Best Extended Warranty for Dodge & RAM — Charger, Challenger, RAM 1500 & More

Dodge and RAM vehicles are known for powerful engines and capable trucks, but HEMI lifter failures, ZF 8-speed transmission issues, and air suspension problems are costly and common at high mileage. Athena Auto Protection covers Dodge and RAM vehicles up to 125,000 miles with a $100 deductible and 48-hour claim processing.

Written and maintained by — extended warranty specialists with expertise in vehicle service contracts, automotive repair, and consumer protection. Founded 2022.

Key Takeaways

  • 1. RAM 1500 HEMI MDS lifter failure: $3,000–$7,000 — covered under all engine plans
  • 2. ZF 8HP transmission issues affect RAM 1500, Durango, Charger, and Challenger
  • 3. RAM 1500 air suspension failure (eTorque models): $1,500–$3,500 to repair
  • 4. Covers Charger, Challenger, Durango, RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM ProMaster
  • 5. Any Dodge/RAM dealer or Mopar-certified shop accepted for warranty claims
  • 6. Available for Dodge and RAM vehicles up to 5 years or 125,000 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dodge and RAM models does Athena cover?
Athena covers Dodge and RAM models meeting eligibility requirements — Charger, Challenger, Durango, RAM 1500, RAM 2500 (gas engines), RAM 3500 (gas), Grand Caravan, and Chrysler siblings.
Are RAM HEMI lifter failures covered?
Yes. HEMI MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter failures are covered as engine internal component failures under all Athena plans that include engine coverage.
Does Athena cover RAM air suspension?
Air suspension components are covered under Deluxe Coverage and New Car Coverage as suspension system components.

Why Choose Athena Auto Protection?

  • $100 flat deductible per repair visit — no surprises on your bill
  • 48-hour claim processing for fast resolution
  • 24/7 concierge support at (888) 842-8839
  • Direct payment to repair facilities — no out-of-pocket reimbursement required
  • 30-day / 1,000-mile waiting period from enrollment
  • Licensed and operating in 48 U.S. states
  • Coverage for vehicles up to 5 years or 125,000 miles
  • Clean title required; no salvage or branded title vehicles
  • BBB A+ rated with 4.6-star customer satisfaction across 590+ reviews

How the Claims Process Works

When your vehicle breaks down, take it to any licensed repair facility. Call our 24/7 concierge line at (888) 842-8839 and we will open a claim on your behalf. Our claims team authorizes the repair within 48 hours and pays the shop directly, so you only pay the $100 deductible.

Benefits Included with Every Plan

Every plan includes complimentary roadside assistance (towing up to 25 miles, flat tire service, jump start, fuel delivery, and lockout service), trip interruption reimbursement up to $300, and 24/7 concierge scheduling through our network of ASE-certified repair shops.

Contact Us

Sales: (833) 251-9786 — Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET
24/7 Concierge Support: (888) 842-8839
Email: cc@athenaautoprotection.com

More Resources

Dodge / RAM Owners

Best Extended Warranty for Dodge / RAM

Dodge and RAM share the HEMI V8 MDS lifter problem — repairs that cost $3,000–$7,000+ — along with 8-speed ZF transmission concerns. Here's how to protect your vehicle before the factory warranty expires.

Dodge and RAM Models Covered

Athena covers all major Dodge and RAM models. Click a model for vehicle-specific coverage details.

RAM 1500

Best-selling truck — HEMI V8 MDS lifter failure risk makes extended coverage critical

Dodge Charger

Full-size muscle car — HEMI V8 MDS and transmission coverage valuable

Dodge Challenger

Muscle coupe with HEMI V8 — MDS lifter exposure and 8-speed ZF shudder are key concerns

Dodge Durango

3-row SUV — V6 Pentastar or HEMI V8; air suspension and transfer case coverage recommended

Athena also covers RAM 2500, RAM 3500, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Hornet, and other Dodge/RAM models. Get a quote for your specific vehicle.

Dodge / RAM Reliability Notes

Post-warranty repair patterns across Dodge and RAM vehicles — what to watch for.

HEMI MDS Lifter Failure

Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) — used on HEMI V8 engines in RAM 1500, Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee — collapses lifters to deactivate cylinders. These lifters fail between 80,000–120,000 miles, causing ticking, misfires, and eventually complete failure. Repair costs run $3,000–$7,000+, making this one of the most expensive post-warranty repairs in the Stellantis lineup.

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Shudder

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic is used in RAM 1500, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango. It has a documented low-speed shudder and rough-shift concern at light throttle. Software updates resolve many cases, but torque converter and valve body replacements cost $2,000–$4,500. A known issue worth having covered.

RAM Truck Air Suspension

RAM 1500 models with the optional air suspension system have documented compressor and air bag failures as the trucks age. Air suspension compressor replacement runs $800–$1,500. Covered under Athena's Deluxe and above plans.

Solid Powertrain Foundation

Outside of MDS lifter concerns, the HEMI 5.7L and 6.4L engines have a strong long-term reliability record when properly maintained. The naturally aspirated V6 Pentastar engine used in Dodge and RAM vehicles has a solid track record as well.

Dodge / RAM Factory Warranty: What You Start With

Bumper-to-Bumper

3 years / 36,000 miles

Covers most defects across mechanical and electrical systems.

Powertrain

5 years / 60,000 miles

Engine, transmission, and drive axle after B2B expires.

Rust (Perforation)

5 years (unlimited miles)

Body panel rust-through protection.

Roadside Assistance

5 years / 60,000 miles

SiriusXM Guardian roadside assistance included on new vehicles.

Why Dodge / RAM Owners Choose Athena

Any licensed repair facility in 48 states — including Dodge and RAM dealerships

Flat $100 per-visit deductible — not per component

48-hour claim approvals — no multi-week delays

Direct payment to repair shop — you only pay your deductible

Fully transferable to new owner at no cost

24/7 roadside assistance included on all plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Dodge or RAM After the Factory Warranty Ends

Get a free, personalized quote for your Dodge or RAM in minutes. BBB A+, $100 deductible, 48-state coverage.