Dodge Charger Used Transmissions

Charger transmissions come down to two families and the line between them is roughly 2012. Everything before it is the Mercedes-derived W5A580, which Chrysler called the NAG1, or on the early 2.7L cars a 42RLE. From 2012 the car moved to the ZF eight-speed, which Chrysler badges 845RE, 850RE or by its ZF name. The eight-speeds are matched to the engine they were bolted to, so a V6 unit will not do behind a HEMI.

Dodge Charger Used Transmissions — transmission options by generation

How to pick the right one

Model year, engine and drivetrain, plus the RPO option code if the car is 2012 or later. The eight-speeds are where buyers get caught: an 8HP45 behind a 3.6, an 8HP70 behind a 5.7 and an 8HP90 behind a 6.4 are three different transmissions and all three read as "8-speed automatic" in a listing. On all-wheel-drive cars the output housing and transfer case differ, so a rear-drive unit will not fit. If the car is a 2011 to 2014, note that both the NAG1 and the eight-speed were sold in that window and the VIN is the way to tell.

What usually fails on these transmissions

The NAG1 fails at the conductor plate and the valve body, and there is one specific thing worth checking before you condemn it: the 13-pin connector on the side of the case leaks fluid into the wiring harness, which wicks up to the TCM and produces faults that look internal and are not. On the eight-speeds the failures are overwhelmingly fluid-related — these units are sealed, the correct ZF fluid is not optional, and a car that has been serviced with the wrong fluid will shudder and then fault. The 42RLE in the early 2.7L cars suffers the same governor pressure solenoid issue as the rest of Chrysler's RE family.

What ships with every unit

• Pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded, and the fluid condition inspected and reported.
• Fitment matched — send us the model year, engine, drivetrain and the RPO option code or ID tag and we confirm the part before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every transmission, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, crated on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Replacing the engine too? See our Charger used engines. Full terms are in the transmission warranty policy, and the complete catalogue is at used transmissions.

Dodge Charger used transmissions - frequently asked questions

Which transmissions did the Dodge Charger use?

Across 2006 to 2023 the Dodge Charger was built with 42RLE, W5A580 (NAG1), 8HP45 / 845RE, 845RE / 8HP45, 8HP70 / 850RE, 8HP90 and NAG1 or 8HP, AWD-specific. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the transmission designation and option code that identifies it.

How do I identify the right transmission for my Dodge Charger?

Four things decide it: model year, engine, drivetrain, and the option or RPO code. That code is the one most people do not have to hand and the one that settles it - on a GM vehicle it is on the glovebox or door-jamb sticker, on a Chrysler it is on the build sheet, and on a Ford it is on a tag on the case. Send us the VIN and the code and we confirm the unit before anything ships.

Will a transmission from a different year fit my Dodge Charger?

Model year, engine and drivetrain, plus the RPO option code if the car is 2012 or later. The eight-speeds are where buyers get caught: an 8HP45 behind a 3.6, an 8HP70 behind a 5.7 and an 8HP90 behind a 6.4 are three different transmissions and all three read as "8-speed automatic" in a listing.

What usually fails on these transmissions?

The NAG1 fails at the conductor plate and the valve body, and there is one specific thing worth checking before you condemn it: the 13-pin connector on the side of the case leaks fluid into the wiring harness, which wicks up to the TCM and produces faults that look internal and are not. On the eight-speeds the failures are overwhelmingly fluid-related — these units are sealed, the correct ZF fluid is not optional, and a car that has been serviced with the wrong fluid will shudder and then fault.

What comes with a used Dodge Charger transmission?

Every transmission is pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded and the test sheet ships in the box. The unit is matched to your VIN and option code before the order goes out, carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.