What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger?

The structure group has the most complaints, with 53. Engine, electrical and power train groups follow in the file.

Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact lists 5 recalls. See the Recalls section on this page for the details.

How many complaints are there for the 2016 Dodge Charger?

NHTSA has 182 owner complaints on file. They are unverified owner reports.

Is the 2016 Dodge Charger reliable?

The complaint file is sizable at 182 reports. Check the recalls and the by-year comparison on this page, and get a pre-purchase inspection.

What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Dodge Charger?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

2016 Dodge Charger Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 182 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Dodge Charger^[1]. The model year also has 5 recalls listed below^[2].

182owner complaints^[1]

5recalls^[2]

16–23MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Structure. 53 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe interior door panels peeling away from the door soon after purchase, and one owner describes a foot getting caught near the pedals.
Unknown or other. 32 complaints^[6]. These reports do not fit a single named part.
Engine. 28 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a car fire while parked, a stall after fueling, and a burnt smell from the vents that dealers could not trace.
Fuel and propulsion system. 25 complaints^[8].
Electrical system. 25 complaints^[9]. Owners describe warning lights that stay on, flickering dash lights, and a sunroof that would not close.
Power train. 25 complaints^[10]. Owners describe rough or jerky shifting while slowing down, and a car that lost power without warning.
Steering. 17 complaints^[11].
Air bags. 9 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2016 Charger is necessarily included.

Electrical System › Software (18V332), May 2018. About 4,815,661 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft (18V281), May 2018. About 13,928 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Equipment (17V824), December 2017. About 61,791 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft (17V097), February 2017. About 69,298 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of drive power. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Structure (16V043), January 2016. About 441,578 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]

Fuel economy

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

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Charger, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive^[18]	16 / 25 / 19	$4,000
Charger AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[19]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
Charger AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive^[20]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
Charger, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[21]	15 / 25 / 18	$4,550
Charger SRT8, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	13 / 22 / 16	$5,150
Charger SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	15 / 25 / 18	$4,550
Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[3]	19 / 30 / 23	$2,900
Charger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	19 / 30 / 23	$2,900

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[4]	5	4	5	5	10.1%
4 DR RWD^[25]	5	4	5	5	10.1%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2016 Dodge Charger with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[26]	292 hp
2016 Dodge Charger with 5.7L 8-cylinder^[27]	359 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
CHARGER 4DR SEDAN AWD^[28]	198 in	75 in	58 in	120 in	4,158 lb
CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD HELLCAT^[29]	198 in	75 in	58 in	120 in	4,575 lb
CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD R/T SCAT PACK/SRT392^[30]	198 in	75 in	58 in	120 in	4,400 lb
CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD V6^[31]	198 in	75 in	58 in	120 in	3,935 lb
CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD V8^[32]	198 in	75 in	58 in	120 in	4,264 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Charger model year. The 2016 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2006	1,294	5
2007	570	5
2008	624	5
2009	175	6
2010	238	6
2011	699	12
2012	661	15
2013	367	9
2014	346	10
2015	136	7
2016	182	5
2017	128	4
2018	122	6
2019	120	5
2020	58	3
2021	35	2
2022	16	3
2023	26	2
2024	24	3
2025	39	3
2026	5	1

NHTSA's counts for the Charger show 182 complaints and 5 recalls for 2016^[2]. Among the 22 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2016 and 8 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2006 (1,294)^[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2016 Charger?

The 2016 Charger has a sizable complaint file, with 182 reports^[1]. The structure group is the largest, with 53 complaints^[5]. Engine, electrical and power train reports also show up in the stories we read^[7]^[9]^[10]. Serious events are in the file too, including 7 that mention a crash and 2 that mention a fire^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, so a shopper should check the recall section, review service records, and have a mechanic look at the car before buying.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger?: The structure group has the most complaints, with 53^[5]. Engine, electrical and power train groups follow in the file^[7]^[9]^[10].
Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact lists 5 recalls^[2]. See the Recalls section on this page for the details.
How many complaints are there for the 2016 Dodge Charger?: NHTSA has 182 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified owner reports.
Is the 2016 Dodge Charger reliable?: The complaint file is sizable at 182 reports^[1]. Check the recalls and the by-year comparison on this page, and get a pre-purchase inspection.
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Dodge Charger?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Dodge Charger

2010 238 complaints, 6 recalls
2011 699 complaints, 12 recalls
2014 346 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 136 complaints, 7 recalls
2016 this page

Compare all model years of the Dodge Charger

Other Dodge models from 2016

2016 Dodge Challenger 78 complaints, 1 recall
2016 Dodge Journey 389 complaints, 4 recalls

All Dodge models

Similar cars from 2016: large cars

2016 Chrysler 300 83 complaints, 2 recalls
2016 Ford Taurus 85 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 Hyundai Genesis 104 complaints, 6 recalls
2016 Hyundai Sonata 886 complaints, 9 recalls
2016 Kia Optima 763 complaints, 5 recalls

All large cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 182 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Dodge Charger (7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Charger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
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
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
53 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
32 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,087). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,199). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,500). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,000). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,587). NHTSA vehicle records
9 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V281, filed May 1, 2018: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V097, filed February 14, 2017: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V043, filed January 28, 2016: Structure. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Charger, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
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
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
EPA rating for Charger, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 25 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Charger SRT8, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 22 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Charger SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 25 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
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
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
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Dodge Charger with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 292 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Dodge Charger with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 359 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 198 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,158 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD HELLCAT: length 198 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,575 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD R/T SCAT PACK/SRT392: length 198 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,400 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD V6: length 198 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,935 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHARGER 4DR SEDAN RWD V8: length 198 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,264 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.

2016 Dodge Charger: problems, recalls and fuel economy