Dodge CHARGER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
5,736 owner complaints analyzed
83 distinct recall campaigns
68,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1966 to 2027 model years. Data snapshot: . 4,124 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1,804 of 5,736 complaints (31.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 1,259 | 21.9% |
| Engine operation | 1,046 | 18.2% |
| Braking behavior | 786 | 13.7% |
| Steering behavior | 562 | 9.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 455 | 7.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 423 | 7.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1804 |
| Engine | 1026 |
| Air Bags | 770 |
| Power Train | 664 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 513 |
| Unknown Or Other | 404 |
| Steering | 391 |
| Exterior Lighting | 287 |
Electrical System: 1,804; Engine: 1,026; Air Bags: 770; Power Train: 664; Fuel/Propulsion System: 513; Unknown Or Other: 404; Steering: 391; Exterior Lighting: 287
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 574 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 760 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 953 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 792 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 765 |
| 150,000 and above | 280 |
Under 25,000: 574; 25,000 to 49,999: 760; 50,000 to 74,999: 953; 75,000 to 99,999: 792; 100,000 to 149,999: 765; 150,000 and above: 280
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (953). 1,612 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 36 |
| 2007 | 86 |
| 2008 | 52 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 132 |
| 2011 | 188 |
| 2012 | 157 |
| 2013 | 422 |
| 2014 | 750 |
| 2015 | 912 |
| 2016 | 604 |
| 2017 | 508 |
| 2018 | 350 |
| 2019 | 358 |
| 2020 | 303 |
| 2021 | 214 |
| 2022 | 146 |
| 2023 | 112 |
| 2024 | 138 |
| 2025 | 122 |
| 2026 | 76 |
1995: 2; 2000: 1; 2005: 3; 2006: 36; 2007: 86; 2008: 52; 2009: 64; 2010: 132; 2011: 188; 2012: 157; 2013: 422; 2014: 750; 2015: 912; 2016: 604; 2017: 508; 2018: 350; 2019: 358; 2020: 303; 2021: 214; 2022: 146; 2023: 112; 2024: 138; 2025: 122; 2026: 76
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1,259 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1,046 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 786 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 975688 · 1995-11-29 (November 29, 1995)
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE AND BURNED EVERYTHING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. TT WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED ALL PLASTIC AND RUBBER PARTS ON MOTOR , CONSUMER STATES IT HAD FILLED WITH SMOKE ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *SLC
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 975688 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10569078 · 2014-03-13 (March 13, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. WHILE REPLACING THE BULB, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10569078 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10163235 · 2006-07-23 (July 23, 2006)
CAR STALLS. USUALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP BUT HAS STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON TA TWO LANE HIGHWAY IN 120 DEGREE WEATHER. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163235 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10182416 · 2007-02-12 (February 12, 2007)
VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE REPAIRED OR " DUPLICATED" WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? A SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT? I DON'T THINK SO. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10182416 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10142590 · 2005-11-14 (November 14, 2005)
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE ABS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD AND INTO SEVERAL TREES. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AND SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT FELT IT WAS A TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM. THE ABS FAILED ONCE BEFORE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 1,433 miles reported. Look up ODI 10142590 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10157715 · 2006-05-17 (May 17, 2006)
I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND APPLIED MY BRAKES TO STOP. I FELT MY BRAKES SLIPPING AS IF THEY WERE PRESSING FULLY TO THE FLOOR NOT STOPPING MY VEHICLE. IN RESULT I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THAT CHAIN REACTED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A BRAKE SPECIALIST AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM BEING THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACED AND 2 ROTORS NEEDED RESURFACED. MY VEHICLE IS A 2006 MODEL. I'VE MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED UPON THEIR DIAGNOSIS AS WELL. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 8,650 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157715 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10171604 · 2006-10-23 (October 23, 2006)
I'VE HAD A 2006 CHARGER RT FOR LESS THAN A YEAR. FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS THE BRAKES BEGAN SQUEALING AND FEELING LIKE THERE GRINDING AT TIMES WHEN I STOP. EACH TIME I VISITED THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL BECAUSE THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PADS WERE METALLIC. I RECENTLY TOOK A TRIP UP IN THE MOUNTAINS, COMING DOWN I COULDN'T EVEN USE THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE CAR BEGAN SHAKING AND PULSATING RAPIDLY I COULD BARELY HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL, LUCKILY THERE WEREN'T ANY OTHER CARS AROUND. AFTER CHECKING OUT THIS WEBSITE AND CHARGER FOR…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10171604 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10172379 · 2006-11-01 (November 1, 2006)
EVER SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT MY 2006 DODGE CHARGER SXT I HAVE HAD A STRONG VIBRATION IN MY BREAKS, IT SHAKES MY STEERING WHEEL, AND WHOLE CAR, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR NEW CARS TO BREAK LIKE THAT, WELL ON MY LAST SERVICE THE PEOPLE TOLD ME THAT MY ROTORS ARE WARPED AND THATI AM GOING TO NEED TO REPLACE THEM SOON, I DONT HAVE THE BREAKING POWER THAN I FEEL IS SAFE. I AM A UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIER STATIONED IN GERMANY SO MY OPTIONS ARE SLIGHTLY LIMITED AS TO WHAT TO DO. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP M…
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172379 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10140852 · 2005-10-26 (October 26, 2005)
I AM ABOUT TO FILE A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT BECAUSE DODGE HAS BEEN "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT HAVE PLAGUED MY VEHICLE, A 2006 DODGE CHARGER R/T, SINCE DAY FOUR OF MY OWNERSHIP. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 68 DAYS AND OF THOSE, I HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE FUNCTIONING CAR FOR 19 DAYS. THEY HAVE FIXED A NUMBER OF MINOR ISSUES AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO FIX OR DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX AT THIS TIME, SOME MINOR ISSUES INCLUDING THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PROBLEMS (WHICH THEY SAY THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN "…
Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10140852 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10182997 · 2007-02-20 (February 20, 2007)
WELL YESTERDAY EVENING. I WAS MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE CAR WAS JUST REVVING WHILE STILL IN DRIVE. IF THERE WERE ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC I COULD OFF GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR HARD, DEFINITELY DON'T RACE. WHY WOULD SOMETHING HAPPEN LIKE THIS? IT IS PRETTY MUCH A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH I KEEP UP THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THIS EQUIPMENT BECAUSE THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I'VE READ A FEW DIFFERENT FORUMS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE OTHE…
Owner-reported narrative. 17,990 miles reported. Look up ODI 10182997 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10152906 · 2006-03-16 (March 16, 2006)
DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED AND A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GAS STREAMED OUT OF THE TANK. TO THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER'S KNOWLEDGE, NO FOREIGN OBJECTS WERE STRUCK BY THE VEHICLE. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT REPAIR BY THE DEALER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC, AND THE CORNER THAT WAS PUNCTURED WAS NOT PROTECTED BY AN ADDITIONAL SHIELDING DEVICE. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 8,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10152906 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10203413 · 2007-09-19 (September 19, 2007)
CAR PURCHASED 2/2006 W/ APPROX. 5,600 MI. FIRST OCCURRENCE IN 6/2007: VEHICLE IN DRIVE AT STOPPED POSITION. PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE THROUGH INTERSECTION. VEHICLE ALMOST STALLS AND SPUTTERS (ENGINE MAKES ROUGH WINDING NOISE). DOES NOT ACCELERATE. ENGINE LIGHT ON BRIEFLY. PULLED OVER, PUT IN PARK, RETURNED TO DRIVE TO TRY AGAIN. SAME THING HAPPENS. TURNED VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A FEW SECONDS, AND THEN BACK ON. DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS. THOUGHT MAYBE BAD GAS. OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS IT HAPPENED APPROX. 5 MORE TIMES AT DIFFERENT …
Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10203413 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
| 2027 | 1 |
2011: 11; 2012: 14; 2013: 8; 2014: 9; 2015: 7; 2016: 5; 2017: 4; 2018: 6; 2019: 5; 2020: 3; 2021: 2; 2022: 3; 2023: 2; 2024: 0; 2026: 1; 2027: 1
Year-by-year records
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Change in recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | 0 | 2 | Not available |
| 1967 | 0 | 3 | +1 |
| 1968 | 0 | 5 | +2 |
| 1970 | 1 | 1 | Not available |
| 1971 | 0 | 5 | +4 |
| 1972 | 0 | 2 | -3 |
| 1973 | 0 | 7 | +5 |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | -6 |
| 1975 | 0 | 2 | +1 |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1977 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1978 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 | Not available |
| 1984 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1985 | 2 | 2 | +1 |
| 1986 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 | Not available |
| 2006 | 1,294 | 5 | Not available |
| 2007 | 554 | 5 | 0 |
| 2008 | 609 | 5 | 0 |
| 2009 | 174 | 6 | +1 |
| 2010 | 232 | 6 | 0 |
| 2011 | 694 | 11 | +5 |
| 2012 | 648 | 14 | +3 |
| 2013 | 360 | 8 | -6 |
| 2014 | 343 | 9 | +1 |
| 2015 | 136 | 7 | -2 |
| 2016 | 182 | 5 | -2 |
| 2017 | 128 | 4 | -1 |
| 2018 | 122 | 6 | +2 |
| 2019 | 120 | 5 | -1 |
| 2020 | 57 | 3 | -2 |
| 2021 | 34 | 2 | -1 |
| 2022 | 14 | 3 | +1 |
| 2023 | 26 | 2 | -1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | -2 |
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | Not available |
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 |