2016 Dodge Charger Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Dodge Charger, 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 42,000. Two related recalls (18V281000, 17V097000) cover front driveshaft bolt and universal joint failures.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 25
- 14% of 182
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 42,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Driveshaft center support bearing wears out or comes loose, producing a loud noise or vibration while driving.
- Front universal joint corrodes or fails, sometimes with a hole appearing in surrounding components after a loud abnormal sound at highway speed.
- Transmission jerks, bangs, or shifts hard when slowing down or accelerating around 10 to 40 mph.
- AWD system warning light comes on with a sudden loss of power, requiring the vehicle to be shut off and restarted to regain drive.
- Driveshaft separates or becomes extremely loose, which owners describe as unsafe at highway speeds.
When 2016 Dodge Charger transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 23, 2017, latest May 14, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger
- NHTSA 18V281000May 1, 2018Transmission & Powertrain13,928 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 17V097000Feb 14, 2017Transmission & Powertrain69,298 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
Risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Dodge Charger?
- NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Charger, which is 14% of the 182 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Dodge Charger driveshaft?
- Yes. Recall 17V097000 covers front driveshaft bolts that may loosen and disconnect on 2014-2017 AWD Chargers, and recall 18V281000 covers front driveshaft universal joints on 2015-2018 AWD police/pursuit Chargers with V8 engines.
- At what mileage do 2016 Charger transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 42,000 miles.
- Did the transmission and powertrain issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Charger records 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.