Dodge Charger Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Charger options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a Dodge Charger? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Charger has 549 owner complaints and 32 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Charger
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 549
- Safety recall campaigns
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 36
- Fire-related complaints
- 9
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (128 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (1 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Charger: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE CHARGER has 549 NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. 36 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 549 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 32 federal recall campaigns
- 36 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
32 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SERVICE BRAKES
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 549 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
549 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.
The center read “race track” light has water intrusion which will short the circuit and there is no way to drain or dry the light. It appears to be a widespread issue based on what I’ve seen online similar to the Durango.
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 equipment used to communicate turns and lane changes to other motorists. When the signal is not functioning properly, other drivers may not receive adequate warning of the vehicle’s intended movement, increasing the risk of a collision. I am particularly concerned that this may not be an isolated failure. I have observed numerous reports from other Dodge Charger owners describing similar turn signal problems. The apparent pattern raises concern that there may be a common component, electrical, lighting assembly, or other defect affecting these vehicles rather than an isolated maintenance issue. The malfunction also creates a compliance concern for owners. Georgia law requires vehicle turn signals to be maintained in good working condition. An owner experiencing this apparent defect may therefore be placed in the position of operating a vehicle with required safety equipment that is not functioning properly and could potentially be subject to a traffic stop or citation. I am requesting that NHTSA review available consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, warranty claims, technical service information, repair data, and other relevant information concerning turn signal failures in Dodge Charger vehicles to determine whether a broader safety-related defect exists and whether further investigation is warranted. I am willing to provide photographs, videos, dashboard warnings, diagnostic information, repair orders, dealer communications, or other documentation regarding the failure if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My climate control system and airbags malfunction. This seems to be related to the UConnect system. My vehicle is available for inspection as needed. It has not been to a dealer for inspection yet, but an appointment is scheduled. The warning lamp that comes on as the climate control systems fails tells me the airbag system has failed.
The car wont move Fwd Until it suddenly Catches its gear Especially when its hot when the car is running for a long period of time and at a stop , or during a turn. The engine runs fine but the physical power is not reaching the wheels , Car will shut off if its not reaching it power , Cars feels like goes into Natural when it slips and finally catches its gear to move fwd . This has happen all the time at a contains stop and ready to move fwd or when I'm getting ready to turn during on going traffic car wont catch its gear to move fwd and gets stuck to not move as if it went into neutral . Safety Hazard as i been sending this to the dealership multiple times and they are stating they cant find the solutions but always happens when I drive the car for long period , I have warranty and dont feel they are looking at it properly at Bill luke , got sent to them twice for the same problem but getting worst now
The replaced TPMS sensors failed prematurely on this vehicle. The recall never was fixed when the vehicle was serviced.
The car is a 2022 with only 17k miles it started by smelling like gas really bad in the car and outside of it and eventually leaking gas badly so i took it into the dealership and it turns out there is a defective weld on the fuel filler neck and it had been leaking for a while. It was a major fire hazard not just for myself, but others on the road. Filling my garage up with fuel vapors and it was 1 spark away from catching on fire. So I contacted Stellantis to see if they would make it right and they refused to and told me things like that happen. It doesn't sit right with me. There was no warning lamps , messages anything of that sort. The leak was directly next to the exhaust as well.
Read 14 more owner reports
I’m getting a indicator that I need to service my shifter and it’s making a strange noise and having problems shifting
all air bag not deployed
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Dodge Charger. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 49,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 93,000.
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding an alignment issue with my 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody, which remains unresolved despite multiple visits to an authorized Dodge dealership. I have been meticulous about maintaining this vehicle, including performing regular 4-wheel alignments and rotating the tires at every oil change trying to remedy this issue. Despite this, the dealership recently informed me that the camber on the vehicle is off by 1 degree do to the control arms not being long enough when designed. Most concerning is that I was told there are no factory parts available to bring the alignment back within proper specification. Tires are being replaced with less than 10k miles on them for uneven wear on the insides of the front tires causing them too bald quickly. After multiple years of going to one dodge dealership that would state it was fine after an alignment, I finally got an answer that the control arms are short not allowing correct adjustments earlier this year and 30k miles later from another dealership. This has raised several issues for me as a customer who purchased a high-performance vehicle expecting both quality and support from Dodge. An inability to correct alignment within factory specs using OEM parts suggests a potential manufacturing or design defect, and I believe it deserves further investigation. I would appreciate your review of this matter and a response with your recommended course of action. I am seeking a resolution that ensures the camber can be corrected appropriately without compromising the performance, handling, or tire wear of the vehicle.
Instrument cluster on steering wheel not working could include airbag. All power to instruments on steering wheel no longer work under 40000 miles and no abuse or collisions on vehicle. All services done to the recommended schedule done by dealership. Rear camera glitches out from time to time and alarm system is triggered at night when in secure garage.
The contact's grandson owns a 2022 Dodge Charger. The contact's grandson stated that while changing lanes at an undisclosed speed and making a turn into a right lane; the rear driver-side tire had lost traction and the vehicle had spun out and crashed into the sidewalk, over a curb, and into a street sign where it came to a stop. The vehicle was also inspected by the grandson's mother prior to the failure where the vehicle was spun out at a lower speed. The contact stated that while the grandson was driving the failure may had happened because the vehicle was automatically switched into AWD mode and was set in rear wheel drive. A police report was filed however, was not available. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss and was towed to a local dealer for further repairs. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V808000 (Tires) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V504000 (Tires), however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
We purchased this vehicle new. Over time it started to surge on mild acceleration in all gears and all speeds. Dealership reset the transmission and engine computers. It was better but still noticeable. Over time though it gets worse. Dealership just does the same thing and resets the engine and transmission. This last time though it was still quite noticeable and has gotten much worse. We contacted the dealership and they plan to just reset them again as there is no other fix. The surging is unsafe especially in parking lots where you might be giving a little throttle and the car isn't really moving so you push harder and then it takes off.
When braking the engine goes into an uncontrolled fast idle that smokes the tires. Need to shut off engine immediately. This is intermittent. It is the 2nd time I had in to the dealer. Had it towed.
Intermittently the vehicle will jerk as if it looses power when driving, it has also happened when at a stop light and acceleration begins it jerks. It happens more often when at a complete stop and vehicle starts to accelerate. Vehicle was taken to melloy dodge in los lunas NM and they stated they were unable to find a problem
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a mule. During the crash, the front passenger side of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags were deployed. During the crash, the driver sustained a headache, right and left hip pain and a bruised torso from the seat belts. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer failed to reassemble the parts correctly during the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,700.
The Chapman Dodge service department has diagnosed the vehicle with an active, leaking fuel pump assembly and provided a repair estimate of $1,600.00. Stellantis Corporate has offered a "goodwill" gesture of only $200.00, leaving me with a $1,400.00 out-of-pocket bill. I have formally rejected this baseline offer.An active fuel leak on a 485-horsepower performance vehicle is an immediate, catastrophic fire hazard. A fuel pump module is a lifetime structural component—not a wear-and-tear item—and a complete material failure at 41,000 miles is an egregious manufacturing defect. Furthermore, because this vehicle is well under the 5-year/60,000-mile mark, it should be heavily considered under powertrain safety accommodations.Because an active fuel leak represents a severe risk to life and property, I cannot and will not safely drive this vehicle off their lot until it is repaired. Dodge Corporate and Chapman Dodge should not refuse to close the remaining $1,400.00 balance via manufacturer or dealership goodwill funds,
[XXX] Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, located in [XXX] performed an airbag recall on my vehicle. The vehicle was put back together incorrectly, and the headliner, rearview mirror, and sunglass holder are all hanging loose. The driver's line of sight is obstructed in the rearview mirror because of the parts hanging loose. I am too afraid to drive the car without knowing that the airbag was installed correctly. I spoke with the general manager of [XXX] Dodge, [XXX], and he will not take responsibility. My local Dodge dealership, York Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, located in [XXX], has confirmed that the car was put back together incorrectly, but they said that Dodge will not pay them to inspect the airbag and correct the problems because they already paid the [XXX] Dodge to perform the recall. My car has been at York Dodge for a month because I refuse to pay for an incorrectly installed recall. Dodge and [XXX] Dodge in particular, are responsible for this. I cannot safely drive my car until this is corrected. I have attached a quote from York Dodge and they marked this issue as needing IMMEDIATE ATTENTION and the cost is $670.47. (There are other items on the quote, but that is the only item pertaining to the airbag recall.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While parked in my driveway, the passenger rear side curtain airbag inflated on its own with noone in the car. The car cranks and operates correctly with no indication of a problem with the airbag system. This airbag had been replaced in September of 2025 due to a recall issued by Mopar. I have contacted Mopar and been assigned a case number.
Showing 20 of 549 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Charger
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Charger, in plain English.
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 — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Charger has 549 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 32 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. 36 of the Dodge Charger's 549 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) 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. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the Dodge Charger stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Charger by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Charger.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Charger reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Charger reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Charger has 549 NHTSA owner complaints and 32 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Charger years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (128 complaints), 2018 (122 complaints), 2019 (120 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Charger problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168 complaints); AIR BAGS (118 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (107 complaints).
Does the Dodge Charger have recalls?
Yes — 32 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Charger. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.