Replacing spark plugs on a car shouldn’t cost a fortune, but a Dodge Challenger 392 owner in San Diego was hit with a jaw-dropping bill of 1,300 euros! Yes, you read that right — for a simple spark plug replacement. The authorized Stellantis service center demanded a staggering 1,300 euros for a job that, according to available info, could be done for a tenth of that price if you have some knowledge and guts. The NGK Laser Platinum spark plugs, which are original OEM parts, cost about 20 dollars each, and the Challenger has 16 of them (two per cylinder). Even factoring in labor, 1,300 euros is outrageously overpriced.
The team at Carscoops checked prices at popular US auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto, Napa, and O’Reilly, where spark plugs for this model sell for around 20 dollars each. Online guides show that replacing spark plugs on a V8 engine is a fairly straightforward job — the plugs are easily accessible after removing plastic valve covers and ignition coils. Even with two plugs per cylinder, the job shouldn’t take too long.
The owner posted the bill on Reddit, sparking a flood of comments and outrage. Many agreed the service clearly overcharged, and some stressed how important it is to have basic car maintenance knowledge to avoid such scams. Stellantis service had not responded to requests for clarification at the time of writing.
This situation casts a shadow over the entire service industry and reminds us how easy it is to get ripped off if you don’t know the real cost of a service. Next time your service center hits you with an astronomical bill, think of the Dodge Challenger and its spark plugs — maybe it’s time to grab a wrench yourself or find a better shop. And if you’ve got a similar story, feel free to share — maybe together we can expose these service scammers!
