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: fuel/propulsion system
25 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, May 16, 2026
I am starting to smell fuel inside of my car everytime I fill up my vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, 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.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2023
Fuel pump is inoperable due to cheap make(plastic). Leaks out at the top due to the lid and gas comes out thru there right underneath of where my children sit.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2023
Headlights go out when replacing. Fuel smell in cab. Engine ticking Front wheels knocking on bumps Inspection done by police Could cause major wreck all of the above
Power train, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2023
Car has strong smell of gas inside. Seeing by the other reports here that there is a regular problem with the fuel pump causing this issue. Is a safety hazard for obvious reasons. Drive shaft failed last year at less than 60,000 miles, but luckily had it replaced under dealership warranty. Others have not been so lucky, as I can see in these reports. Like tons of other reports here, door panels are also warping and disconnecting from the inside of the car. A completely cheap and poor design, and am shocked to see that nearly EVERY problem I've experienced with this car is COMMONLY experienced by other owners of this car. No idea how there haven't been more recalls, it's criminal that owners of this vehicle are left to foot the bill (THOUSANDS of $$$) for all of its defects.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2022
Strong smell of raw gas when fuel tank is 1/2 full(+). The smell is inside and outside the vehicle (mostly on driver's side near back door & wheel well) whether vehicle is running or not. The smell is just as strong outside as inside. When fuel level falls below 1/2 tank, the gas smell reduces. Removed rear seat, drivers side fuel tank cover have a crack in it. A puddle of gas was sitting on top of the fuel pump & a brown burn mark near the electrical plug. Google search: many complaints of fuel pump leakage. The fuel pump still works, it pumps/primes when the key is switched to the ACC position & the car cranks when pushed to turn on. The issue is fuel is leaking from the pump upward when tank is at or above 1/2 full. Tried to order new pump from local dealership (Northpoint Chrysler Dodge) who said it calls for a different part#, is out of stock with no expected date of availability, & is not available anywhere within their network. September 8th, went online to a site that provides OEM parts (World Parts Direct). They said the part was not available until September 23rd. Since they provided an availability date, I ordered the part & waited. The delivery arrived on the 29th. What arrived have a totally different part# with an electrical connector that must replace the factory connector. In order to install, the factory harness must be cut, spliced, soldered, & heat shrink a rubber sleeve to protect the soldered wires. I questioned the different part#, was told that is what their supplier sent, it is OEM, & should work. The new connector came with a diagram showing to switch the 2nd & 3rd pin from the factory connector into the new connector. The factory (+) & (-) pins are side-by-side, the new connector separates them. Fuel pump wiring is faulty, dangerous. Raw gas encountering electrical connectors is unsafe, can be explosive or deadly. Not inspected/repaired by dealer or mfg, no CEL, avail for inspection if needed. Let's not wait for someone to die for recall.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2022
Gas smells in the back seat of my car....where the pumps are underneath the seat. Gets older when fas tank is full
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2022
I’ve been smelling fuel inside the car after filling up and around the rear driver side tire and found fuel leaking in the front of that driver side rear tire. I removed the back seats to find fuel sitting on top of the fuel level valve. I dried up everything and unplugged the fuel pump electrical connector to find fuel leaking from the plug itself. I’ve been having issues with me passing out after filling up my car and after me finding this it makes me believe this is the issue to my health problems.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2021
One of the pins on the fuel pump & associated harness got hot enough to melt a hole in the top of the fuel pump causing it to leak gas.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2021
One of the pins on the fuel pump & associated harness got hot enough to melt a hole in the top of the fuel pump causing it to leak gas.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2021
Kept smelling gas after filling up and off and on . Did a fill up and gas was so strong had to call a tow truck. Dealership said fuel pump assembly connector had high resistance causing the top of the fuel pump to melt.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 2020
MY GAS PRY JUST TAKES OFF AND I CAN'T STOP IT
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2019
I HAVE BEEN SMELLING A STRONG GAS ODOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. TODAY WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER THE CAR TOO. THE PUDDLE WAS UNDER THE LEFT REAR SEAT. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS SEEMS TO BE THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE REAR SEAT (WHERE MY 6 AND 7 YEAR OLD KIDS SIT). I PULLED UP THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND THE PUMP IS LEAKING THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS IS POOLED ON TOP OF THE PUMP!! I USED DOZENS OF PAPER TOWELS TO SOAK IT UP AND IT JUST KEPT COMING OUT. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IS ALSO BROWN/BURNED NEAR A COUPLE OF THE PROBES INDICATING THE GAS IS CAUSING A SHORT WITHIN THE PLUG!! I UNPLUGGED THE CONNECTOR AND FOUND THAT THE GAS IS ACTUALLY SPEWING OUT FROM INSIDE THE CONNECTOR ON THE PUMP, WHERE THE PRONGS ARE. RESEARCHING ONLINE I SEE MULTIPLE OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS THAT THE PLASTIC TOP OF THE PUMP CRACKS, AND THERE IS EVEN A WEBSITE THAT SELLS A METAL COVER TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL PUMP COVER! I SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION IN CHRYSLER VEHICLES AND YET NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. THE MORE RESEARCH I'M DOING ONLINE THE MORE REPORTS I AM FINDING REGARDING FIRES OCCURRING IN MINOR COLLISIONS THAT SHOULD NOT END THAT WAY. INCLUDING A REPORT OF 4 PASSENGERS BURNED TO DEATH, AND SOME VEHICLES THAT COMBUSTED AFTER BEING PARKED. THIS IS BARELY A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND NO WAY SHOULD A FUEL PUMP HOUSING BE BRITTLE AND CRACKED LIKE THIS ALREADY. PHOTOS ARE ATTACHED.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2019
FUEL SMELL IN CAR AND DYING AFTER FILL UP FUEL LEAKING FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL ON POLICE CHARGER FOR TOWN OF ROLAND
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2019
AS REPORTED ON AT LEAST 7 OTHER CARS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HEATED UP SO MUCH A HOLE WAS MELTED IN THE PLASTIC ALLOWING FUEL TO ESCAPE THE TANK AND SIT IN A PUDDLE UNDER THE BACK SEAT. THE ODOR OF GAS WAS TOO STRONG TO REMAIN IN THE CAR. POLICE PATROL UNIT, NATCHEZ POLICE, #260. THIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE CITY BARN 3/1 AND NO PROBLEM WAS DETECTED. THE PROBLEM BECAME NOTICED OVER THE WEEKEND. THE ATTACHED PICTURE SHOWS THE HEAT SCORCHING WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND THE INVASIVE HOLE AROUND THE RIGHT MOST PIN.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2018
FUEL LEAKS AFTER FUEL TANK IS FILLED PARKED OR DRIVING, STRONG FUEL SMELL WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. INSPECTED VEHICLES..(THIS IS THE 3RD 2016 CHARGER IN OUR FLEET THAT HAS HAD THIS CONCERN) FOUND FUEL PUMP COVER PLATE HAS A HOLE BURNT IN IT NEXT TO AND AROUND FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF TWO FUEL PUMP COVERS.. NOTE: VEHICLES HAD BETWEEN 45,000-72,000 MILES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2018
THE WIRING HARNESS ABOVE THE FUEL PUMP BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK COVER AND ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE OUT OF THE TANK, UNDER THE BACK SEAT, THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THIS WAS REPORTED TO A DEALER, 6/20/17, WHO REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP. THIS WAS THE SECOND OF NOW 7 CARS, THIS ONE BEING CALLED UNIT 258. *TT
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2018
THE WIRING HARNESS ABOVE THE FUEL PUMP BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK COVER AND ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE OUT OF THE TANK, UNDER THE BACK SEAT, THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THE ATTACHED PICTURE IS THE BURN ON THE INSIDE THE OF TANK. DODGE IS AWARE OF THIS ENOUGH THAT WHEN THEY SELL A NEW PUMP TO REPLACE THEY SUPPLY A NEW WIRING HARNESS WHICH WE THINK MOVES THE GROUND. IN ADDITON ON THIS CAR, WHICH WE WILL CALL 261, THE FILTER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS EXAMINED. A SENSOR CONNECTION IN THE SIDE OF THE FILTER SHOWS SIGNS OF HEAT. THIS IS THE SIXTH CAR THIS FUEL PUMP PIN HOLE MELT HAS OCCURED ON, FROM 2012 TO 2016 MODELS. *TT
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2018
SE APAG MIENTRAS MANEJABA POR LO QUE SE REMPLAZO DE BOMBA DE GASOLINA EN AGOSTO 2017 Y DE NUEVO EN JUNIO DE 2018 ENCENDI LA LUZ DEL MOTOR EN EL PANEL, RUIDO FUERTE EN EL MOTOR. REMPLAZO DE TAPA DE BLOQUE SEPTIEMBRE 2017 Y DE NUEVO EN JUNIO DE 2018
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2017
AFTER FILLING MY CHARGER UP WITH PREMIUM FUEL, IT IMMEDIATELY STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I AM DRIVING, I LOSE THE POWER STEERING AND I AM UNABLE RESTART IT RIGHT AWAY. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I FILL UP, AND I HAVE PAID OVER $500 DOLLARS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TROUBLE SHOOT IT, AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A CLUE. VERY DANGEROUS FEELING. SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED FROM THIS ISSUE, IT COMES AT VARYING TIMES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2016
AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT WILL RESTART BUT IMMEDIATELY STALL AGAIN CAUSING ME TO RESTART IT AGAIN. IT WILL DO SO 5 TO 10 TIMES BEFORE RUNNING NORMALLY AGAIN. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER AT WHAT SPEED BUT MOSTLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. I HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN LANES ON THE FREEWAY AND IT COULD LEAD TO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY HERE IN CALIFORNIA. THIS CAR HAS BEEN BABIED AND HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES ON IT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2016
STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL AFTER CAR WAS DELIVERED ON MARCH 4, 2016. THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WHICH HAS NOT YET BEEN RECTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS OF MARCH 17, 2016. WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, YOU CAN SMELL FUEL (RAW GAS). IT ACTUALLY WAS COMING IN TO THE CABIN VIA THE FRESH AIR VENTS ON THE DASH. IT'S WORSE WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED OR AT A STOP LIGHT. I DETECTED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A LOOSE FUEL LINE BUT DEALERSHIP HAS NOT YET STATED WHETHER THAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED A FUEL RAIL BUT FUEL SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY. THIS WAS A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD.