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: other or unspecified
32 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, 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.
Other or unspecified, 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)
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2024, fire
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.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, 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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2023
The door panels started to peel away from the door. My car was still under warranty at the time and the door panels were replaced by the dealership. after a year the door panels have started to peel back again. It looks like it will keep the side airbag from deploying correctly if it is ever needed. I feel it is unsafe and should be part of a recall since it seems to be a common problem with these cars.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2022
I have multiple Dodge Chargers ranging from 2011 to 2016 and for some reason the fans broke on all of them placing a hole in all the radiators. The fan broke on one car more than once. As a result, the cars begin to overheat. Countless of money has been spent buying these parts. I believe there is a defect in the fans on these vehicles. I have been left on the side of the road with my children a few times because of my car overheating. My 2016 may need a new engine due to fan breaking. Please look into conducting a recall on the Dodge Chargers cooling fan from the year 2011 to 2017.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022
My charger passenger door panel is starting to warping from the window, which someties make it hard to see out my side mirror.
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.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2021
Chrysler/|Dodge 300's/Charger have a known issue with door panel warping because of material or design defect. A judged rule 08/26/21 that there is an expressed warranty and that they should be repaired outside of the manufacture's warranty, which is when the defect shows up. I have tried both the dealership and customer care Auburn Hills, Michigan to no avail. I am stuck with making the very costly repair myself on a vehicle that I can't sell for what should be its value without the defect showing. I am a disable veteran and a senior so neither of those prospect are appealing. What can I do to get the dealer to fix the defect in light of the judge's ruling or other consumer protection laws? I need to get a replacement vehicle and can't get a reasonable return on this investment with the defect. Please help me.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2021
The door panels on both drivers door and front passenger door have completely separated from the door exposing airbags and electrical components for windows and locks.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2021
Not sure of how to report, but own a 2016 Charger. My panels are coming off of doors. Of course no longer under warranty, but Dodge will not fix. This is my third Charger and I've never had this problem before. Very disappointing. This clearly is due to bad workmanship. Nothing I could have done to prevent this!!! DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FIR THEIR SHABBY WORKMANSHIP!!!!!
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.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 3, 2020
CAR STARTING TO MAKE A STRANGE RATTLING NOISE - TOOK IT TO SHOP WAS TOLD DRIVE SHAFT IS COMING APART CAR ONLY HAS 74,000 MILES. WAS ALSO TOLD REAR SHOCKS ARE BAD, REAR BRAKES PADS ARE VERY LOW AND REAR STABLIZER BAR (SUSPENSION COMPONENTS) HAVE ROTTED OUT BUSHINGS. A YEAR AGO THE CAR DOORS STARTED TO FALL APART BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2020
DOOR PANEL ARE PEELING ON ALL DOORS OR LIFTING UP ALONG THE WINDOWS
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2020
I ONLY HAVE THREE YEARS WITH THE CAR AND THE AC NO LONGER WORKS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2020
THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND A NIGHTMARE. WHILE DRIVING AROUND 30 AND OVER THE CAR JERKS AND SHIFTS WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP AND OR PRESSING ON GAS TO INCREASE SPEED. I HAD SOME SIMILAR ISSUES IN 2019 AND REPORTED THEM TO THE DEALERSHIP WESTHERR ORCHARD PARK. WESTHERR CLAIMS IT WAS ISSUES WITH THE DRIVE SHAFTS, GASKET, ENGINE OIL FILTER ADAPTOR HOUSING, DRIVETRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND AXLES. MOST OF ALL OF THESE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE BY THEM AND WHERE NOT FIXED CORRECTLY AND WITH DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS AND PARTS.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 20, 2020
I WAS HEADED TO WORK YESTERDAY MORNING AND BEFORE I GOT TO WORK I HEARD A LOUD NOICE UNDER THE HOOD AND SMOKE STARTING ROLLING OUT OF UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER TO THE CLOSEST INTERSECTION TO GET OFF HIGHWAY AND DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER THE CAR AND ALL UNDER THE CAR. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP THAT I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR THROUGH (HAVEN'T EVEN MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT) AND THEY TOWED IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. FURTHER INSPECTION THEY SAID THE DESIGN OF THE CAR HOW IT PULLS AIR THROUGH THE FENDER IT SUCKED WATER UP FROM DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HYDRO LOCKED THE MOTOR. I DO ZERO FIRST ROADS ON MY VEHICLES SO IT'S DEFINITELY NOT RIGHT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AND THROW A ROD THROUGH THE MOTOR. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT NOR WILL MY INSURANCE. IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR. I NEED HELP!!
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2020
I HAD TO REPLACE MY STARTER THAT WENT OUT 12/24/17, MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I USED FRED MARTIN TO DO THE REPAIR. SUMMER OF JUNE 2019, MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER AGAIN. I BOUGHT THE STARETERFROM AUTO ZONE, A STARTER FOR A 2016 DODGE CHARGER R/T. UPON REPLACING THE STARTER WITH THE NEW STARTER WE REALIZED THAT IT WOULD NOT FIT AND THERE WAS ANOTHER STARTER ON THE VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT A R/T STARTER (WHICH FRED MARTIN HAD PUT ON). THIS PAST SUNDAY (3/15/20), MY STARTER HAS WENT OUT ONCE AGAIN, IN MY PARKING LOT, SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT FOR A STARTER TO KEEP GOING OUT WITHOUT ANY CLUE. PLEASE HELP ME IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2020
THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT PARKED IN A 2 CAR RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL BEGAN TO PEEL UP. THE PANEL IS BREAKING AWAY FROM THE DOOR MAKING WINDOW USE, THEFT SAFETY AND CLOSING THE DOOR HAZARDOUS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2019
DOOR PANELS ARE PEELING UP WHERE THE TOP PART OF THE DOOR PANEL AND THE WINDOW MEET. I ALREADY HAD PANELS REPLACED BY DEALER WHEN THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE REPLACEMENT PANELS ARE STARTING TO FAIL AS WELL. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AS DOCUMENTED BY CAR FORUMS. SEE THE FOLLOWING: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/DODGE/CHARGER/2016/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/DOOR_PANELS_ARE_WARPING.SHTML
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2019
I HAD MY CRUISE SET TO 57, ALL WAS FINE UNTIL I STARTED DOWN A SMALL HILL, MY CAR SPED UP TO 75, I COULD NOT GET CRUISE TO TURN OFF WITH THE BUTTONS OR BREAK,, I PANICKED , AND SLAMMED MY BRAKES, AND IT FINALLY STOPED.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2019
LAST YEAR I HAD THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL WARP, SEPARATING UP NEXT TO THE WINDOW. IT WAS UNDER REGULAR WARRANTY SO THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF IT. YESTERDAY 8/15/19 THE PASSENGER DOOR DID THE SAME THING AND SEPARATED AT THE WINDOW. DOING RESEARCH ON THIS, I HAVE FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH DODGE CHARGERS, CHRYSLER 300, THAT ARE HAVING THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. I AM NOW AT 40500 MILES AND MOST LIKELY DODGE WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS EVEN UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH MEANS A $1000 REPAIR. WITH AS MANY PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN WHILE RESEARCHING, THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP DEFECT WHICH COULD EFFECT SAFETY, ESPECIALLY IF THE WARPING OCCURS AROUND THE DOOR LOCK AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO ESCAPE DURING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2019
TAKATA RECALL MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN THE DOOR. IT UNLOCKS AND LOCK BUT I CAN'T USE THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE INSIDE EN THE DOOR.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2019
THE DOOR PANELS ARE COMING OFF. IT LOOKS UGLY. THE INTEGRITY OF THE PANELS IS LIFTING APART FROM SIDE OF THE DOORS. CAR GETS USED THIS IS OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THE HEAT.