This page covers 6 recalls, 182 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2016 Dodge Charger, the largest share of complaints centers on structural issues, with owners frequently describing driveshaft failures, in some cases the shaft fully detaching from the vehicle while driving. The fuel and propulsion system draws the next most complaints, where owners commonly report smelling fuel inside the cabin after filling up, pointing to a fuel vapor or seal issue at the tank or filler neck. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, with reports of engine overheating tied to oil cooler failures, owners describe oil mixing into the coolant system, often attributed to a plastic cooler component warping. A handful of owners also report the vehicle failing to start, with the keyless ignition system not recognizing the key fob even when it's present in the cabin.
182
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Dodge Charger has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the front driveshaft on all-wheel drive models, which can loosen, detach, and drop onto the road, creating a hazard for other vehicles.
Two separate recalls address the AWD front driveshaft: bolts can loosen and allow it to disconnect, and the universal joint can seize or fracture and cause the shaft to separate entirely. Both situations can result in sudden loss of drive power. There is also a cruise control concern affecting certain vehicles equipped with Mopar Stage 1 or Demon Crate performance powertrain control modules, where the system may fail to disengage and the vehicle continues accelerating despite the driver's input. A broader software recall covers the same cruise control failure on standard powertrain control modules across a wide range of FCA vehicles. On the structural side, using the included tire jack without wheel chocks can cause the body sill to give way, dropping the car unexpectedly and raising the risk of injury to anyone working underneath. Finally, certain vehicles were equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers that may fail to discharge properly when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. When this occurs, you cannot turn off cruise control by braking or manually, causing the vehicle to maintain or increase its speed.
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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 the fix does
Dealers will update the control module's software or replace it entirely at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front driveshaft universal joint can seize or break, causing the driveshaft to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driveshaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts connecting the front driveshaft may loosen and separate, causing the driveshaft to disconnect and loss of engine power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts at no cost.
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.
