Dreaded Check Engine light on after 3 weeks of Ownership

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

Looks like you have joined the club of new Charger owners. Now if Mother Mopar can come up with a fix that solves whatever issue is causing this once and for all we will be golden! I have been waiting for weeks after reporting the issue to Dodge in Michigan but have heard nothing as of yet.

 

[baabootoo55]

Manual says at least 91 octane Later RJD

This is just for maximum power though. I have a gauge that shows long term and short term timing retard, and I have run 87 in my Hellcat w/o it pulling timing. Did I hammer it all day? Of course not, but easy cruising doesn't hurt a thing since the engine is so well protected. Speaking of which, it also says to use 91 for my current car, but I have seen some 91 octane pull timing which is why I use 93 if I want max power.

 

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

I hear you and have tried all 3 octanes and various fuel brands and the CEL will still come on. The bottom line is we need a real fix from Dodge once and for all. These cars cost way too much to be having these issues. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that that Dodge doesn’t forget about us because from what I am seeing it is not a priority for them unless you scream like a banshee!

 

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

I put a formal complaint into Stellantis corporate a few weeks back regarding the check engine light and the fact that no one at my selling dealership could help or knew anything about the new Chargers. Today I received a call from Tim Kuniskis's (Mr. Dodge Performance) Administrative Assistant in Michigan. This is my second conversation with her, and she has offered to send a Dodge Specialist down from Detroit and have them spend a week at my selling dealership going over my car to find out what exactly is happening regarding the check engine light. Not sure, I want to leave a brand-new car at a dealership for week especially when it is my only set of wheels. I am thinking about it seriously however, as I can find no fixes on PCM reflashes that might be coming down the pike or any other fixes for that matter. In fact, the lady from Dodge told me that they have been responding to Dodge Charger buyers for the last couple of months regarding issues with their vehicles and that the fix for no two have been alike. That fact is scary in itself and may mean the cars are full of gremlins that will come out over time. I will let all of my forum brothers know what I decide to do!!

 

[aceinspp57]

Thanks for the update later RJD

 

[daperry2]

I put a formal complaint into Stellantis corporate a few weeks back regarding the check engine light and the fact that no one at my selling dealership could help or knew anything about the new Chargers. Today I received a call from Tim Kuniskis's (Mr. Dodge Performance) Administrative Assistant in Michigan. This is my second conversation with her, and she has offered to send a Dodge Specialist down from Detroit and have them spend a week at my selling dealership going over my car to find out what exactly is happening regarding the check engine light. Not sure, I want to leave a brand-new car at a dealership for week especially when it is my only set of wheels. I am thinking about it seriously however, as I can find no fixes on PCM reflashes that might be coming down the pike or any other fixes for that matter. In fact, the lady from Dodge told me that they have been responding to Dodge Charger buyers for the last couple of months regarding issues with their vehicles and that the fix for no two have been alike. That fact is scary in itself and may mean the cars are full of gremlins that will come out over time. I will let all of my forum brothers know what I decide to do!!

I have done the same, have a formal case number with Dodge, they supposedly sent a Tech on Friday, 5/15, to assist dealer. Talked to Dodge case advocate on Monday 5/16, with no update yet. Will be in contact again tomorrow, 5/20, since car has been with dealer since 5/13, and need to renew loaner arrangement. Will keep all updated as this "opportunity" transpires with the new Charter Sixpack. Miss my 2023 Challenger 392 Last Call now more than ever.

 

[baabootoo55]

Are you guys getter decent loaners?

 

[8pack-213]

Are you guys getter decent loaners?

This….

Dealership should give you a loaner or rental… if they’re not call Dodge or go to a different dealer than you purchased from… in my experience the best operations have all of this streamlined and a well run Dodge dealership is more than happy to do and assess any warranty work because Stellantis pays them handily for it.

Tl/dr;
The dealerships that are apprehensive or saying they can’t get you a loaner or rental car are lazy/poorly ran and fail to do the correct paperwork or were likely scamming Stellantis in the past on reimbursements… go to a different dealer if you’re getting any resistance from your current dealer and Dodge intervention isn’t helping.

My 2cents. I have one Dodge dealer that will give me a rental for almost anything under warranty no questions asked and another that won’t do anything even if the car is towed there DOA.

You’re not stuck with the crappy dealer you bought from.

 

[daperry2]

Was provided a Jeep SUV as a loaner. Not as exciting as the Charger but gets the job done. Received an update on my persistent check engine and performance issues earlier this morning. Related to Fuel/Trim data coming from O2 sensors. Doge tech onsite was able to narrow it down but even his equipment/software was not able to get detail data from the O2 sensors to fully diagnose and confirm. Code P0172 implied Downstream O2 sensor that was replaced but did not fully resolve issue. He mentioned seeing something similar in that it was masking a problem with the Upstream O2 sensor sending fuel/trim data to the PCM. Ordered an Upstream O2 sensor but current delivery estimate is Tuesday, 5/26, after the holiday weekend. Note: This recap is from verbal communication over the phone and not officially documented on the service ticket. From what I have been able to read related to Fuel Trim and MAF sensors sending unrealistic data (negative g/S) to PCM control modules from prior years, seems reasonable and hopefully, a correct resolution to my check engine light issues. Once corrected, I have a very good fried at a Pensacola shop with a full Dyno setup to test and record detail data on this Sixpack engine.

 

[aceinspp57]

Thanks for the update Later RJD

 

[8pack-213]

Was provided a Jeep SUV as a loaner. Not as exciting as the Charger but gets the job done. Received an update on my persistent check engine and performance issues earlier this morning. Related to Fuel/Trim data coming from O2 sensors. Doge tech onsite was able to narrow it down but even his equipment/software was not able to get detail data from the O2 sensors to fully diagnose and confirm. Code P0172 implied Downstream O2 sensor that was replaced but did not fully resolve issue. He mentioned seeing something similar in that it was masking a problem with the Upstream O2 sensor sending fuel/trim data to the PCM. Ordered an Upstream O2 sensor but current delivery estimate is Tuesday, 5/26, after the holiday weekend. Note: This recap is from verbal communication over the phone and not officially documented on the service ticket. From what I have been able to read related to Fuel Trim and MAF sensors sending unrealistic data (negative g/S) to PCM control modules from prior years, seems reasonable and hopefully, a correct resolution to my check engine light issues. Once corrected, I have a very good fried at a Pensacola shop with a full Dyno setup to test and record detail data on this Sixpack engine.

This is the exact same thing that happened in my 392 Durango… long and short of it… bad gas even when labeled 93 octane… switched to top tier stations and no issue afterwards with no O2 sensors ever being replaced.

These take 91 minimum and if not going 93 I’d definitely make sure you’re going to a top tier station.

My Wagoneer (also a hurricane SO) would trip CEL on bad gas too.

 

[daperry2]

I have never used anything but Shell 93 Premium in both my Challenger 392 Scat Pack Last Call and now the Dodge Sixpack HO. Codes and diagnostics when available, have pointed to bad data coming from O2 sensors. The 392 Challenger never thru check engine lights and the gas source has not changed in over 4 years. While bad gas can contribute, Dodge tech and I don't believe it is the root issue in my case as it began right out of the gate at 200 miles. Thanks

 

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

Let's hope this check engine light issue gets eventually fixed as I too have been to touch with Dodge corporate and they are offering to send a tech down and provide loaner assistance. I just wished these cars had been buttoned down good before they were put on the lots to sell. I love mine, but don't like check engines lights coming shortly after driving off the dealer's lot. Please let all of us know when the work is done and what exactly they did or was it another guessing game. Thanks!

 

[daperry2]

After replacing the downstream O2 sensor to no avail, yesterday the upstream O2 sensor was replaced and when the technician was reprogramming the PCM, he found a just released update to flash the module with. Apparently, this update to address these check engine lights has been in the works and now available to dealerships. Will continue to monitor things but been told this new update should take care of things once and for all. Thanks to all who provided support and guidance during this 4-week ordeal and look forward to finally being able to drive with confidence this new Charger Scat Pack Plus with the Sixpack engine.

 

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

After replacing the downstream O2 sensor to no avail, yesterday the upstream O2 sensor was replaced and when the technician was reprogramming the PCM, he found a just released update to flash the module with. Apparently, this update to address these check engine lights has been in the works and now available to dealerships. Will continue to monitor things but been told this new update should take care of things once and for all. Thanks to all who provided support and guidance during this 4-week ordeal and look forward to finally being able to drive with confidence this new Charger Scat Pack Plus with the Sixpack engine.

 

[2026 Metalflake Green2]

Thanks for letting us all know who are experiencing the "dreaded check engine light" and still waiting for a fix. Hopefully, your car will purr like a kitten from now on! I sympathize with your 4-week ordeal as that is what they are telling me if a Tech comes down from Michigan that they will need my car for several weeks for analysis and trial and error. Truthfully, I am afraid to leave it at the dealership that long to come back and find it scratched and screwed up from one end to the other, however may have to "finally" to get it fixed like you just went through. I am going to call my mechanic at the Dodge dealership and see if he can access the revised PCM flash you mentioned and see if that fixes it. Wish me luck and I happy for you and your "new" Mopar!

 

[aceinspp57]

After replacing the downstream O2 sensor to no avail, yesterday the upstream O2 sensor was replaced and when the technician was reprogramming the PCM, he found a just released update to flash the module with. Apparently, this update to address these check engine lights has been in the works and now available to dealerships. Will continue to monitor things but been told this new update should take care of things once and for all. Thanks to all who provided support and guidance during this 4-week ordeal and look forward to finally being able to drive with confidence this new Charger Scat Pack Plus with the Sixpack engine.

Thanks for the info. So far have not had this issue but if I do at least I know now there is fix. Later RJD

 

[gasort2]

Mine was fixed this morning when I finally got in for an appointment. There were a few items like lean on bank 2 (weird for an inline engine?) and something about the computer deenergizing too quickly. I'll find the paper they gave me with all the codes and add them tomorrow. Turned out there was just a couple software updates and after that the light went away and hasn't come back. I never actually felt like there were any issues with the car while the light was on, so I'm not sure what actually got fixed other than some telemetry that may have been incorrectly reported.

Anyway, sure is nice to not see that light on my dash again, it was embarrassing!

 

[CareerFirefighter]

Hey all, as I posted here before I've been looking into the purchase of a '26 Six Pack Scat Pack.
But the three cars I wanted to test drive had dead batteries and I was concerned so I passed.
Another one was just offered to me and the window sticker shows an early May build date.
So does anyone know if Dodge addressed all the electrical gremlins in these later builds?

thnx

 

[aceinspp57]

Good question. Mine was built in April and have not seen any of the issues so I'm betting if car was built in May the up dates should have been applied. You could check with dealer and see if they did updates. Later RJD