2016 Dodge Charger Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 30 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Charger, 16% of that year's 182 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 62,500 miles. A related recall (18V332000) covers software issues in the powertrain control module, though it targets multiple FCA models and years.
- Electrical System complaints
- 30
- 16% of 182
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 62,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes linked to a failing alternator and loss of traction control.
- Some describe the vehicle not restarting after being parked overnight, with the instrument panel staying illuminated even with the key removed.
- Several complaints mention the check engine light staying on due to what owners believe is a defective wiring harness.
- Owners report the trunk popping open on its own while driving at highway speed.
- Some describe a burnt smell coming from the blower or from under the hood while driving.
- A few owners report the back-up camera continuing to display the rear view after shifting out of reverse.
When 2016 Dodge Charger electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 6, 2016, latest Sep 30, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger
- NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Charger model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Dodge Charger have?
- NHTSA lists 30 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Charger, which is 16% of the 182 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Dodge Charger's electrical system?
- Yes, recall 18V332000 covers a software issue involving the powertrain control module on certain 2014-2018 Dodge Charger and other FCA vehicles, with dealers performing a software flash as the remedy.
- At what mileage do 2016 Charger electrical problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Charger is 62,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Are 2016 Charger electrical complaints worse than other Charger years?
- No. The 2016 Charger's 16% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is lower than years like 2011 (69%) and 2012 (60%), making 2016 comparatively less affected among Charger model years.