The bolt pattern on a Dodge Charger depends on the model year and generation
Dodge Chargers use one of two bolt patterns: 5x115mm or 5x120mm, depending on when the car was built. The first number (5) means five lug holes. The second number is the distance in millimeters between the center of one lug hole and the center of the one directly across from it — this is called the bolt circle diameter.
Most modern Chargers from 2006 onward use 5x115mm. Older Chargers from the 1960s and 1970s used 5x120mm, as did some early 2000s models. If you own a Charger and want to buy new wheels, you must match your car's exact bolt pattern, or the wheels will not fit safely.
The only reliable way to know your Charger's bolt pattern is to check your owner's manual or contact a Dodge dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN). You can also measure it yourself if you have access to the wheel or a lug nut.
Key Takeaways
- Most Dodge Chargers built after 2006 have a 5x115mm bolt pattern, while older models typically use 5x120mm.
- The bolt pattern must match exactly — a wheel with the wrong pattern will not mount safely to your car.
- Your owner's manual or a Dodge dealer can confirm your specific bolt pattern using your VIN.
- You can measure bolt pattern yourself by measuring the distance between opposite lug holes in millimeters.
- Wheel offset and center bore are separate measurements that also matter when buying replacement wheels.
How to measure bolt pattern on your Charger
If you want to verify the bolt pattern without calling a dealer, you can measure it yourself. You will need a ruler or measuring tape marked in millimeters, and you need to measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly across from it — not to an adjacent hole.
For a 5-lug wheel, there is only one lug hole directly across from any given hole, so there is no ambiguity. Measure the distance in millimeters. If you get approximately 115mm, your Charger has a 5x115mm pattern. If you get approximately 120mm, it has a 5x120mm pattern.
You can also remove one wheel and measure the distance between the center points of two opposite lug holes on the wheel itself, or measure the distance between the center points of two opposite studs on the hub. All three methods should give you the same result.
Bolt pattern by Dodge Charger generation and year
The Charger has been produced in several distinct generations, and bolt pattern changed between them. The table below shows the most common patterns by era, but always verify with your owner's manual or VIN before purchasing wheels.
| Charger Generation | Years | Bolt Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| First generation | 1966–1967 | 5x120mm |
| Second generation | 1968–1970 | 5x120mm |
| Third generation | 1971–1978 | 5x120mm |
| Fourth generation | 1979–1987 | 5x120mm |
| Fifth generation | 1992–1997 | 5x115mm |
| Sixth generation (modern) | 2006–present | 5x115mm |
The gap between 1997 and 2006 reflects a period when Dodge did not produce the Charger. When production resumed in 2006, Dodge switched to the 5x115mm pattern, which it has used ever since.
If you own a Charger from the 1990s or earlier, wheels designed for modern Chargers will not fit. Conversely, if you own a 2006 or newer Charger, you cannot use wheels from a classic Charger without an adapter — and adapters are not recommended for regular driving because they add stress to the lug studs.
Why bolt pattern matters for wheel safety
The bolt pattern determines how the wheel centers on the hub and how the lug nuts distribute the load. If you install a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern, the lug holes will not align with the studs. You might be able to force the wheel onto some studs, but the load will not be evenly distributed, and the wheel can come loose or fail while driving.
Even a small mismatch — for example, trying to use a 5x120mm wheel on a 5x115mm hub — creates a gap between the wheel and the hub. The lug nuts will tighten against the studs, but the wheel itself is not properly centered. This causes vibration, uneven tire wear, and stress on the suspension.
Wheel adapters exist and can force a different bolt pattern to fit, but they add extra hardware and stress to the lug studs. Most tire shops and wheel manufacturers recommend against using adapters for daily driving, especially on high-performance cars like the Charger.
Other wheel measurements you need besides bolt pattern
Bolt pattern is only one of three critical measurements you need when buying wheels for your Charger. The other two are offset and center bore.
Offset is the distance in millimeters from the wheel's centerline to the mounting surface where it attaches to the hub. Offset determines how far the wheel sits away from the car's body. If the offset is too far inward or outward, the wheel can rub against the fender or suspension. Your owner's manual lists the correct offset range for your Charger.
Center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel. This hole slides over a centering ring on the hub. If the center bore is too small, the wheel will not fit. If it is too large, the wheel will not center properly, and you may need a centering ring to hold it in place. Most aftermarket wheels come with centering rings for this reason.
You also need to match the wheel width and tire size to your Charger's specifications. Tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires and in your owner's manual. Wheel width is measured in inches and must match the tire size you plan to use.
Where to find your Charger's bolt pattern information
The most reliable source is your owner's manual, which lists the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and wheel width in the specifications section. If you do not have the manual, you can read it from Dodge's website using your VIN, or you can contact a Dodge dealer with your VIN and they will provide the information over the phone.
The door jamb sticker on your Charger also lists tire size and sometimes wheel specifications, though it does not always include bolt pattern. The tire placard on the driver's side door jamb shows the recommended tire size and pressure, but you will need the owner's manual or a dealer for the bolt pattern.
Tire shops and wheel retailers can also measure your current wheel or look up your Charger's specifications in their database if you provide the year, make, model, and engine size. Many shops offer this service for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use wheels from another car on my Charger if they have the same bolt pattern?
Not safely. Bolt pattern is only one measurement. The offset, center bore, and wheel width must also match your Charger's specifications. A wheel from another car with the same bolt pattern might have different offset or center bore, which can cause rubbing or improper centering. Always verify all three measurements before installing wheels from another vehicle.
What happens if I put the wrong bolt pattern wheel on my Charger?
The lug holes will not align with the studs. You might force it onto some studs, but the wheel will not be centered on the hub, and the load will not be evenly distributed. This causes vibration, uneven tire wear, suspension stress, and risk of the wheel coming loose while driving. Do not attempt to drive on a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern.
Do I need a wheel adapter to use classic Charger wheels on a modern Charger?
Yes, a 5x120mm wheel from a classic Charger will not fit a 2006 or newer Charger without an adapter. However, adapters add extra hardware and stress to the lug studs and are not recommended for regular driving. If you want classic-style wheels on a modern Charger, buy wheels manufactured in the 5x115mm pattern instead.
Where is the bolt pattern stamped on a wheel?
Bolt pattern is not always stamped on the wheel itself. It is usually listed on the wheel's specification sheet or packaging. You can also find it in your owner's manual or by contacting the wheel manufacturer with the wheel's model number. If you need to know your Charger's bolt pattern, measure it or check your owner's manual rather than looking for it on the wheel.
Can I measure bolt pattern with just a ruler and no special tools?
Yes. You need a ruler or measuring tape marked in millimeters. Measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly across from it. Write down the measurement in millimeters. If it is close to 115mm, your Charger has a 5x115mm pattern. If it is close to 120mm, it has a 5x120mm pattern. This method is accurate enough for wheel shopping.