Dodge Charger Best and Worst Years (2010–2024)
Avoid the 2011-2014 Dodge Charger; 2011 tops the list with a complaint index of 100, 695 complaints, and 64 fires. The 2021-2023 Chargers are the best years, with complaint indexes between 7 and 21 and no fires reported.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 15
- 2010–2024
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,100
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Crashes reported
- 175
- Fires reported
- 162
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Charger Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Dodge Charger problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 71 | 232 | 14 | 9 | 5 ! | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 100 | 695 | 25 | 64 | 11 ! | Electrical System | 20 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 93 | 648 | 20 | 49 | 14 ! | Electrical System | 20 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 79 | 360 | 25 | 20 | 8 ! | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 86 | 343 | 41 | 8 | 9 ! | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 43 | 136 | 10 | 1 | 7 ! | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2016 | Caution | 64 | 182 | 7 | 2 | 5 | Structure & Body | 20 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 29 | 128 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Electrical System | 20 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 36 | 122 | 5 | 1 | 6 | Electrical System | 20 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 57 | 120 | 7 | 3 | 5 | Airbags | 20 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 50 | 57 | 10 | 2 | 3 | Airbags | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 14 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 7 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 21 | 26 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 85 | — |
Charger years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Dodge Charger Index 100 · 695 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2011 Charger has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 695 complaints and 11 recalls, 3 of them do-not-drive. Electrical System problems dominate, making up 69% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,617 miles. Owners reported headlight failures caused by melted wiring connectors, dashboard lights flickering during braking, and instrument panel smoking. NHTSA logged 64 fires and 25 crashes for this year. Brake complaints also appear, including reports of anti-lock brakes failing to stop the vehicle.
2011 electrical system problems →2011 engine problems →2011 fuel system problems →
2012 Dodge Charger Index 93 · 648 complaints · 14 recalls
The 2012 Charger ranks second worst with 648 complaints and a complaint index of 93. Electrical System issues account for 60% of complaints at a median 62,000 miles, largely centered on headlight wiring connectors burning or melting. Airbags are the second largest category at 17%, with owners reporting non-deployment during crashes, including one case at just 5 miles. The year carries 14 recalls, 3 of them do-not-drive, and NHTSA recorded 49 fires and 20 crashes.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 airbags problems →
2014 Dodge Charger Index 86 · 343 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2014 Charger posts a complaint index of 86 from 343 complaints and 9 recalls, including one do-not-drive campaign. Electrical System issues lead at 34% with a median 52,000-mile failure point, followed by Engine at 24% and Steering at 18%. Owners reported burning smells, check engine lights, brake pedals sinking to the floor, interior fires while parked, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes. This year had the highest crash-related injury count among the avoid years, with 27 injuries and 2 deaths recorded.
2014 electrical system problems →2014 engine problems →2014 steering problems →
2013 Dodge Charger Index 79 · 360 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2013 Charger has a complaint index of 79 across 360 complaints and 8 recalls, 2 do-not-drive. Electrical System complaints make up 47% of the total at a median 56,000 miles. Owners described unintended airbag deployment while driving, brake failure leading to collisions, and remote-start systems reportedly engaging the vehicle unexpectedly. NHTSA recorded 20 fires and 25 crashes for this model year, along with 18 injuries.
2013 electrical system problems →2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Dodge Charger problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System1,441 (46%)
- Engine567 (18%)
- Airbags427 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain315 (10%)
- Other310 (10%)
- Brakes301 (10%)
- Steering249 (8%)
- Fuel System205 (7%)
- Structure & Body192 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires129 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Dodge Charger should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 as the years to avoid, with 2011 the worst at a complaint index of 100 and 695 total complaints.
- What is the best year for the Dodge Charger?
- 2021, 2022, and 2023 rank as the best years, with complaint indexes of 14, 7, and 21 respectively and no reported fires.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Charger have electrical problems?
- Yes. Electrical System complaints make up 69% of all reported issues for the 2011 Charger, with a median failure mileage of 57,617 miles, and the car was subject to 11 recalls.
- Are there recalls on the 2014 Dodge Charger?
- The 2014 Charger has 9 recall campaigns, including one do-not-drive recall, covering electrical system and alternator issues.
- How many complaints does the Dodge Charger have overall?
- Across 2010-2024, NHTSA lists 3,100 total complaints and 38 recall campaigns for the Dodge Charger.