Dodge Charger 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Charger 2016 and 182 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Dodge Charger between 2016 and 2025.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Dodge Charger 2016

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018-05-17

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V332000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 18V281000 · 2018-05-01

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V281000

Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017-12-21

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V824000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 17V097000 · 2017-02-14

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.

Consequence

A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V097000

Structure and body
NHTSA campaign 16V043000 · 2016-01-28

What happens

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.

Consequence

A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V043000

There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.

Complaints from other owners

182 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

7 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 15 injuries

Most reported problems on the Dodge Charger 2016

• Structure and body: 53 (29% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 25 (14% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 25 (14% of complaints)
• Engine: 25 (14% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 24 (13% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Dodge Charger 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Look for frame rust, welds or uneven paint that point to accidents.
• Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Dodge Charger recalls by year

• 2016 : 5 recalls · 182 complaints
• 2017 : 4 recalls · 128 complaints
• 2018 : 6 recalls · 122 complaints
• 2019 : 5 recalls · 120 complaints
• 2020 : 3 recalls · 57 complaints
• 2021 : 2 recalls · 35 complaints
• 2022 : 3 recalls · 16 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 26 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 1 complaint
• 2025 : 3 recalls · 39 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Dodge Charger 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Charger 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Charger 2016?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: structure and body (53 of 182 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.