The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is facing a potential engine problem affecting 345 specific cars, prompting Dodge to prepare a Customer Service Notice (CSN). The issue involves the crankshaft damper and its related bolt on the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which produces 1,025 horsepower.
Crankshaft Damper Issue Affects 345 Cars
Mopar Insiders spoke with Chrysler/Dodge CEO Matt McAlear about the issue involving the V8’s crankshaft damper and related bolt. The component is a harmonic damper designed to counter torsional and resonance vibrations from the crankshaft.
Dodge has traced the affected parts to a specific production period from the supplier, limiting the issue to 345 vehicles out of the roughly 3,300 Challenger SRT Demon 170 examples sold. The affected vehicles are not necessarily sequential VINs.
Dodge is addressing the issue through a Customer Service Notice to help prevent owners from experiencing the consequences of a faulty harmonic damper. Because the automaker is taking the action on its own through the CSN, the matter is not considered a recall.
Potential for Serious Engine Damage
According to the notification, owners would likely hear the harmonic damper issue before it becomes a more serious problem. However, continuing to operate an affected vehicle could potentially damage additional engine components.
McAlear said the worst-case scenario could involve catastrophic engine damage. The issue therefore has the potential to cause severe damage to the supercharged V8, although there would be warning signs before that point.
Any resulting damage to the engine could also be expensive, given the vehicle’s high-performance powertrain.
Dodge Recommends Transporting Affected Cars
Dodge is recommending that owners of affected Demon 170 models have their vehicles transported to dealerships rather than driving them there. The recommendation is intended to avoid the possibility of a problem occurring while the vehicle is being driven to the dealership.
For owners who want to avoid adding mileage to their limited-edition muscle cars, Dodge can also arrange transportation back from the dealership after the work has been completed.
Owners Can Check Their VINs
Dodge knows which 345 vehicles are affected and is contacting those owners directly. Owners who want to check their vehicles immediately can also use the Mopar website to search their VIN.
The Customer Service Notice is focused on addressing the crankshaft damper issue before it can potentially lead to additional engine damage in the affected Challenger SRT Demon 170 vehicles.
