The 2018 Dodge Charger has 6 safety recalls and 122 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (45 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints122filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints
2018 Dodge Charger in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › Inflator
NHTSA recall 24V198000 · Mar 14, 2024 · 284,982 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
NHTSA recall 20V512000 · Aug 27, 2020 · 26,361 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
NHTSA recall 18V524000 · Aug 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Electrical system › Software
NHTSA recall 18V332000 · May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
Problem: 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 Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Components: Electrical system › Software; Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Electrical system › Wiring
Power train › Automatic transmission
NHTSA recall 18V280000 · May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
NHTSA recall 18V281000 · May 1, 2018 · 13,928 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
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
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.1%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.1%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2018 Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2018 Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2018 Dodge Charger SRT 4 DR RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
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
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Charger FFV
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Charger AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Charger AWD FFV
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Charger
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Midgrade Gasoline
5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel
Charger
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
Charger SRT
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
Charger SRT
16mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/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 Adas › Video monitor/screen
45
0
0
0
38,975 mi
Unknown or other
33
0
0
0
38,500 mi
Structure Body; Interior panels › Door
19
1
0
2
34,150 mi
Engine
11
0
1
0
8,000 mi
Power train Driveline › Driveshaft
10
1
0
0
23,537 mi
Service brakes
6
2
0
3
—
Suspension
5
0
0
0
1,200 mi
Wheels Rim; Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
5
1
0
0
—
Air bags
5
2
0
3
32,000 mi
Exterior lighting
5
0
0
0
—
Steering
4
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
4
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 30, 2026Unknown or other ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT WAS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Dec 15, 2025 · 90,000 milesPower train The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign…
Dec 29, 2025 · 180,000 milesPower train The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back into the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that sparks of fire were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while his family was inside the…
Apr 15, 2023Unknown or other Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue
Apr 24, 2025Exterior lighting The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
Feb 8, 2024Unknown or other I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the…
Jan 1, 2025Unknown or other The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I canât even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
May 18, 2022Electrical system The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermittent problems in 2021 just after the "Warranty" expired. The dealer said it would cost about $2,200 to replace and Chrysler will not take responsibility. I see this issue is very common amongst other dodge owners. I am surprised there has not been a recall since it appears to be a common problem and it is unsafe. Been driving it over the past 2-3 years and it is totally non operable. I was hoping it would eventually be…
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…