RoadVitals

2018 Dodge Charger Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
122
Latest Apr 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Charger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.

NHTSA ID 11690205 · filed Sep 28, 2025

The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.

NHTSA ID 11645097 · filed Feb 26, 2025
All 45 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driver’s knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repair Details: Date of Repair: January 17, 2023 Description of repair from dealership: Trunk lights and dashboard indicator were non-functional, and no alert was provided when the trunk was left open. The latch was internally shorted, causing the malfunction. After the latch was replaced, the lights and notifications worked correctly, and the vehicle's safety functions returned to normal.

NHTSA ID 11614487 · filed Sep 13, 2024

Door panel interior peeling off from door panel, causing issues with controls on the door.

NHTSA ID 11484719 · filed Sep 15, 2022
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

NHTSA ID 11615856 · filed Sep 22, 2024

Engine: Timing chain, valve rocker arms and valve lifters. All in sequence once the rocker arms went out with the lifters which is a common problem with dodge 3.6L PenStar engine it made my timing chain go off timing causing my engine to shut off while driving. Lighting: When vehicle was purchased i noticed condensation in both head lights got 1 replaced per warranty, they would not do both at same time and within 1 month moisture was in replaced headlight again. Dodge would not replace headlights even though the malfunction was not due to any wear and tear of mine. This is extremely unsafe for drivers if both headlights go out due to extreme amounts of condensation/moisture.

NHTSA ID 11546279 · filed Sep 24, 2023
All 11 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11717796 · filed Feb 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back into the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that sparks of fire were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while his family was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed drive shaft and hairline cracks in the transmission. The contact was informed that the drive shaft had detached and caused a hairline crack in the transmission. In addition, the contact was informed that the transfer case was leaking. The contact was informed that the transfer case and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under a recall. The contact referenced two unknown recalls, which had similar failures; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had previously been performed, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the recall repairs had been performed in 2018. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID 11709218 · filed Jan 6, 2026
All 10 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

NHTSA ID 11617422 · filed Oct 1, 2024

The Uconnect system in my vehicle has been delaminating and has been causing several issues in my vehicle where the Blindspot detectors are not working properly and the back up camera is not working properly to notify me and alert me with whistles and chimes if a vehicle is driving behind me while I’m backing up or if a pedestrian is on my Blindspot crossing near my car. The Uconnect system in my vehicle is also causing issues where it is ghost touching and glitching my screen and clicking buttons I’m not clicking. Example trying to change the clock when I’m not clicking anything and when navigation is in, use the system clicks out of maps and starts clicking FM radio. It starts to change stations and put people on hold when I’m on voice connect over the vehicle. It will put someone on mute by itself mostly the fact that the camera is not functioning due to the Uconnect being connected with the vehicle and causing it to malfunction. I’m worried it will start to click on other settings in the vehicle. There are many reports with Dodge Jeep, Chrysler, and ram on all forums about this issue. I’ve notified the Dodge dealership and Uconnect and all the want to do is have me pay out of pocket for a new system that is $2000 not including labor . The uconnect system should be recalled from all vehicles from 2018-2023 .

NHTSA ID 11583231 · filed Apr 16, 2024
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front driver and front passenger side door panels had started to detach from the door frames. The dealer was contacted about the failure and acknowledged that the door panel failure was a known issue; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the replacement of each door panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.

NHTSA ID 11593912 · filed Jun 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated she notice that the interior driver's side door panel vinyl and the window strip was warped and was separating from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall and also that the warranty would not cover the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 27,500.

NHTSA ID 11485223 · filed Sep 19, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

NHTSA ID 11617422 · filed Oct 1, 2024

MY DODGE CHARGER SHAKES WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES ON A DOWN HILL OR WHEN DRIVING IN SPEED . THERE IS NO AVS LIGHT SYSTEM ON . THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND SO HAVE THE ROUTERS . HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL SHOPS AND EVERYONE SAYS THERE IS NO ISSUE YET MY CAR SHAKES WHEN BRAKED DOWN HILL OR IN FAST SPEED. THIS IS DANGEROUS

NHTSA ID 11404139 · filed Mar 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag service light came on without any incident or accident being involved.

NHTSA ID 11562506 · filed Dec 29, 2023

Issues with the door panel coming loose where my air bag is. Both of my front door panels are coming loose and this is a safety concern I have.

NHTSA ID 11525707 · filed Jun 6, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.

NHTSA ID 11690205 · filed Sep 28, 2025

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

NHTSA ID 11615856 · filed Sep 22, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Manufacturer Claim that the wheels on the Dodge Charger are fully powder-coated, which they are not (VIN: [XXX]). Therefore, since the wheels are not fully powder coated, the poorly painted wheel tends to fail to adhere to the tire, causing slow undetectable leaks and fast wear on the tires. About a year ago I have Purchased brand new tires and had the Vehicle Aligned to prolong the tire's life. Now the problem seems to get worse as the days go on and I am looking to replace my wheels for that reason. I would like for Dodge to at least re-powder coat my wheels entirely since I was sold partially painted wheels. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11439873 · filed Nov 9, 2021

MY DODGE CHARGER SHAKES WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES ON A DOWN HILL OR WHEN DRIVING IN SPEED . THERE IS NO AVS LIGHT SYSTEM ON . THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND SO HAVE THE ROUTERS . HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL SHOPS AND EVERYONE SAYS THERE IS NO ISSUE YET MY CAR SHAKES WHEN BRAKED DOWN HILL OR IN FAST SPEED. THIS IS DANGEROUS

NHTSA ID 11404139 · filed Mar 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID 11574340 · filed Feb 27, 2024

The contact's wife leased a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at 60-62 MPH, she heard abnormal clinking sounds and the vehicle lost suspension and inadvertently turned to the right. The contact stated that as she quickly steered the steering wheel to the left, the vehicle spun out three times. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and exited the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure. The contact noticed that the passenger’s side front tire had detached, and the passenger’s side rear tire was damaged. The contact also noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was towed the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driveshaft bolt had fractured causing the control arm to go into the rotors. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11443658 · filed Dec 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID 11574340 · filed Feb 27, 2024

The electric steering rack failed. I was turning into a parking lot and suddenly there was no power steering. Luckily I had both hands on the wheel and was able to avoid an accident. A dash light came on at that time related to steering. My mechanic was able to pull the code. I was able to drive home. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have the EPS unit right now - but it is a Core and I have 14 days to return. Please let me know ASAP if you want me to keep it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of power steering without advanced notice. Old cars with power steering often make a "noise" prior to failure. Electric Power Steering like on my car doesn't provide advanced notice of issues. Also, failures of power steering at 57K miles are rare. But Dodge (Chrysler) have had prior NHTSA issues and recalls prior with EPS. Also, it seems like this may be a common issue - as there are almost no new parts available, no reman/aftermarket parts, and very difficult to find used. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No - out of warranty Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Nothing prior - but warning light after EPS failure.

NHTSA ID 11532078 · filed Jul 13, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their systems giving issues programming since I still have not been able to have an operating key fob.

NHTSA ID 11664835 · filed Jun 4, 2025

I am tasked with maintaining a fleet of Dodge Charger police vehicles. I have a constant and concerning problem that needs to be addressed. On nearly all of the vehicles in service, the fuel pumps crack and leak raw fuel onto the ground, hot exhaust. aside from the toxic fumes trapped in the vehicle, this presents a MAJOR safety issue as the raw fuel could be ignited by the exhaust system. I have video of raw fuel leaking onto the ground after filling the fuel tank. When posted on social media, followers complained that their vehicles also did this with as little as 30k miles. Dodge has yet to address this issue and if the warranty is expired, they charge full amount to replace the fuel pump.

NHTSA ID 11469445 · filed Jun 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I viewed the recalls and it’s still having the same issues like it’s never been fixed, first off when I start the car it has a foul gas odor and the dealership said it was okay but I’m more than positive it’s an exhaust leak, also when I first got the car the heated seats wouldn’t turn off because of the radio malfunction I’ve actually took it to where I bought the car(John Gibson Autosales) to get it fixed but all they did was inserted a new radio screen for me and it made my problems even worse I asked them to fix it and they said I’d have to pay for any other work they did in the car.. It’s having multiple electrical issues and in my opinion I don’t believe the car is safe to drive at all with the heated seats turning on by themselves and having no control over it.

NHTSA ID 11456737 · filed Mar 15, 2022

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE NOTHING HIT ME. THANK GOD MY SUNROOF SHADE WAS PULLED FORWARD OR ELSE GLASS WOULD'VE BEEN COMING AT MY INFANT DAUGHTER AND MYSELF AT 70 MPH. I CALLED MY INSURANCE AND EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A FREAK EVENT THAT HAPPENED, I HAD TO PAY $500 TO GET IT FIXED. I WAS READING THAT THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME A SUNROOF FROM MY MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR HAS EXPLODED.

NHTSA ID 11232181 · filed Jul 16, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRES HAVE VIRTUALLY NO WET TRACTION. EVEN LIGHT RAIN RESULTS IN VEHICLE BEING DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. BOUGHT AS REPLACEMENT TIRES TO THE MICHELIN TIRES THE VEHICLE CAME WITH. EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE WORN TO THE POINT OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, THEY HAD BETTER WET TRACTION THAN THESE TIRES. EITHER THE TREAD DOESN'T SHED ANY WATER, OR THE MATERIAL THE TIRE IS MADE FROM IS TOO HARD RESULTING IN NO CONTACT ON EVEN SLIGHTLY WET ROADS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER OF TIRES, AND THEY OFFERED NO RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ID 11354458 · filed Sep 11, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .