2010 Dodge Charger: Timing chain tensioner failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Charger report: timing chain tensioner failure. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 108,150 miles.
NHTSA has 66 owner complaints for the 2010 Charger in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11726589 (filed 03/24/2026): “While i am driving the vehicle it shuts off and the key seems to be loose. it has shut off multiple times while operating driving down the highway making it unsafe to get to the side of the road…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11639822 (filed 01/31/2025): “Lifter taping…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $3,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: timing chain and tensioner replacement
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2010 Chevrolet Traverse: Timing chain code issue · 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Timing chain tensioner failure · 2018 Nissan Pathfinder: Timing chain failing
Page last updated .