Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Charger vs Dodge Durango
How the Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Charger vs Dodge Durango: The Charger averages 54.9 complaints per year and has 32 recalls, while the Durango averages 97.3 complaints per year and has 30 recalls. Both show electrical and powertrain issues, but the Durango has more lighting and shifter complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Charger or Dodge Durango more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a large sedan that averages about 55 complaints per year over the past decade, with 32 recalls and 36 crash-related reports. Owners frequently mention electrical gremlins like turn signals and headlights, plus airbag and engine concerns. It can be a practical choice, but you should expect to stay on top of recalls and electrical quirks.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV that averages about 97 complaints per year, with 30 recalls and 38 crash-related reports. Complaints often center on exterior lighting, electrical failures, and engine issues, including some serious shifter defects. It offers more space but demands more attention to potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Charger | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 549 Better | 973 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 30 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 38 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.9 Better | 97.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 37 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Charger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 02AIR BAGS118
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER107
- 04ENGINE61
- 05POWER TRAIN56
Owners report turn signals that stop working and headlights that flicker or go out, sometimes linked to wiring harness overheating. These failures can affect your visibility and ability to signal, so check all lights and signals carefully.
Complaints include airbag recalls performed incorrectly, leaving headliners and mirrors hanging, and one case where a driver lost control and hit a guardrail. Airbag issues are serious because they can affect both deployment and driver visibility.
Some owners describe surging during mild acceleration and transmission computers needing resets, while others find plastic under-engine covers and components falling off. These problems can lead to drivability issues and unexpected repairs.
Reports mention aggressive downshifts that make the car jump, and there are recalls for column shift assembly. Transmission behavior can be unpredictable, so a thorough test drive is essential.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring right turn signal malfunction on my 2022 Dodge Charger SXT, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing a failure involving the right turn signal. This is concerning because the turn signal is required safety eq…”
“1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too m…”
Dodge Durango
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING333
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM266
- 03ENGINE128
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER116
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Many complaints involve the transmission shifting into Neutral while driving, which is a dangerous defect often grouped under lighting because of how it's reported. This can cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels, so pay close attention during your test drive.
Owners report Uconnect infotainment failures that block access to critical functions, and some vehicles won't start due to battery or electrical issues even at low mileage. These problems can leave you stranded or unable to use key features.
Complaints include air conditioning that stops working at very low mileage and exhaust components that detach while parked. Engine-related issues can be costly and may require multiple dealership visits.
There are recalls for automatic transmission lever and linkage, and owners describe shifter defects that cause unintended gear changes. This is a safety concern because it can lead to loss of control.
“2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral with…”
“I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring safety-related defects on my 2023 Dodge Durango RT. 1.Uconnect Failure: The Uconnect infotainment/communication box has repeatedly failed, causing loss of access to critical vehicle functions. These failures…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Charger — 32 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z68.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB5. This…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
The risk: An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of…
The risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for thi…
Dodge Durango — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
The risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent onc…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio d…
The risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall bega…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.
Buyer analysis
Dodge Charger or Dodge Durango: which should you buy?
The Dodge Charger has fewer complaints per year (about 55) compared to the Dodge Durango (about 97), suggesting the Charger may have fewer reported issues overall. In practice, that means you might spend less time at the dealership with a Charger, but both vehicles have notable electrical and powertrain complaints that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Durango has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Charger (97.3 vs 54.9), with more reports about exterior lighting and electrical failures.
- Charger complaints often involve turn signal and headlight malfunctions, while Durango complaints include a dangerous shifter defect that can shift into Neutral while driving.
- Both have airbag-related recalls, but the Charger has a reported death and 31 injuries, while the Durango has 37 injuries and no deaths.
- The Durango has more engine complaints (128 vs 61) and power train complaints (86 vs 56), suggesting potentially more mechanical issues.
- Test all turn signals and headlights, including high beams, for flickering or failure, as owners report wiring harness overheating.
- Check for transmission surging or aggressive downshifts during acceleration, and ask if the transmission computer has been reset.
- During a test drive, see if the transmission ever slips into Neutral unexpectedly, especially when accelerating without pressing the brake or shifter button.
- Test the Uconnect infotainment system thoroughly for any failures, and check that the air conditioning blows cold, as owners report early AC failures.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls have been performed, especially airbag and transmission recalls, by checking the NHTSA recall database with the VIN.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation, surging, or unexpected gear changes.
- Inspect all exterior lights, turn signals, and interior electronics to ensure they work consistently, as electrical issues are common in both vehicles.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can check for engine, transmission, and undercarriage problems specific to these models.
- Review the vehicle's service history for repeated electrical or transmission repairs, which may indicate ongoing issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Dodge Charger | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 13 |
| 2025 | 39 | 8 |
| 2024 | 1 | 14 |
| 2023 | 26 | 37 |
| 2022 | 16 | 58 |
| 2021 | 35 | 202 |
| 2020 | 57 | 55 |
| 2019 | 120 | 142 |
| 2018 | 122 | 232 |
| 2017 | 128 | 212 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Charger or Dodge Durango in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Charger vs Dodge Durango
- Dodge Charger total complaints
- 549
- Dodge Durango total complaints
- 973
- Dodge Charger total recalls
- 32
- Dodge Durango total recalls
- 30
- Dodge Charger avg complaints/year
- 54.9
- Dodge Durango avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Dodge Durango top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING