2016 Dodge Charger

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

I am starting to smell fuel inside of my car everytime I fill up my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11738256

Incident

May 1, 2025

The contract owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 38 MPH, the vehicle began cranking. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where they called a relative. Once the relative arrived and inspected the vehicle, they noticed the drive shaft had detached. They drove back up the road the truck had just traveled and found the drive shaft. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who confirmed the drive shaft had detached from the vehicle, causing a fracture in both the transmission and transfer case. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Numbers 16V-043000 (Structure) and 18V-281000 (Power Train); reported a similar failure. The vehicle's drive shaft, transmission, and transfer case were scheduled for replacement. The manufacturer was informed, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not attached to any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11737747

Incident

May 4, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed oil cooler. The contact was informed that all the oil had spilled into the coolant reservoir. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil cooler was made of plastic and was warped. The contact was informed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11735553

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

Mileage

110,000 mi

Dodge Charger, 2016, won't turn on a list. Key is in the cup holder. On the driver's side also there are many videos showing this same issue with many dodge, twenty sixteen chargers.

NHTSA ID

11721420

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). On February 3, 2026, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. I heard a loud metallic grinding noise from underneath, followed by an immediate loss of power and "Service Transmission" and "SERV AWD" warnings on the dashboard. The vehicle became inoperable, and the engine could not be shut off through normal means after the incident. Recall Context: This vehicle has previously had Safety Recalls T03 (Driveshaft Bolts) and U60 (Front Driveshaft) performed in 2017/2018. However, the current failure is identical to the safety defects described in those recalls. This indicates a Recall Remedy Failure, posing a severe safety risk to the driver and others on the road. Current Dispute: The vehicle was towed to Preston CDJR of Dover, but the dealer claims they cannot diagnose the issue or read fault codes. They are attempting to charge $200/hour for unsuccessful diagnosis attempts. I have opened a case with Dodge Corporate (Case #XXX), but the Case Manager has temporarily closed the case due to the dealer's inability to provide a diagnosis, and neither party has responded to my inquiries for 2 business days. Requested Action: I am filing this complaint to request a formal investigation into this recurring safety defect and to compel the manufacturer to honor the safety recall by performing a physical inspection and necessary repairs at no cost to the consumer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11718257

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

I recently tried to get my oil changed and they told me that the oil filter housing was cracked. After doing research on this there is several sources saying that there is lots that has had the same malfunction. Surprised there isn't a recall on this part

NHTSA ID

11711829

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the dashboard and plastic around the gear shifter were folding outward. The contact was concerned that the parts would detach. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11709193

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact slowed down the thumping sound decreased; however, the faster the vehicle was driven, the louder the sound became. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,996.

NHTSA ID

11694556

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

89,996 mi

The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.

Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)

PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE

PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE

Decreased Remote Start And RKE Range. Tire Pressure Sensors Values Are Not Displayed

AIR BAG - SIDE CURTAIN