Most common 2016 Dodge Charger problems
Share of the 182 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Charger complaints by model year
Best Charger years: 2022, 2021, 2015. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2008, 2006. Compare all years →
2016 Dodge Charger recalls (5)
Electrical system › Software
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…
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.
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.
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.
Equipment
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
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.
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.
Structure
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Dodge Charger:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2016 Dodge Charger owners say
Body & structure all 53 →
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front driver's side door panel trim had separated from the door frame. The contact then stated that he was concerned that the separation of the door panel had started to rise towards the window, which might affect the air bag deployment in the event of a crash. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side interior door panel became unsecured and partially detached from the door frame, causing the door to be difficult to open, closed, or unlocked. Additionally, the front driver's side interior door panel was unsecured and partially detached; however, the door was able to be opened, closed, and unlocked normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine & cooling all 28 →
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact purchased the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken for the Emissions Test; however, the vehicle failed the Emissions Test. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that some unknown sensors had been replaced, and to allow for a week for the vehicle to adjust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stopped by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that in the evening, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed oil cooler. The contact was informed that all the oil had spilled into the coolant reservoir. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil cooler was made of plastic and was warped. The contact was informed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Fuel & propulsion system all 26 →
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact purchased the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken for the Emissions Test; however, the vehicle failed the Emissions Test. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that some unknown sensors had been replaced, and to allow for a week for the vehicle to adjust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stopped by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that in the evening, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. …
Car has strong smell of gas inside. Seeing by the other reports here that there is a regular problem with the fuel pump causing this issue. Is a safety hazard for obvious reasons. Drive shaft failed last year at less than 60,000 miles, but luckily had it replaced under dealership warranty. Others have not been so lucky, as I can see in these reports. Like tons of other reports here, door panels are also warping and disconnecting from the inside of the car. A completely cheap and poor design, and am shocked to see that nearly EVERY problem I've experienced with this car is COMMONLY experienced by other owners of this car. No idea how there haven't been more recalls, it's criminal that owners of this vehicle are left to foot the bill (THOUSANDS of $$$) for all of its defects.
2016 Dodge Charger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 25 / 18 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 22 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Charger a good car?
Based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Charger rates better than average: 49% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Charger at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Dodge Charger?
The body & structure — 53 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the engine & cooling (28) and fuel & propulsion system (26).
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Charger have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger, the most recent from May 17, 2018 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Charger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2006. See the full Dodge Charger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Charger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 56% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.