Owners have reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Dodge Charger. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints44
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the Uconnect touchscreen system, which often delaminates and causes "ghost touching" where the system randomly activates functions such as climate controls, navigation, and phone calls. This problem tends to emerge after the warranty period, with several owners noting the onset around two to three years of vehicle ownership. Some complaints highlight safety concerns, as the erratic touchscreen behavior distracts drivers and renders essential functions like the backup camera and hands-free phone system inoperative. Additionally, a few reports mention recurring issues with headlight fuses melting, leading to headlight failure. These electrical system issues are a significant consideration for potential buyers, especially given the potential safety implications and repair costs.
Owner complaints22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the UConnect touchscreen system, which often delaminates, causing random button presses and malfunctioning controls such as the radio, GPS, and backup camera. Symptoms include the screen acting as if it is being touched, leading to distractions while driving and potential safety hazards. Additionally, there are multiple complaints about interior door panels warping and separating, exposing underlying electronics to moisture. Some owners also mention problems with the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly and sunroofs shattering without impact, both of which have safety implications. These issues are often reported at varying mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase.
Owner complaints18
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with interior door panels detaching from door frames. Symptoms include peeling or warping of door panels, which can expose internal components like wiring and foam, and potentially interfere with door locks and controls. These problems are commonly noted at mileages ranging from 21,000 to 75,000. Some owners express safety concerns about the possibility of children injuring fingers in gaps or the malfunction of safety features like airbags. Additionally, there are isolated reports of the sunroof shattering while driving and door handles failing to open from the outside.
Owner complaints9
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report power train issues, notably involving the transmission and driveshaft. Common symptoms include abnormal noises such as thuds or rocking sounds, unintended gear shifts, and stalling. These issues often arise at varied mileages, with some occurring around 23,500 miles, while others are reported at higher mileages, such as 90,000 and 180,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of uncontrollable steering, sparks or fire from underneath the vehicle, and one instance involving a crash. Buyers should be aware of the potential for unresolved recalls and the need for repeated repairs that may not fully address the problems.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report several issues related to air bags. Complaints frequently mention door panels coming loose, which exposes side airbags to potential damage, though no deployment issues are directly reported from this exposure. Another common issue is the air bag service light activating without apparent cause. Two crash incidents are noted: in one, the steering wheel and lower steering column airbags failed to deploy during a rollover after hitting a guardrail; in another, all airbags deployed except the passenger's lower airbag during a frontal collision, resulting in injuries. These reports suggest potential safety implications regarding airbag deployment reliability during accidents.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the electric power steering system, particularly failures of the electric steering rack. Symptoms commonly include a sudden loss of power steering assistance, which can occur without prior warning, as indicated by a warning light that appears after the failure. These failures are noted around 57,000 miles, with one owner mentioning the unavailability of replacement parts. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power steering increases the risk of accidents, especially if the driver is unprepared for the manual effort required to steer. Additionally, one complaint mentions a power steering service light activating, leading to the replacement of the steering unit, although the exact cause remains unclear.
Owner complaints4
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to suspension rust, with several complaints highlighting excessive rust on front suspension components, including nuts and bolts. This rust is noted at low mileage, with one owner observing it at just 1,200 miles. In some cases, the rust appears severe enough to potentially compromise the integrity of the suspension, as described by one owner who expressed concern about the material being eaten away. Additionally, one report describes a critical failure where a driveshaft bolt fracture led to loss of control and tire detachment at 50,000 miles, resulting in a dangerous situation on the road. These reports suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of accidents due to compromised suspension components.
Owner complaints4
WHEELS
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report issues with wheel integrity, particularly concerning powder coating and rim cracks. Multiple owners describe problems with wheel finishes not being fully powder-coated, leading to slow tire leaks and accelerated tire wear. Additionally, a complaint highlights a cracked OEM rim, with the owner noting a national backorder for replacements, indicating potential widespread demand for this part. Safety implications are evident, with one report detailing a crash caused by a broken control arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control. These issues often emerge after a year of ownership, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers regarding wheel durability and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report issues with the service brakes, specifically brake failure and unintended activation of the automatic braking system. One complaint details a crash resulting in three injuries, where the driver experienced brake failure despite applying maximum pressure, leading to a rear-end collision. Another complaint describes the automatic braking system activating independently at various speeds, with diagnosis proving inconclusive. These issues are noted at approximately 15,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to brake failure and unexpected braking, which may concern prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report engine-related issues, including one instance of an engine fire resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Another complaint describes the vehicle shaking and shutting off while driving at highway speeds, with the check engine light illuminating. This issue occurred around 5,000 miles, and despite being taken to multiple dealers, no specific failures were identified, although the manufacturer was involved in attempting to resolve the issue. The safety implications include potential fire hazards and loss of engine power, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
