2021 Dodge Charger Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Dodge Charger has a complaint index of 11, the lowest among most Charger years, and ranks 17th worst out of 19 model years. It carries a "Best" verdict with 34 complaints, 2 recalls, and no fires, crashes causing injury, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #17 of 19 Charger years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 34
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 15.5 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Dodge Charger problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags15 (44%)
- Other5 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (15%)
- Electrical System3 (9%)
- Engine3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Lane Departure1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the rear end locking up unexpectedly while steering straight, in one case ending in a crash into a guard rail.
- Some vehicles reportedly shut off while driving or fail to start after being parked, occurring at very low mileage.
- The rear backup camera is described as too dark and unclear, especially at night, making it hard to see what's behind the vehicle.
- Rear control arms have reportedly broken and rubbed against the frame, producing a popping noise while driving.
- Owners describe passenger airbag warning lights and squib circuit faults, with some vehicles awaiting a recall remedy for the curtain side airbags.
- Electric power steering has reportedly failed mid-turn at highway speed, displaying an "Electric Power Steering Failure" message.
2021 Dodge Charger recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V198000Mar 14, 2024Airbags284,982 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
- NHTSA 21V516000Jul 8, 2021Visibility & Wipers21,258 vehicles
Visibility:windshield:critical fasteners
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.
2021 Dodge Charger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Charger has a complaint index of 11, among the lowest of any Charger year, and earns a "Best" verdict relative to other Charger model years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2021 Dodge Charger?
- Airbags account for 44% of complaints (15 of 34), followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 15%. Electrical, engine, suspension, and visibility issues each made up smaller shares.
- Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Charger: one for side curtain airbag inflators that may rupture, and one for windshields that may not be properly bonded and could detach.
- How does the 2021 Charger compare to other model years?
- The 2021 Charger ranks 17th worst out of 19 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 11, far below years like 2006 (94) and 2011 (100), which carry "Avoid" verdicts.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Dodge Charger?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 44% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 101,000 miles.