The 2009 Dodge Charger has 6 safety recalls and 174 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (46 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints174filed by owners
Crashes · fires9 · 4reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints
2009 Dodge Charger in an NHTSA crash test
3 recalls for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 18V021000 · Jan 9, 2018 · 328,177 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 16V352000 · May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 15V313000 · May 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
NHTSA recall 09V420000 · Oct 29, 2009 · 12,656 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
Risk: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
NHTSA recall 08V642000 · Dec 5, 2008 · 175 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.
Risk: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
NHTSA recall 08V583000 · Nov 6, 2008 · 20,283 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 20,283 MY 2006-2009 CHARGER AND MAGNUM VEHICLES BUILT WITH THE POLICE PACKAGE AND EQUIPPED WITH A COLUMN SHIFTER. THE GEARSHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET AND CAUSE AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT POSITION DISPLAY.
Risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION STARTLING THE DRIVER, AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A REDUNDANT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE GEARSHIFT CABLE AT THE MOUNTING BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER RETENTION AND SHIFT LINKAGE FUNCTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2009 Dodge Charger 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.9%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Charger
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Charger
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Charger
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Charger
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Charger AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Charger AWD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Charger
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
6.1 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Ignition; Instrument panel › Fuel gauge
46
0
2
0
96,000 mi
Air bags
45
9
0
9
100,000 mi
Engine
32
1
3
1
109,000 mi
Tires Pressure monitoring and regulating systems; Valve
19
0
0
1
54,245 mi
Steering
18
0
0
0
58,500 mi
Wheels
12
2
0
2
60,622 mi
Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system
10
0
1
0
61,000 mi
Suspension
7
1
0
1
55,500 mi
Unknown or other
7
0
0
0
78,000 mi
Power train
6
0
0
0
103,500 mi
Vehicle speed control
5
0
0
0
80,000 mi
Structure Body
4
2
0
2
58,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 5, 2025 · 179,000 milesElectrical system › Instrument cluster/panel The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall and the driverâs side air bag was replaced. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the screen was black. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. The VIN was not available.
Mar 5, 2023 · 150,000 milesElectrical system The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle had shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally, but the failure persisted. The contact replaced the spark plugs, battery, and fuel pump but the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Jan 15, 2019Air bags ORC passenger seat deployment squib 1 reads a open circuit 1. Has been like this since the last airbag recall in 2019. Was supposed to had been fixed then and dealer was never able to fix the issue.
May 15, 2023 · 235,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags The contact owned a 2009 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, she became aware of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags) and 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle illegally ran the red stop light and crashed into the front of the contactâs vehicle. The contact then stated that the frontal air bags exploded. The contact then stated that she sustained injury of metal fragments to the chest, abdomen, and stomach, burning to her left leg and right wrist that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by…
Mar 12, 2023Electrical system I was sold this car from a dealer and told nothing was wrong with it, 2 days later codes U0002 (CAN communication BUS performance) and U0103 (Loss communication with gear shift module) came on and the car will go into what I believe is limp mode every 10-30 minutes into driving it. I believe the Column shifter assembly is to blame as there was a recall for this same part and Iâm having the same exact issues stated in the recall making it unsafe to drive.
Jul 5, 2021 · 92,500 milesAir bags The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the passengerâs side air bag compartment. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V021000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
May 8, 2021 · 190,000 miles · fireElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH, WHEN ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED THEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT THEN SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A WET RAG AND SOME WATER. THE CONTACT THEN CONTACTED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR SEATS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND OPENED THE TRUNK WITH A CROWBAR AND SAW THAT THE BATTERY HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT AND HIS DAUGHTER, WHO WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED.…
Dec 13, 2020 · 119,000 milesPower train I HAVE REPAIRED THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM, BRAKE SYSTEM, SWAY BAR BUSHING, WATER PUMP, ETC. NOW THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW... ARE THERE ANY RECALLS OR WAYS YOU CAN REFUND ME?
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated 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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
PE08052 · opened Sep 2, 2008 · closed Nov 10, 2008 · led to recall 08V583000PRNDL MISALIGNMENT IN A NOVEMBER 5, 2008 LETTER, CHRYSLER SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT DESCRIBING A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN PRNDL MISALIGNMENT (I.E., INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION) IN APPROXIMATELY 20,300 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2006 THROUGH 2009 DODGE CHARGER AND MAGNUM POLICE VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 17, 2005 THROUGH OCTOBER 21, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-583, CHRYSLER RECALL H37).ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER, THE GEARSHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET AND CAUSE AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT POSITION DISPLAY.THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION BY INSTALLING A REDUNDANT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE GEARSHIFT CABLE AND THE MOUNTING BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER RETENTION AND SHIFT LINKAGE FUNCTION. CHRYSLER USES A UNIQUE COLUMN SHIFTER IN THESE POLICE VEHICLES.AFTER…
