What Does P0172 Mean on Your 2023 Dodge Charger?
A P0172 code on your 2023 Dodge Charger means the PCM has detected a rich fuel condition on Bank 1. The 2023 Charger — one of the last model years of the LD platform — is available with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.4L 392 HEMI, or supercharged 6.2L Hellcat. Bank 1 is the driver's side cylinder bank on all V-type engines.
This may still be covered under warranty depending on mileage. Either way, the common fixes are well-established for this platform.
Symptoms You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Worse fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Black smoke from the exhaust
- Fuel smell from the tailpipe
- Sluggish throttle response
Common Causes of P0172 on the 2023 Dodge Charger
- Dirty MAF Sensor — Contamination from aftermarket intake oil, dust, or debris. Very common on Chargers with aftermarket cold air intakes.
- EVAP Purge Valve Stuck Open — A recurring Stellantis/Mopar issue. The purge solenoid fails and floods the intake with fuel vapors.
- Failing Upstream O2 Sensor — A slow or biased Bank 1 Sensor 1 oxygen sensor.
- Fuel Injector Leak — Particularly on HEMI engines with MDS, injector seals can degrade.
How to Diagnose the Problem
- Read all codes — Check for companion codes that narrow down the root cause.
- Analyze fuel trims — Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 LTFT.
- Test MAF sensor — Verify against factory specifications.
- Test purge valve — Command it open/closed with a scan tool.
- Monitor O2 sensor — Check voltage and switching speed.
- Test fuel injectors — Balance or flow test.
Repair Options and Cost Estimates
- MAF Sensor Cleaning — DIY: $10-$15. Shop: $55-$115.
- MAF Sensor Replacement — Parts: $75-$185, labor: $55-$115. Total: $130-$300.
- Purge Valve Replacement — Parts: $25-$65, labor: $55-$115. Total: $80-$180.
- O2 Sensor Replacement — Parts: $80-$200, labor: $90-$175. Total: $170-$375.
- Fuel Injector Replacement — Parts: $50-$155 each, labor: $190-$400. Total: $240-$555.
Can You Fix This Yourself?
Yes — MAF cleaning and purge valve replacement are straightforward DIY jobs. If you have an aftermarket intake, inspect it carefully for over-oiling. O2 sensor replacement requires getting under the car. Injector work is best left to professionals.
Prevention Tips
- Be careful with aftermarket intake oil — over-oiling is the number one cause of MAF contamination
- Replace the air filter at recommended intervals
- Use quality fuel appropriate for your engine (premium for HEMI/Hellcat)
- Follow Stellantis maintenance recommendations