P0175 on the 2023 Dodge Challenger: What's Going On?
Your 2023 Challenger — one of the final model years for this iconic muscle car — is triggering a P0175 code, which means bank 2 (passenger side) of your engine is running too rich. Whether you're running the 5.7L HEMI V8 (Eagle platform) or the 6.4L 392 HEMI, the ECM has detected excessive fuel in the air-fuel mixture on the right cylinder bank. As the last generation of the LA platform Challengers, the 2023 shares the proven but aging fuel management system that has known tendencies for this code.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Illuminated check engine light (MIL)
- Decreased fuel economy — particularly noticeable given the HEMI's already moderate MPG
- Black or dark exhaust smoke, especially during spirited driving
- Rough or uneven idle quality
- Sulfur or fuel odor from the tailpipe
- Sluggish throttle response in some driving conditions
Most Likely Causes on the 2023 Challenger
1. Contaminated MAF Sensor
The mass airflow sensor is the most frequent culprit for P0175 on the 2023 Challenger. Owners running aftermarket cold air intakes are especially prone to MAF contamination from oiled filter elements. The HEMI's high-volume intake tract amplifies any measurement errors. A dirty MAF underreports airflow, so the ECM adds too much fuel. Cleaning costs essentially nothing; replacement parts run $90–$190.
2. Bank 2 Fuel Injector Problems
The 2023 Challenger's HEMI uses sequential multi-port fuel injection. If injectors on bank 2 (cylinders 2, 4, 6, 8) develop a leak or fail to close properly, raw fuel enters the combustion chamber. On a relatively new 2023 model, this is less common but can happen due to fuel contamination or manufacturing defects. Professional injector cleaning runs $150–$250; individual injector replacement is $60–$130 per injector plus labor.
3. Upstream O2 Sensor Failure (Bank 2)
The bank 2 upstream oxygen sensor monitors exhaust gases leaving the passenger-side cylinders. Even on a newer vehicle, sensor failures happen — especially if the engine has been running rich for a while and contaminating the sensor element. Replacement with a quality OEM-equivalent sensor costs $120–$280 including labor.
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator Malfunction
An over-pressurized fuel rail pushes more fuel through the injectors than intended. On the HEMI platform, the fuel pressure regulator is integrated into the fuel pump module. If fuel pressure exceeds the spec of 58 psi (±5), the entire fuel pump assembly may need replacement, running $350–$600.
How to Diagnose P0175
- Pull all stored and pending codes — check for P0172 (bank 1 rich) which would indicate a system-wide problem
- Review freeze frame data to see engine conditions when the code set
- Monitor live fuel trim data — long-term fuel trim (LTFT) below -10% on bank 2 confirms a persistent rich condition
- Visually inspect the MAF sensor and air intake for contamination or damage
- Test fuel pressure at the rail — should be 58 psi at idle with vacuum line connected
- Use a scan tool to graph O2 sensor waveforms on bank 2
Driving With P0175 Active
Short-term driving is acceptable, but don't let this code linger. On the 2023 Challenger, the catalytic converters are covered under the federal emissions warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles. However, if converter damage is traced to neglecting a rich-running condition, the warranty claim could be denied. Get it checked within a week.
Repair Difficulty and Cost Summary
For a 2023 model still potentially under warranty, check with your dealer first — the powertrain warranty covers fuel system sensors. Out-of-pocket, expect $15 for a MAF cleaning, $120–$280 for an O2 sensor, or $150–$600 for fuel system component replacement. DIY difficulty ranges from easy (MAF cleaning) to advanced (fuel pump/regulator).