2016 Dodge Charger
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 182 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 20 Charger model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 7 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Jul 12, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.
Campaign 18E053000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMay 1, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
Campaign 18V281000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftFeb 14, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
Campaign 17V097000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureJan 28, 2016
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
Campaign 16V043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
25 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Electrical system, 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.
Electrical system, 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.
Steering, Electrical system, 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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, 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.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 27, 2024
Engine problems after problems on all charger no warning sign or nothing and electric issues on whole vehicle work temporarily
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 27, 2023
Headlamps are not working therefore causing a safety issue when driving at night. Initially, 2 years ago, April 2021 the driver headlamp was not working. Dodge dealership had replaced and within the year the bulb would come off and on intermittently. It cost over $400.00. On March 18, 2022 I took it back to Dodge dealership and because it was working that day they just said to bring it when it was not working? They had the car for the whole day and did not inspect anything. Now a year later both of my headlamps are not working and took it back to them again. Now my fuses are melted and have been told by them that the cars electrical system is faulty. The car will need a new PDC Power Distribution Center unit that controls the electrical power which is no longer made. He found a dealer that has the unit available but also includes the wires harness . The charge for this including labor is 5300 if he the dealer will sell it to him. He did not advise of price for part and labor separately. The dealer charged me 212.00 to tell me this. Meanwhile I have a car that is only 7 years old that I cannot drive safely at night and it will not pass motor vehicle inspection which is in 2 weeks. Therefore, now I own a car I cannot legally have on the road because of this issue with the headlamps.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 10, 2023
The headlight bulbs, like a past recall on the 2011-2012 Chargers, regularly fry through fuses and stop working. This is obviously caused by a more serious issue in the vehicle and should be recalled. Many Dodge Charger and Challenger owners have been faced with this common problem, as shown in the comments on the page linked below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAmcGxeD5LY In my case, I've had several electrical issues with the headlight, and have had the entire headlight unit replaced. We have also switched the bulbs to see if that changes anything. After still having problems with the light going out, the repair shop I took it to informed me that the fuse can be switched for a quick fix, although it is not fixing the root of the problem, and this is a very common issue among these types of cars.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 28, 2023
The power steering goes in and out completely loosing power steering while Maneuvering A curve in the road it completely stops or if it's already out it will come back on while steering so your giving a lot of force then suddenly you have power steraing again you harshly turn to almost swerve off the road or towards traffic.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2022
Car wouldnt start made a clicking sound on April 30. Started and drove home from store. On March 31 the car died on me in traffic with no warning. Towed to mechanic and it has been there since March 31, 2020. Still in shop for repairs of the Tipm
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 14, 2021
The car randomly dies. I will come to a stop sign or stop light and it will shut off without warning. Usually I put the car in park and it starts back up without issues. Last time it happened when I started it back up it was stuck in 3rd gear. I've had it towed to Landmark dodge before and they said cam shaft sensor so they replaced it. Then it happened again and they agreed it was the battery. Replaced the battery. Does it again (this last time when it wouldn't come out of 3rd gear. Check engine light now on and no traction control) tow to Landmark they keep it for 3 days and they said it was acting normal and they see nothing wrong. Waiting for it to happen AGAIN. Every time Landmark tells me my car is fine.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 11, 2021
No warning lights. Loses power, shuts down when traveling. Must pull over, come to a complete stop, put vehicle in park, wait 2-3 minutes sometime longer before it will start back up, Has been occurring for at least 6`months now. Repair shop/dealer unable to confirm due to the fact that it doesn't occur when test driven!!
Electrical system, Seats, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 11, 2021
Driver Seat will automatically move forward or back during the car actively moving. Moving all the way forward and extending back where unable to reach pedals. Extremely dangerous potentially causing and accident, with serious leg injuries. The emergency break will automatically occur with no vehicles/obstructions that would set off the alert, on the highway , potentially being rear ended. The problems have been occurring approximately 1 yr
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2021
THE BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD WITHOUT A TRANSMISSION ISSUE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2020
BACK UP CAMERA STILL SHOWS REAR VIEW EVEN AFTER CHANGING OUT OF REVERSE. ALSO THE DOOR PANEL GLUE HAS FAILED AS WELL AS THE GLUE ON THE PANEL AROUND THE GEAR CONTROL.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY TRUNK FLEW OPEN CAUSING MY CAR TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE I COULD GET ONTO THE SHOULDER AND THIS SCENERIO ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A WRECK. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THEY WERE VERY SCARED! ITS RIDICULOUS THAT IT JUST SHUTS OFF BEFORE EVEN GIVING A WARNING!
Electrical system, Mar 19, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF WITH THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AFTER PARKING OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JTS DODGELAND OF COLUMBIA - DODGE RAM LOCATED AT (190 GREYSTONE BLVD, COLUMBIA, SC 29210) BUT NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED PRIOR TO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BEING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 26, 2020
CAR KEEPS CUTTING OFF WHEN DRIVING DISABLING TRACTION CONTROL AND SPORT CONTROL DUE TO BAD ALTERNATOR THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AND ON SURFACE STREETS AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE YOU LOSE COMPLETE POWER FROM THE CAR WITH NO NOTICE.
Electrical system, Seats, Nov 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE THAT ALLOWED HIM TO POSITION THE DRIVER'S CHAIR TO CERTAIN SETTINGS FROM DRIVER ONE TO DRIVER TWO. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND ENGAGE THIS FEATURE, HIS DAUGHTER PLACED HER HEAD IN BETWEEN THE HEAD REST AND THE REAR WINDOW. ONCE THE CONTACT OPENED THE DOOR, THE SEAT BEGAN TO AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST AND THE SPACE BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE HEAD REST BEGAN TO NARROW. AS THE SEAT BEGAN TO ADJUST, THE SEAT BEGAN TO CHOKE HER NECK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND HIT THE MEMORY SEAT BUTTON TO CEASE THE SEAT FROM ADJUSTING. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED AND DID NOT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE THIS INCIDENT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2019
WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT POPPING ON AND OFF. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER WHENEVER I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. IT DOES DRIVE BUT IT MAKES A VERY LOUD, UNSETTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. IT SOUNDS VERY LOUD EVEN WHEN I AM SITTING IN PARK. THE VEHICLE IS NORMALLY SILENT WHEN SITTING IN PARK AND DRIVING. I AM SMELLING SOMETHING VERY UNUSUAL AS WELL WHEN DRIVING. MY CAR WAS SENT TO FRISCO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN FRISCO, TX A FEW DAYS AFTER THIS HAPPENED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE RECEIVING A CODE P0430 WHICH MEANT THERE ARE ISSUES WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I WAS TOLD THAT OVER 800,000 VEHICLES IN THE DODGE MAKE HAD BEEN RECALLED THIS YEAR DUE TO THIS SAME THING. I WAS TOLD MY CAR COULDN'T BE REPAIRED AT THE MOMENT AS THEY WERE UNSURE AS TO WHAT ACTUALLY NEEDED TO BE FIXED. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND I AM AFRAID THAT MY CAR IS GOING TO QUIT ON ME ANY DAY. I AM BEING TOLD THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON DODGE VEHICLES FOR THIS BUT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE ISN'T PART OF THE RECALL. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE WHEN IT'S THE SAME THING? IN APRIL AND JULY OF THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. I PULLED OVER TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP AND IT DIDN'T SO I SLOWLY MADE MY WAY OVER TO FREEDOM CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BY ED MORSE IN DUNCANVILLE, TX WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT MY IGNITION COILS ARE FAILING AND EVENTUALLY ALL OF THEM WILL FAIL AS THIS IS COMMON IS DODGE VEHICLES. IF THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM, WHY ARE THESE VEHICLES STILL BEING SOLD? WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN FIXED? I HAVE SPENT OVER $800 IN REPAIRS ON THIS CAR AND IT'S ONLY A 2016. I DID NOT EXPECT TO HAVE PROBLEMS THIS SOON ON SUCH A NEW CAR.
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2018
HEATHER MAKES NOISES WHEN BLOWING BOLTS ARE MISSING THAT HOLDS THE FRONT GRILL OR BUMPER
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 30, 2018
WHEN I RECENTLY TRIED TO CLOSE MY SUN ROOF ON MY 2016 DODGE CHARGER RALLY, I WASNT ABLE TO DO SO. THE CAR WAS ON, I EVEN CALLED AND DID THE SYSTEM REBOOT WITH A REP BUT THAT DIDNT HELP, I TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, NOTHING WORKED. ALSO, THE BLACK MATERIAL HAS COME UNDONE ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOOR WHICH IS LEAVING THE INDOOR PANEL EXPOSED AND NOT SEALING THE WINDOWS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE BLACK MATERIAL IN THE MIDDLE WHERE THE AIRBAGS ARE IS ALSO COMING UNDONE. CURRENTLY WAITING ON A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE ALL OF THIS JUST HAPPENED.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 28, 2018
LOSS OF POWER STEERING, DASH CLUSTER LIGHTS FLASHING UNCONTROLLABLY, DASH CLUSTER INDICATED ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATING WILDLY WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE TURNING. TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SHIFTER MADE CONTINUOUS OR ODD CLICKING WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE STATIONARY EVEN AFTER VEHICLE WAS PLACE IN PARK. TROUBLE TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON AFTER ABOVE ISSUES OCCURRED HAD TO POWER CYCLE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME FOR ACTUAL STARTUP. COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER POWER CYCLES AND HAD TO DO SEVERAL MORE POWER CYCLES. SECOND TIME ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED AFTER ALREADY TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF LOW VOLTAGE AND HAD NOT DONE ANY OTHER WORK ON VEHICLE OTHER THAN RESET CODE AND PUT MILES ON VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2017
THE HARNESS ON THE CAR IS DEFECTED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF ON THE CAR.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 19, 2017
17V097 RECALL TO3
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2017
SMELL COMING OUT BLOWER FROM COMING UNDER HOOD. DEALER CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM IS BURNT SMELL WHEN HAVE BLOWER GOING WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I HAD THREE DIFFERENT TIMES THIS HAPPEN.I DO NOT I KNOW WHAT TO DO. I REACH TO DODGE AND IT IS NOW HAS RECORDS OF IT. I FOUND OIL UNDER ENGINE COVER WHICH THEY HAVE SAID ENOUGH ABOUT!!!!!!!! SO IF THIS CAR CATCH FIRE OR BLOW UP DO TO DEALER WAS AWARE OF ISSUES. *TR