Common problems
Dodge Charger Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 9 Dodge Charger model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated June 2026
- Owner complaints
- 369
- Top recurring issue
- Electrical System
- Crash reports
- 31
- Fire reports
- 6
9 model years
8 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
25 injuries · 1 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Dodge Charger problem categories
Electrical System
85complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2018.
Unknown Or Other
42complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2018.
Air Bags
98complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2019.
Power Train
22complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2018.
Steering
15complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2019.
Structure
20complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Service Brakes
9complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2019.
Engine
11complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2019.
Suspension
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2025.
Exterior Lighting
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Dodge Charger model year
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, with many stating that parts for the recall repair are unavailable. Complaints often involve frustration over delays, with some owners indicating they have waited several months without resolution. Additionally, there are reports of airbags not deploying during crashes, which have resulted in injuries. A few owners also describe partial airbag deployments during adverse weather conditions. These issues are reported across varying mileages, and the safety implications include non-deployment during accidents and potential exposure to faulty airbags.
Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports
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.
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to the air bags, primarily involving delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. A significant number of complaints involve air bags deploying unexpectedly while the vehicle is parked or failing to deploy during a crash. Some reports also mention air bag-related injuries, including burns, and one incident involved a fire. Many complaints indicate that these issues arise around 68,000 miles, although some do not specify mileage. The safety implications of these complaints are notable, with multiple incidents involving crashes and injuries, which prospective buyers should consider when evaluating this vehicle.
Severity signals: 9 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving headlights and USB ports. Common symptoms include headlights failing intermittently or burning out, sometimes accompanied by burnt fuses and connectors, with some incidents leading to electrical fires. USB ports are often described as disconnecting or shorting out, affecting connectivity features like CarPlay. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 16,000 miles. Safety implications include inoperative lighting, which can pose risks, particularly at night, and the occurrence of fires, which have been reported in both regular and fleet vehicles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
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.
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to an airbag recall, specifically NHTSA Campaign Number 24V198000. Many complaints indicate that the repair parts for the recall are not yet available, leading to delays in addressing the issue. Typical symptoms include notifications of the recall without available remedies and concerns about driving the vehicle with unresolved airbag defects. Some owners express frustration over the lack of communication regarding parts availability, while others mention a service airbag system warning or specific airbag component failures, such as a passenger frontal squib control circuit issue. These issues are often reported without specific mileage but are linked to a timeline starting from March 2024. Safety implications are noted, especially for those relying on the vehicle as their primary mode of transportation.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the vehicle's anti-theft system, unexpected braking due to forward collision control, and interior component failures. Several complaints describe the anti-theft system being bypassed, allowing unauthorized access and vehicle movement. Forward collision control is reported to engage unexpectedly, causing abrupt braking even without obstacles present. Interior problems include door trim damage and malfunctioning radios, with some owners noting these issues as early as 44,261 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of sudden braking, which could lead to rear-end collisions, and the burning smell described by a recent purchaser. These issues are reported across varying mileage and ownership timelines, indicating potential areas of concern for prospective buyers.
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Dodge Charger
When problems are reported to begin
- Electrical system failures — 500–2,707 miles on the 2025 model-year record
- Service brakes issues — 500–807 miles on the 2025 model-year record
- Service brake failures — 12,000–21,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
- Electrical system failures — 17,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
- Air bag non-deployment — 10,000–11,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Fuel system leaks — 17,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Suspension alignment issues — 10,000–30,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Power train issues — 2,100–66,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Test trunk for consistent opening and closing
- Inspect dashboard for warning alerts during a test drive
- Check for overheating signs on rear wheels after a short drive
- Verify regenerative braking functionality in all settings
- Ensure vehicle does not experience unintended acceleration
- Test key fob for reliable door and trunk operation
- Confirm ADAS functionality, especially brake engagement on inclines
- Test for complete power loss or 'bricking' during startup
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Dodge Charger data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Dodge Charger research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Dodge Charger research FAQ
What is the most common Dodge Charger problem?
Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 8 years with 85 complaints represented.
Which Dodge Charger year has the most reported problems?
The 2018 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Dodge Charger has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Dodge Charger you are considering.
