On paper, the Dodge Charger Hellcat should be a fantastic machine. It’s a sedan with the looks and power of a muscle machine thanks to the stunning 797-horsepower supercharged Hemi V-8 and a top speed of over 200 mph. Even a somewhat older model is still great, and while there are some concerns (the sometimes cheap materials), it can be a terrific machine. Many of the main problems are that it’s becoming outdated with more powerful cars leaving it in the dust, yet the Charger Hellcat still has a loyal fanbase. But even those fans have to note the Hellcat has some problems. Some are issues that have plagued the model for years and remain. Others are newer problems that point to how Dodge still has issues with proper production. While the Hellcat may be a great ride in many ways, these are eight major problems with it that folks should know before buying one.

8 It’s A Target For Theft

It’s A Target For Theft via dodge
via dodge

It’s not just the Hellcat that’s a problem here. There’s no denying it’s an awesome-looking car, and the 800 hp V8 is a marvel. Owners love to flaunt having a Hellcat in their collection. However, that makes it a prime target for car thieves. In 2020 alone, over a thousand Dodge Chargers were stolen in just Southeast Michigan.

It’s A Target For Theft pinterest
via pinterest

The Hellcat was a prime example and has pushed Dodge to step up its anti-theft systems. That’s good, but some models can still be prone to hacking and robbery, which means some unlucky Hellcat owners may suddenly find their cars missing from the driveway.

7 Electrical Failure

Electrical Failure pinterest
via pinterest

This hasn’t been as common as other problems but is popping up in several forums. Owners of Hellcats (especially the Redeye) version are reporting their battery suddenly dying with no warning whatsoever. In a few cases, it will start, then die out and need a charge.

Electrical Failure via
via Dodge

Other times, even that charge does no good, requiring a full replacement. It’s worse as it can die out suddenly when on the road. There’s no word on what causes these problems but having this high-powered machine suddenly lose power isn’t a good look for Dodge. Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Owning A Challenger Or Charger Hellcat

6 It’s More Expensive Than It Seems

It’s More Expensive Than It Seems via youtube
via youtube

There are cracks about the Hellcat made up of some cheaper materials, especially the interiors. But it still carries a hefty price tag of nearly $75,000, and that’s mostly thanks to the awesome V8 engine. However, the sticker price is only a hint of what it costs to maintain this machine.

It’s More Expensive Than It Seems via dodge
via dodge

The tires are ridiculously expensive, running nearly $400 a pop. Then the insurance can be a nightmare because of the accident risk. Also, this isn’t a car you can take to the local mechanics, so repairs can be costly. A real Hellcat’s price tag is bigger than it appears.

5 They’re Hard To Handle

They’re Hard To Handle via wallpapercave
via wallpapercave

If you’re doing a straight-line drag race, the Hellcat is fantastic. If you’re trying for a long road trip with a lot of curves, not so much. The downside of so much power going to the wheels is that it takes away from the turning capabilities.

They’re Hard To Handle via dodge
via dodge

Less experienced drivers may spin out trying to turn it too fast or slow while others overestimate its toughness. The Hellcat can be a great ride for a drag race yet is daunting to handle for some owners.

4 Horrific Fuel Economy

Horrific Fuel Economy via wallpapercave
via wallpapercave

Right now, gas prices are pretty rough. So having a car that guzzles fuel like crazy isn’t good for owners. The Hellcat may be a good racer, but its fuel economy is terrible even by muscle car standards. It has 13 mpg in the city and 22 on the open road.

Horrific Fuel Economy wsupercars
via wsupercars

Sure, an 800-hp machine sounds great until it’s time to fill it up and can get worse in other areas that have the gas-guzzler tax. If you own a Hellcat, expect a big blow to the pocketbook.

3 Defective Oil Cooler Lines

Defective Oil Cooler Lines via hellcat
via hellcat

This was an older problem, but it appears to stick to newer models of the Hellcat too. The oil cooler lines have an unfortunate tendency to crack or even break due to the high pressure put on them by the engine’s performance.

Defective Oil Cooler Lines via hellcat2
via hellcat

At best, it’s a slow oil leak that causes issues down the line. At worst, it can cause fires or full engine failure without warning. It’s amazing this got so bad in production without being caught, as the Hellcat may not roar well with these oil issues.

2 Paint Can Chip Fast

Paint Can Chip Fast via wallpapercave
via wallpapercave

It’s not a good sign when a top-notch muscle machine needs faster repaint jobs than a mid-size sedan. Many Hellcat owners have reported picking it up from the dealership only to see everything from dirt particles caught under the surface to uneven primers. It can even chip faster in hotter areas, requiring expensive touchups.

Paint Can Chip Fast via

Granted, cheap paint has been an issue for Dodge for years, but one would think they’d spring for more expensive stuff with a marquee car.

1 Poor Safety Reliability

Poor Safety Reliability via motorauthority
via motorauthority

When a car is a speed machine, safety should be a necessity. This is why the Hellcat’s 3.5 reliability rating from the IIHS and NHTSA is troubling. The problem is that because the Hellcat is made out of chapter materials, it can crumple faster in a crash.

Poor Safety Reliability via ourautoexpert
via ourautoexpert

While the rollover isn’t too bad, the reliability should be much better for the speeds the Hellcat is capable of. So far, the accident rate isn’t horrible, but one hopes the newer Hellcat models can be better if things go wrong. Sources: hellcat.org,motor1.com, autoblog.com,autowise.com Next: These Cars Are Definitely Not For Amateurs