Dodge Charger
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017β2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Dodge Charger? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceBelow AverageNHTSA complaint data for the 2017β2026 Dodge Charger shows a high volume of reports concentrated in the 2017β2019 model years, with electrical system and air bag issues being the most frequently cited components. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, particularly for earlier model years.
- Electrical system complaints total 149, the highest among all components.
- Air bag complaints account for 111 reports, the second most common issue.
- Model year 2017 has the most complaints at 125, while 2024 and 2026 have very few.
- Electrical system failures are the most reported issue.
- Air bag problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Unknown or other components account for 100 complaints, indicating unclear or miscellaneous issues.
Model years 2017β2019 have elevated complaints, driven primarily by electrical system and air bag issues.
Model years 2022, 2024, and 2026 show very few complaints, which may indicate improved reliability or lower sales volumes.
- Investigate unknown or other complaints by reviewing detailed NHTSA reports.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system and air bag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
29 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 499 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
499 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT WAS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back into the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that sparks of fire were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while his family was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed drive shaft and hairline cracks in the transmission. The contact was informed that the drive shaft had detached and caused a hairline crack in the transmission. In addition, the contact was informed that the transfer case was leaking. The contact was informed that the transfer case and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under a recall. The contact referenced two unknown recalls, which had similar failures; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had previously been performed, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the recall repairs had been performed in 2018. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue
The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their systems giving issues programming since I still have not been able to have an operating key fob.
The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I canβt even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermittent problems in 2021 just after the "Warranty" expired. The dealer said it would cost about $2,200 to replace and Chrysler will not take responsibility. I see this issue is very common amongst other dodge owners. I am surprised there has not been a recall since it appears to be a common problem and it is unsafe. Been driving it over the past 2-3 years and it is totally non operable. I was hoping it would eventually be recalled. I keep same radio station on every tab so when it skips around, it at least stays on the same station. Only thing that works. If not recalled, Stellantis should at least bear some of the cost (not to make a profit) to assist in the replacement
Center touchscreen delamination. This has caused the screen to function without intention by randomly changing settings which causes undesired use of the screen, distracted driving and an unsafe environment due to glue adhesive separation within the screen.
Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.
My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was βU0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCMβ I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a βImportant Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulelβ
The Uconnect screen in my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus began to delaminate, leading to unresponsiveness and phantom touches on the screen. This created a distraction while driving and impacted the use of essential vehicle controls, such as navigation, climate settings, and the backup camera was completely non-functioning. At the dealer I was initially quoted a price over $2,000 and I know from researching the internet many many many others have had this issue. I contacted both Chrysler and a local dealership. The dealership at my 2nd visit replaced the screen for free under a goodwill repair, and Chrysler also contacted me later promised to get the issue resolved if the dealership could not help me. I am reporting this issue because it is a significant defect that could affect the safety and functionality of the vehicle.
I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driverβs knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repair Details: Date of Repair: January 17, 2023 Description of repair from dealership: Trunk lights and dashboard indicator were non-functional, and no alert was provided when the trunk was left open. The latch was internally shorted, causing the malfunction. After the latch was replaced, the lights and notifications worked correctly, and the vehicle's safety functions returned to normal.
uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as itβll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldnβt call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving. It turns my heat up on high as well as my heated seat in the 100 degree weather. Changes my radio stations at a rapid rate and removes my backup camera and other features while I am driving.
The transmission is completely out but the vehicle is fairly new. I saw that there is a recall on the transmission on some vehicles but Iβm not sure if mine is on that list.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front driver and front passenger side door panels had started to detach from the door frames. The dealer was contacted about the failure and acknowledged that the door panel failure was a known issue; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the replacement of each door panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.
uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as itβll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldnβt call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving.
The Uconnect system in my vehicle has been delaminating and has been causing several issues in my vehicle where the Blindspot detectors are not working properly and the back up camera is not working properly to notify me and alert me with whistles and chimes if a vehicle is driving behind me while Iβm backing up or if a pedestrian is on my Blindspot crossing near my car. The Uconnect system in my vehicle is also causing issues where it is ghost touching and glitching my screen and clicking buttons Iβm not clicking. Example trying to change the clock when Iβm not clicking anything and when navigation is in, use the system clicks out of maps and starts clicking FM radio. It starts to change stations and put people on hold when Iβm on voice connect over the vehicle. It will put someone on mute by itself mostly the fact that the camera is not functioning due to the Uconnect being connected with the vehicle and causing it to malfunction. Iβm worried it will start to click on other settings in the vehicle. There are many reports with Dodge Jeep, Chrysler, and ram on all forums about this issue. Iβve notified the Dodge dealership and Uconnect and all the want to do is have me pay out of pocket for a new system that is $2000 not including labor . The uconnect system should be recalled from all vehicles from 2018-2023 .
Rack and pinion needs to be replaced.
Air bag service light came on without any incident or accident being involved.
Showing 20 of 499 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Dodge Charger
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Charger has 499 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Charger has 29 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 34 of the Dodge Charger's 499 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Charger vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Dodge Charger vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Charger has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.