NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 9 recalls, 357 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Dodge Charger.
18–23 mpg combined
10.2–13.1 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 8 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate reports for the 2013 Dodge Charger, accounting for a large share of what owners describe. The most commonly reported issue involves the ABS control module failing, with owners describing simultaneous warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brakes illuminating together. Several owners report that replacement modules have been on extended backorder, leaving vehicles unrepaired for a year or more. Some describe the brake pedal losing pressure and wheels locking up as part of that failure. Powertrain complaints come in second, with owners reporting transmission-related warnings, including a recurring "vehicle not in park" message appearing when the transmission is fully engaged. Engine complaints are also present, with some owners describing hard starts after the engine has warmed up and sat in heat. A smaller number of reports mention a strong fuel odor accompanied by smoke, though that pattern appears in fewer accounts than the electrical and drivetrain themes.
357
Total Complaints
25
Crash-Related
20
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Dodge Charger has 9 recalls, the most serious involving the passenger frontal airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Three recalls address airbag concerns. The Takata-related inflator explosion risk applies to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories. A separate recall covers unexpected deployment of side curtain and seat airbags, along with seatbelt pretensioners, triggered by overly sensitive side impact sensors. A third airbag recall involves the passenger frontal airbag deploying with excessive force due to propellant degradation over time.
On the drivetrain side, AWD models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission can suffer a fractured output shaft, causing sudden loss of drive power while moving. A separate transmission concern affects the gear position indicator, which can show the transmission as being in Park when it is not, creating a rollaway risk when the driver exits the vehicle.
The alternator on certain engine configurations can fail without warning, stalling the vehicle, and may also short circuit and start a fire. There is also a structural concern: using the supplied tire jack without wheel chocks can cause the body sill to give way, dropping the vehicle unexpectedly.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
What can fail
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
Heat and humidity can degrade the chemical propellant in the passenger front airbag. A degraded airbag may deploy with excessive force, potentially sending fragments toward occupants and damaging the assembly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front airbag inflator.
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 alternator may suddenly fail in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your alternator and replace it if necessary at no charge, based on the part number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle may not alert the driver when the door opens while the transmission is not in PARK, potentially allowing the driver to exit while the vehicle is in gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle's body-side sill may collapse when lifting the car with the supplied tire jack if wheels are not blocked, causing the jack to fail and the vehicle to drop.
What the fix does
Dealers will provide wheel chocks and instructions for their proper use at no cost to prevent sill collapse during jacking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are calibrated too sensitively, which can cause side curtain air bags, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Occupant Restraint Control module to correct the sensor calibration at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission output shaft may fail in certain Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 all-wheel drive, and RAM 1500 four-wheel drive vehicles with 8-speed automatic transmissions. This failure can cause loss of power while driving or unintended movement if parked without the parking brake engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission in your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission output shaft may fracture in certain 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles with ZF 8HP45 transmissions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission free of charge if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
