a 3.6‑liter V6 paired with a five‑speed automatic transmission. It requires six quarts of 5W‑20 API‑certified engine oil with filter and delivers fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Owner‑reported complaints for this model year total 692, with the electrical system being the most frequent issue and 11 recalls on record. This places the 2011 Charger well below the 2006 peak of 1,293 complaints and near the low‑complaint end of the 2001‑2024 trend, which saw only a single complaint in 2024.

Model year201920182017201620152014201320122011

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · 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 - EX. POLICE · 730 - EX. POLICE 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 - EX. POLICE · 730 - EX. POLICE CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-55R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter04861746AB
Spark plugSPLZFR5C11 alt SP149125AF
BatteryBBH8F001AA alt 04608719AE
Front wiper blades68194930AB alt 05182439AB
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 length200 in
Overall width75.2 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase120.1 in
Curb weight4449 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 27 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume105 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

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

Independent published road-test results.

7.2–7.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.20 sec — 2011 Rallye Plus Sedan
292 hpHorsepower (as tested)
260 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V67.20 sec15.70 sec292 hpRWD
2011Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec292 hpRWD
2012SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.60 sec15.10 sec292 hpRWD
2012SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.70 sec15.30 sec292 hpRWD
2013SXT Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec15.00 sec292 hpRWD
2016SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V66.20 sec14.70 sec292 hpRWD
2016SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec14.80 sec292 hpRWD
20184 GT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec14.90 sec300 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. 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 Capacity5.2
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.5 Pints
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.7 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts27 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub184 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.56-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R - EX. POLICE
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 - EX. POLICE cca
Optional BCI Group Number49 - POLICE

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
Injector Primary Resistance12+-0.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure30-139 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES / WITH FN3
Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs / 44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle85 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.097 in / 0.389 in / 0.861 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 6 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
2Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
3Bolts 1-1040 ft. lbs
4Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
5Bolts 1-1090 degrees
6Bolts 11-1525 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 4: 50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 5: Loosen bolts in reverse sequence Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 8: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 9: 70 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.22 ft. lbs

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 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 96,000 miSpark 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 2011 Dodge Charger generated 692 consumer complaints, 11 federal recalls, 152 technical service bulletins, 25 crash‑related complaints and 64 fire‑related complaints. Compared with the prior year, complaints and recalls more than doubled (238 complaints, 6 recalls in 2010), while the following 2012 model saw 648 complaints and 14 recalls. The complaint volume in 2011 exceeds that of 2012 but is lower than the 2006 peak of 1,293 complaints, indicating a mid‑range position within the generation’s complaint trajectory. Recalls in 2011 (11) are fewer than the 14 recorded in 2012 but higher than the 6 reported in 2010, reflecting an upward recall trend through the early 2010s. Consequently, while the 2011 Charger is not the worst year in the series, its elevated complaint and recall counts suggest that later model years provide a comparatively lower‑risk purchase.

11
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
152
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
692
Owner complaints
25 involved a crash · 64 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 692 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System205
Exterior Lighting82
Fuel/Propulsion System68
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting55
Air Bags27
Electrical System,Engine25
Engine22
Steering,Electrical System10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 11 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 152 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1084632025-11-18Service BrakesPAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
1084642025-11-17Service BrakesPAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91001962023-07-27EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily…

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 Charger. 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 2011 Charger 3.6L take?

6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Charger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

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