NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 5 recalls, 238 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Dodge Charger.
15–21 mpg combined
11.2–15.7 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2010 Dodge Charger, complaints split almost evenly across airbags, the electrical system, and the engine, making it one of the more broadly distributed complaint profiles for this generation. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, unexpected shutoffs while driving, intermittent no-start conditions, and a loose or unresponsive ignition, with several describing the engine cutting out at highway speed. Engine complaints center on seizing, with multiple owners reporting complete mechanical failure, often without much warning. Airbag complaints round out the top concerns, though the representative narratives lean electrical and mechanical. A handful of fuel system reports describe an inaccurate fuel gauge and fuel being pushed back out of the filler neck during refueling, suggesting a possible vent or evaporative system issue that shows up across more than one complaint.
238
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Dodge Charger has 5 recalls, the most serious being a widespread airbag inflator defect affecting both the driver and passenger sides, where the inflators can explode in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The airbag concern covers both front seating positions. On the driver's side, the frontal airbag inflator can rupture on deployment, scattering metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants. The passenger-side inflator carries the same risk, with excessive internal pressure capable of causing an explosion during deployment. These airbag recalls are particularly relevant for vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories, where heat and moisture accelerate the conditions that make the inflators unstable. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings exist covering overlapping populations.
On the mechanical side, rear-wheel-drive models built during the 2009-2010 period may be missing a front wheel spindle nut, which is the fastener that holds the wheel hub assembly in place. Without it, a tire and wheel can separate from the vehicle entirely while driving, with no warning to the driver before control is lost.
At a glance
What can fail
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
What the fix does
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may fail or deploy unexpectedly, potentially injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator can allow moisture inside over time, which may cause it to rupture when deployed.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front wheel spindle nut may be missing, which could allow the wheel to become loose or detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front wheel assembly and install a spindle nut if missing, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.