CarBrief

The 2014 Dodge Charger has 346 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and electrical problems are the largest group[1][2]. It also has 10 recalls, and several are about alternators that can fail suddenly[3][4][5][6][7].

346owner complaints[1]
10recalls[3]
17–23MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 346 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Dodge Charger[1]. Of those, 42 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 29 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints
Electrical system[2] 109
Engine[10] 64
Steering[11] 63
Power train[12] 60
Unknown or other[13] 46
Brakes[14] 35
Air bags[15] 28
Speed control[16] 23

Electrical problems lead the list. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 6 mention a recall notice, including cases where the repair part was not yet available[2]. 4 describe the car stalling or losing all power[2]. The alternator recalls in the next section fit this picture.

Steering and engine complaints are close to each other in size. In a sample of 12 steering complaints we read, 6 describe power steering failing or going away while driving[11]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, several mention a check engine light and 3 describe stalling[10].

Power train complaints touch on gears in our sample. Of 12 power train complaints we read, 4 describe rough or hard shifting[12].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. They show what owners chose to report, not how often a part fails.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2014 Charger[3]. Newest first:

Four of the ten involve alternators[4][5][6][7]. Check the VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cylinder, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[23] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,200
3.6L 6-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[8] 19 / 30 / 23 $2,900
3.6L 6-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive[24] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,200
5.7L 8-cylinder, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[25] 15 / 24 / 18 $4,200
5.7L 8-cylinder, 5-speed automatic, all-wheel drive[26] 15 / 23 / 18 $4,200
SRT8 6.4L 8-cylinder, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[27] 14 / 23 / 17 $4,850

The 3.6L rear-wheel-drive car with the 8-speed automatic is the most efficient version at 23 combined MPG[8]. The 6.4L SRT8 is the thirstiest at 17[27]. The 5.7L takes midgrade fuel and the SRT8 takes premium[25][27]. EPA also lists the 3.6L cars as running on gasoline or E85 with the same ratings[28][29][30].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4 door Charger 5 stars overall, with 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 in the side test and 5 for rollover[9][31]. That applies to both the all-wheel-drive[9] and rear-wheel-drive[31] versions. NHTSA puts rollover risk at 10.1% for both[9][31].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 3.6L 6-cylinder at 292 hp[32] and the 5.7L 8-cylinder at 359 hp[33]. Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars. Every version listed is 200 in long, 75 in wide and 58 in tall, with a 120 in wheelbase[34][35][36][37][38]. Curb weight varies:

Version Curb weight
SE/SXT/SXT Plus, rear-wheel drive[36] 3,962 lb
SXT AWD/SXT Plus AWD[38] 4,151 lb
R/T and R/T Road and Track, rear-wheel drive[35] 4,253 lb
SRT/SRT Super Bee[37] 4,363 lb
R/T AWD[34] 4,449 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

2006: 1,294 complaints, 5 recalls20062007: 570 complaints, 5 recalls2008: 624 complaints, 5 recalls20082009: 175 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 238 complaints, 6 recalls20102011: 699 complaints, 12 recalls2012: 661 complaints, 15 recalls20122013: 367 complaints, 9 recalls2014: 346 complaints, 10 recalls34620142015: 136 complaints, 7 recalls2016: 182 complaints, 5 recalls20162017: 128 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 122 complaints, 6 recalls20182019: 120 complaints, 5 recalls2020: 58 complaints, 3 recalls20202021: 35 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 16 complaints, 3 recalls20222023: 26 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 24 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 39 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 5 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Charger model year. The 2014 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20061,2945
20075705
20086245
20091756
20102386
201169912
201266115
20133679
201434610
20151367
20161825
20171284
20181226
20191205
2020583
2021352
2022163
2023262
2024243
2025393
202651

The 2014 Charger has 346 complaints and 10 recalls on file[3]. Among the 22 model years listed, six years have more complaints than 2014: 2006 (1,294), 2007 (570), 2008 (624), 2011 (699), 2012 (661) and 2013 (367)[3]. Every year from 2015 on has fewer, with 2015 at 136 and 2016 at 182[3].

On recalls, only 2011 (12) and 2012 (15) have more than 2014[3]. 2013 has 9[3]. Because complaints are not adjusted for sales, treat these as a rough guide and not a reliability score.

Should you buy a used 2014 Charger?

The 2014 Charger has a 5-star overall safety rating[9][31], and the 3.6L cars are rated 21 to 23 combined MPG[23][8]. Electrical is the largest complaint group[2] and the file lists four alternator recalls[4][5][6][7]. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling, power steering loss and rough shifting[2][11][12]. Those samples are small, so they show what owners report and not how often it happens. If you are shopping, check the VIN for open recalls, ask for proof that the alternator and gear selector work was done, and expect higher fuel bills with the 5.7L and SRT8[25][27].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Dodge Charger?
Electrical system is the largest complaint group with 109 of 346 complaints[1][2]. Engine has 64[10], steering 63[11] and power train 60[12].
Does the 2014 Dodge Charger have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls[3]. Four involve alternators that may fail and stall the car[4][5][6][7].
What is the gas mileage of the 2014 Dodge Charger?
EPA combined ratings run from 17 MPG for the 6.4L SRT8[27] to 23 MPG for the 3.6L with the 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive[8].
How safe is the 2014 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA rates the 4 door 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal[9][31].
Is 2014 a bad year for the Dodge Charger?
Six model years have more complaints (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013), and 2009, 2010 and every year from 2015 on have fewer[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 346 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Dodge Charger (42 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 29 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 109 complaints name the electrical system component group (8 crashes, 4 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Charger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 17V741, filed November 21, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 17V435, filed July 10, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V739, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 14V634, filed October 8, 2014: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 64 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 63 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,037). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 60 complaints name the power train component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,390). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 46 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 35 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,890). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 28 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,996). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 23 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. Recall 19V018, filed January 15, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 17V097, filed February 14, 2017: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 16V240, filed April 25, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V043, filed January 28, 2016: Structure. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 15V467, filed July 27, 2015: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  23. EPA rating for Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Charger AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Charger, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Charger AWD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Midgrade, All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Charger SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Charger AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Dodge Charger with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 292 hp. www.epa.gov
  33. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Dodge Charger with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 359 hp. www.epa.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN R/T AWD: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,449 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD R/T/R/T ROAD AND TRACK/: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,253 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD SE/SXT/SXT PLUS: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,962 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN SRT/SRT SUPERBEE: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,363 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN SXT AWD/SXT PLUS AWD: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,151 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.