2016 Dodge Charger Problems

Severe Issues

Used DODGE CHARGER shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 182 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Structural Problems the most reported area.

201511 years2017

Before you buy

This 2016 Dodge Charger has 182 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Structural Problems.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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182
Complaints
7
Crashes
2
Fires
15
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
6
Recalls

2016 Dodge Charger Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2016 Dodge Charger trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

18
MPG City
13–19 range
27
MPG Hwy
22–30 range
21
MPG Combined
16–23 range
415
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.

2016 Dodge Charger Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2016 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

10.1% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5

10.1% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Dodge Charger has 182 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2016 Dodge Charger β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Charger
Model year
2016
NHTSA owner complaints
182
Crash-related complaints
7
Safety recall campaigns
6
Top reported component
Structural Problems
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 27
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
5/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2016 Dodge Charger problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
53
complaints

Structural Problems

Crash-related:1
Injuries:3
#2
32
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Fires:1
#3
28
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Injuries:2

Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2016 Dodge Charger?

This DODGE CHARGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2016 Dodge Charger

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • 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

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2016 Dodge Charger, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The DODGE CHARGER has 182 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 182 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 6 federal recall campaigns
  • 7 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2016 Dodge Charger complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Dodge Charger. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Structural Problems531β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues32β€”1β€”
Engine Problems2811β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System25β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain251β€”β€”
Electrical Faults25β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects172β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions93β€”β€”
Brake System81β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures8β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures71β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration51β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Other/Unknown1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Dodge Charger. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 182 most recent complaints

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 16, 2026

I am starting to smell fuel inside of my car everytime I fill up my vehicle.

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 14, 2026

The contract owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 38 MPH, the vehicle began cranking. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where they called a relative. Once the relative arrived and inspected the vehicle, they noticed th…

Engine ProblemsMay 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed oil cooler. The contact was informed that all the oil had spilled into the…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 2, 2026

Dodge Charger, 2016, won't turn on a list. Key is in the cup holder. On the driver's side also there are many videos showing this same issue with many dodge, twenty sixteen chargers.

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 16, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). On February 3, 2026, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. I heard a loud metallic grinding noise from underneath, followed by an immediate loss of power and …

Engine ProblemsJan 19, 2026

I recently tried to get my oil changed and they told me that the oil filter housing was cracked. After doing research on this there is several sources saying that there is lots that has had the same malfunction. Surprised there isn't a recall on this part

Structural ProblemsJan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the dashboard and plastic around the gear shifter were folding outward. The contact was concerned that the parts would detach. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufac…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact slowed down the thumping sound decreased; howeve…

Fuel SystemSep 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact purchased the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken for the Emissions Test; however, the vehicle failed the Emissions Test. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that some unknown sensors had been replaced, and to allow f…

Electrical FaultsSep 24, 2025

Odometer Faud. The contact purchased a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle diagnosed, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately…

Steering DefectsJun 18, 2025

Unknown/. When Press on brake car still moves. Also when put in parked car will move forward or backwards a few inches. Steering wheel does not feel right as if feels not secure when driving.when trying to go in right lane on freeway steering wheel was not all the way responding …

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 17, 2025

My charger was a michigan state patrol vehicle all its maint. Kept up on and all recalls fixed and repaired properly, yet driving at 45mph and my front driveshaft gives out and ends up smashing off my transmission and transfer case and it hit and almost went through the passanger…

Structural ProblemsMay 27, 2025

The interior door panels on both front doors of my 2016 Dodge Charger SXT have warped and pulled away from the frame near the window area. The defect appears to be heat-related, and the panels have progressively worsened over time. This issue has not only affected the cosmetic in…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2, 2025

Smelled fuel leaking inside car towards rear seat. Electrical connector to fuel pump had fuel surrounding it (located under back seat, on left side of car). Upon disconnecting connector, I notice two right most pins of connector (on pump) had a burn mark which cause a hole and al…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 1, 2025

I have a continuous and ongoing problem with my draft shaft specifically the carrier bearing. This part has been giving me trouble for over a couple of years now and feel like it's going to break every time I pull in reverse and my local dealer manufacturer currently has no recal…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 24, 2025

I repaired my drive shaft in May of 2024 and I am already having this problem again. It appears this is a common issue with this vehicle. My vehicle is a 2016 Dodge charger. I paid $2000 to repair this the last time and am not happy that I am having the exact same problem again. …

Steering DefectsJan 28, 2025

There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric p…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 3, 2025

Unexpected vehicle movement from power Train. I was changing my tire and the jack caused my vehicle body side to deform causing the vehicle to fall and nearly broke my leg.

Electrical FaultsDec 4, 2024

The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 20, 2024

Loud noise coming from where the center console should be. I thought it could be something wrapped around the drive shaft but instead the drive shaft carrier bearing needs replaced. You can't get a shop to buy just the part they have to replace the entire piece!

Page 1 of 10

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Charger.

Safety recalls

2016 Dodge Charger recalls

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Charger. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

#18E053000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Dec 7, 2018
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

#18V332000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING17/05/2018
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

#18V281000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFTJan 5, 2018
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT

#17V824000EQUIPMENT21/12/2017
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

#17V097000POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT14/02/2017
Safety recall

STRUCTURE

#16V043000STRUCTURE28/01/2016

Across model years

Compare Dodge Charger model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2016 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2016 Dodge Charger buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2016 Dodge Charger reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 182 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE CHARGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger?β–Ύ

#1: Structural Problems (53 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (32 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (28 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Dodge Charger?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Charger?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Dodge Charger, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 182 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Dodge Charger. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2016 Dodge Charger?β–Ύ

This DODGE CHARGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Charger reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2016 Dodge Charger based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.