NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2021 Dodge Charger: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2021 Dodge Charger? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 30 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.

30
Complaints
2
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Deaths
2
Recalls
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Dodge Charger has 30 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2021 Dodge Charger — key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Charger
Model year
2021
NHTSA owner complaints
30
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues

Most Common 2021 Dodge Charger Problems

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

#1
13
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:1
#2
5
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:1
#3
4
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2021 Dodge Charger?

The 2021 Dodge Charger shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Dodge Charger

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any open recalls related to airbags.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any open recalls related to airbags.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.

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

Before buying a used 2021 Dodge Charger, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

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

Based on 30 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Dodge Charger, the data suggests a concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, which account for a notable portion of reports. Transmission and drivetrain problems also appear as a recurring theme. With only two crash-related complaints, the overall pattern does not indicate a widespread safety crisis, but buyers may want to inspect specific components.

Key Findings
  • Airbag malfunctions are the most frequently reported component, with 13 complaints.
  • Transmission and drivetrain issues account for 5 complaints.
  • Only 2 crash-related complaints were reported, suggesting limited safety incidents in the data.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions
  • Transmission / Drivetrain
  • Engine Problems
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The dataset covers only one model year (2021) with 30 complaints, limiting generalizability. Confidence level is Low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.

All 2021 Dodge Charger Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions131
Transmission / Drivetrain51
Uncategorized Issues41
Engine Problems3
Visibility2
Headlight/Taillight Failures2
Electrical Faults2
Wheel Issues21
Structural Problems1
Seat Belt Issues1
Steering Defects1
Suspension Failures1
Lane Departure1
Back Over Prevention1

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

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 30 most recent complaints

VisibilityApr 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V198000 (Air Bags) and 21V516000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted to perform the recall repairs; however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact s…

Structural ProblemsOct 15, 2025

Rear doors cannot be opened from the inside when the child proof locks are in the open position, or the locked position. They can only be opened for the inside when unlocked from the drivers unlock panel.

Seat Belt IssuesAug 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while installing the car seats in the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side and passenger’s side rear seat belts would loosen unintendedly while attempting to fasten the seat belts. The …

Headlight/Taillight FailuresAug 2, 2025

condensation in headlight

Electrical FaultsMay 14, 2025

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 much, my car won't acc…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 22, 2025

No incident happened. My 2021 Charger windshield has not been recalled due to the adhesive around the edge of windshield.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 9, 2025

Los vehículos están instalados con infladores de bolsas de aire de cortina, ubicados a lo largo del techo sobre las puertas delanteras y traseras, que pueden romperse debido a un defecto de fabricación no especificado, dijeron los reguladores.

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer declined to purchase the vehicle because the VIN was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Num…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the “Service Transmission” message displayed. The contact stated that the continue to drive and do not shift message was displayed. The vehicle was towed …

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic call…

Engine ProblemsAug 2, 2024

During a recent tire change, I observed that the plastic cover beneath the engine had become dislodged, and several clips were broken. Additionally, a large round component had detached and fallen out. Following consultation with fellow Dodge Charger Scat Pack owners on social me…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 15, 2024

Airbag recalled since March 2024, & no Dodge dealer in the Charlotte or surrounding areas has a remedy available. This is extremely dangerous and I have my child with me. I need to get this recall fixed ASAP! This is a danger and my only form of transportation.

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 13, 2024

A SABIC inflator rupture may result in compressed gas rapidly escaping from the inflator and material potentially being propelled into the vehicle.

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 19, 2024

Notification or recall came out in March. Notified by mail end of April. It is now mid June and still there is no remedy available for this open recall. For drivers where this is their sole car, it is concerning and unfair that we continue to drive with this recall and possibly r…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 24, 2024

There is an open recall for curtain side airbag with no remedy available. In April 2024, vehicle displayed service airbag system. vehicle was taken to dealership and the issue was the passenger seat harness airbag. Dealership states it is a warranty issue and I had to pay a deduc…

Steering DefectsSep 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering failed to operate properly, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the "Electr…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Dodge Charger.

2021 Dodge Charger Recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Charger. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

21V516000Aug 7, 2021
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

24V19800014/03/2024
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Compare Dodge Charger Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2021 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

202520242023202220212020201920182017

2021 Dodge Charger Buying FAQ

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

Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 30 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Dodge Charger shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2021 Dodge Charger?

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (13 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Dodge Charger?

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

How safe is the 2021 Dodge Charger?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Dodge Charger, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 30 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have any recalls?

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Dodge Charger. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2021 Dodge Charger?

The 2021 Dodge Charger shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions 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 VinSpector AI.

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

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2021 Dodge Charger based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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

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.