Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle exhaust fumes were present in the cabin of the vehicle causing the 6-year-old daughter to become ill. Also, the traction stability control warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the vehicle for the failures but the failures continued to occur. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at unknown speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The driver was able to park on the side of the road for 30 minutes before restarting the vehicle and drove to her destination. The driver took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,458.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while accelerating at approximately 50 MPH, she heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. The engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but the contact was uncertain of the parts that needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
The car randomly dies. I will come to a stop sign or stop light and it will shut off without warning. Usually I put the car in park and it starts back up without issues. Last time it happened when I started it back up it was stuck in 3rd gear. I've had it towed to Landmark dodge before and they said cam shaft sensor so they replaced it. Then it happened again and they agreed it was the battery. Replaced the battery. Does it again (this last time when it wouldn't come out of 3rd gear. Check engine light now on and no traction control) tow to Landmark they keep it for 3 days and they said it was acting normal and they see nothing wrong. Waiting for it to happen AGAIN. Every time Landmark tells me my car is fine.
No warning lights. Loses power, shuts down when traveling. Must pull over, come to a complete stop, put vehicle in park, wait 2-3 minutes sometime longer before it will start back up, Has been occurring for at least 6`months now. Repair shop/dealer unable to confirm due to the fact that it doesn't occur when test driven!!
I recently tried to get my oil changed and they told me that the oil filter housing was cracked. After doing research on this there is several sources saying that there is lots that has had the same malfunction. Surprised there isn't a recall on this part
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Dodge Charger. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front of the vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police and a fire report were filed. No injuries were reported. The fire department determined the engine was the result of the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,200.
My car was parked on a hit and run on August of 2018. My car was parked on a flood March 2019, my car has repairs covered by the insurance of $19,000 and it's still in the shop. I honestly think that my vehicle is not safe for me to drive.
Engine complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Dodge Charger, 15% of the model year's 182 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Dodge Charger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Dodge Charger, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Charger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.