Segment:
Full-size sedan, RWD/AWD configuration
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a powerful, spacious, and stylish American sedan
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera
Design Philosophy:
Aggressive styling, retro-inspired cues, comfortable and spacious interior
Powertrain Options:
Variety of V6 and V8 engine choices, RWD and optional AWD
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), differential, drive shafts, axles
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment system, climate control, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, safety restraints, dashboard controls, interior lighting, cargo area
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, tire pressure checks, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), wiper blade replacement
Do It Yourself:
Bulb replacement, fuse replacement, basic cleaning and detailing, jump starting
Safety And Operation:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child seat installation, emergency procedures, towing guidelines
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover detailed diagnostic procedures or internal component repair.
Base Engine:
3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Optional Engine 1:
5.7L HEMI V8 (350 hp @ 5000 rpm, 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Optional Engine 2:
6.1L HEMI SRT V8 (425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm) - SRT8 trim
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended (premium for HEMI engines may be recommended for optimal performance)
Base Engine Code:
EGG (3.5L V6)
Hemi Engine Code:
EZD (5.7L HEMI V8), ESH (6.1L HEMI V8)
Base Transmission:
4-speed automatic
Performance Transmission:
5-speed automatic (W5A580) - on certain V8 models
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some trims
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
Braking:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control
Airbags:
Advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability
Navigation:
Optional Uconnect Navigation system with touch-screen interface
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional ParkSense Rear Park Assist system
Handsfree:
Optional Uconnect Hands-Free Communication system (Bluetooth)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the Oil Change Indicator system)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles or annually
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (Chrysler MS-6395)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, Prediluted Mopar OAT or equivalent
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler power steering fluid or equivalent
Common Complaints:
Potential issues can include minor electrical glitches, early wear on suspension components, and occasional transmission performance anomalies, though generally considered robust.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Adherence to scheduled maintenance, especially fluid changes and timely replacement of wear items, is key to long-term reliability.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and distinctive American vehicles, with the Charger nameplate evoking muscle car heritage.
Third Generation Charger:
The 2009 model is part of the third generation of the modern Charger, introduced for the 2006 model year, which returned the Charger to its rear-wheel-drive roots and offered a range of V6 and V8 powertrains.
Updates For 2009:
Minor updates may include new option packages, revised trim levels, and potential feature availability changes across the model range.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
