RoadVitals

2016 Dodge Charger Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
182
Latest May 16, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
10
Reports on file since Jan 22, 2016

What this page shows

Our database holds 182 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Dodge Charger. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 182 · page 1 of 8

Fuel system
Filed May 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11738256
Incident
May 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 14, 2026

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
Engine
Filed May 4, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2026

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
Filed Feb 16, 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
Engine
Filed Jan 19, 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
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 6, 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
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 20, 2025

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
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact purchased the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken for the Emissions Test; however, the vehicle failed the Emissions Test. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that some unknown sensors had been replaced, and to allow for a week for the vehicle to adjust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stopped by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that in the evening, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a plastic burning odor and an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact requested that the vehicle have a full inspection, and the dealer refused. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ID
11690668
Incident
Sep 20, 2025
Mileage
97,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 24, 2025

Odometer Faud. The contact purchased a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle diagnosed, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 116,000 and at the time of diagnosis, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11689555
Incident
Sep 24, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2025

Unknown/. When Press on brake car still moves. Also when put in parked car will move forward or backwards a few inches. Steering wheel does not feel right as if feels not secure when driving.when trying to go in right lane on freeway steering wheel was not all the way responding as if felt like it was loose and not connected to what pairs it’s spose to be. And almost crashed

NHTSA ID
11667617
Incident
Jun 18, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 2025

My charger was a michigan state patrol vehicle all its maint. Kept up on and all recalls fixed and repaired properly, yet driving at 45mph and my front driveshaft gives out and ends up smashing off my transmission and transfer case and it hit and almost went through the passanger side floor board right under the passanger seat which if it had it would of messed my passanger up bad ,so now 12k + in repairs. Dodge has had multiple recalls over the years for this exact problem, so i guess its time for another one, idk how you can say the recall has been fixed on vehicle if it breaks exactly the same way, that means its not fixed. 06

NHTSA ID
11667329
Incident
Jun 6, 2025
Body & structure
Filed May 27, 2025

The interior door panels on both front doors of my 2016 Dodge Charger SXT have warped and pulled away from the frame near the window area. The defect appears to be heat-related, and the panels have progressively worsened over time. This issue has not only affected the cosmetic integrity of the vehicle, but it also poses a safety risk by potentially interfering with side airbag deployment or window functionality. I believe this could compromise occupant safety in the event of a side-impact collision. The issue is visible and can be inspected upon request. The problem has not been officially confirmed by a Dodge dealer, but it is widely documented online and the subject of an active class action lawsuit [XXX] et al. v. FCA US LLC). I reported this defect to CarComplaints.com over three years ago and have seen other owners report identical issues with Chargers from similar model years. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. There were no warning lights or messages related to this issue. The defect gradually became visible approximately two years after I purchased the vehicle. To date, no resolution or support has been provided by Dodge or FCA despite the known and recurring nature of this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11663183
Incident
Feb 2, 2021
Fuel system
Filed May 2, 2025

Smelled fuel leaking inside car towards rear seat. Electrical connector to fuel pump had fuel surrounding it (located under back seat, on left side of car). Upon disconnecting connector, I notice two right most pins of connector (on pump) had a burn mark which cause a hole and allowed fuel to leak out.

NHTSA ID
11658598
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 1, 2025

I have a continuous and ongoing problem with my draft shaft specifically the carrier bearing. This part has been giving me trouble for over a couple of years now and feel like it's going to break every time I pull in reverse and my local dealer manufacturer currently has no recalls for this which in 2018 they did.

NHTSA ID
11658144
Incident
Mar 15, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 24, 2025

I repaired my drive shaft in May of 2024 and I am already having this problem again. It appears this is a common issue with this vehicle. My vehicle is a 2016 Dodge charger. I paid $2000 to repair this the last time and am not happy that I am having the exact same problem again. It was repaired by Dodge, jeep, Chrysler in Springdale Ohio (Jake Sweeney)

NHTSA ID
11644441
Incident
Feb 2, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jan 28, 2025

There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “” flash recall on the engines computer. Me and my infant child were stranded for over 5 hours until the car decided it would start back. This power loss caused the power steering to lock up and no movement besides me coasting to get over into the emergency lane on the interstate almost being hit by multiple vehicles. The Service ESC came on numerous times since then and still keeps coming on and dodge says it’s nothing and clears the codes. The drive shaft bolts backed out and caused my drive shaft to snap in half costing me over $1700.00. The sec system never works properly it stays stuck in awd mode and seldomly goes in RWD mode. When turning traction control off it automatically kicks into awd not sure if that’s suppose to happen but makes no sense if so. Also the turn signal switch on the steering column is faulty causing the wipers to come on any time you use the turn signal or turn the wheel to make a turn in the vehicle. That has caused me to almost wreck more times then I can count. This car and this cars year make and model definitely has a lot of safety issues and should be investigated by the manufacturer. On the date below I checked February 22, 2022 due to this issue being persistent I can look for the old invoices where I had to replace my drive shaft if needed just email me

NHTSA ID
11639040
Incident
Feb 22, 2022
Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 3, 2025

Unexpected vehicle movement from power Train. I was changing my tire and the jack caused my vehicle body side to deform causing the vehicle to fall and nearly broke my leg.

NHTSA ID
11633813
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Dec 4, 2024

The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.

NHTSA ID
11628796
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2024

Loud noise coming from where the center console should be. I thought it could be something wrapped around the drive shaft but instead the drive shaft carrier bearing needs replaced. You can't get a shop to buy just the part they have to replace the entire piece!

NHTSA ID
11615620
Incident
Aug 22, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 18, 2024

Loud noise while driving vehicle due to driveshaft center support bearing damaged. Currently in the process of getting it repaired.

NHTSA ID
11609216
Incident
Aug 11, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Aug 15, 2024

My 2016 Charger has the same problem described in Emissions Recall UB4, Revision 5. When filling tank with gas, there is a very strong odor of gas. After about three days of driving, it dissipates. Revision 5 by added 2015 and 2016 Dodge Chargers, but I have been told that my vehicle is not included in that recall. It most certainly is a safety issue. Again, it has the exact problem as described in that recall. The gas smell is so strong, I cannot park it in the garage. I'm not sure if NHTSA issued the Revision 5, or Fiat Chrysler issued it.

NHTSA ID
11608826
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Fire reported

I was driving down the road, and without warning there were flames coming out of the dash and smoke and within minutes the car was fully engulfed. Luckily, my daughter and I got out, but I am now left with nothing.

NHTSA ID
11604322
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 30, 2024

Drive train issues

NHTSA ID
11591512
Incident
May 30, 2024
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Apr 26, 2024

Interior door panels are letting loose and detaching from frame. Seems seems to be rather unsafe with the side airbags and all. Many forums online from Dodge Charger owners with same issue on all (4) doors. We need help getting Dodge to recall this issue and help make it right. We are getting quotes of up to $3,500 to complete the repair and replace interior door panels.

NHTSA ID
11585455
Incident
Apr 26, 2024

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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