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Dodge Charger 2016 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

182 owners reported problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger to NHTSA, most often about structure.

Most recent reports

40
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-05-16 · NHTSA 11738256

I am starting to smell fuel inside of my car everytime I fill up my vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 2026-05-14 · NHTSA 11737747

The contract owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 38 MPH, the vehicle began cranking. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where they called a relative. Once the relative arrived and inspected the vehicle, they noticed the drive shaft had detached. They drove back up the road the truck had just traveled and found the drive shaft. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who confirmed the drive shaft had detached from the vehicle, causing a fracture in both the transmission and transfer case. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Numbers 16V-043000 (Structure) and 18V-281000 (Power Train); reported a similar failure. The vehicle's drive shaft, transmission, and transfer case were scheduled for replacement. The manufacturer was informed, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not attached to any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2026-05-04 · NHTSA 11735553

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2026-03-02 · NHTSA 11721420

Dodge Charger, 2016, won't turn on a list. Key is in the cup holder. On the driver's side also there are many videos showing this same issue with many dodge, twenty sixteen chargers.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-02-16 · NHTSA 11718257

I am the original owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). On February 3, 2026, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. I heard a loud metallic grinding noise from underneath, followed by an immediate loss of power and "Service Transmission" and "SERV AWD" warnings on the dashboard. The vehicle became inoperable, and the engine could not be shut off through normal means after the incident. Recall Context: This vehicle has previously had Safety Recalls T03 (Driveshaft Bolts) and U60 (Front Driveshaft) performed in 2017/2018. However, the current failure is identical to the safety defects described in those recalls. This indicates a Recall Remedy Failure, posing a severe safety risk to the driver and others on the road. Current Dispute: The vehicle was towed to Preston CDJR of Dover, but the dealer claims they cannot diagnose the issue or read fault codes. They are attempting to charge $200/hour for unsuccessful diagnosis attempts. I have opened a case with Dodge Corporate (Case #XXX), but the Case Manager has temporarily closed the case due to the dealer's inability to provide a diagnosis, and neither party has responded to my inquiries for 2 business days. Requested Action: I am filing this complaint to request a formal investigation into this recurring safety defect and to compel the manufacturer to honor the safety recall by performing a physical inspection and necessary repairs at no cost to the consumer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE 2026-01-19 · NHTSA 11711829

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

STRUCTURE 2026-01-06 · NHTSA 11709193

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the dashboard and plastic around the gear shifter were folding outward. The contact was concerned that the parts would detach. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.

POWER TRAIN 2025-10-20 · NHTSA 11694556

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact slowed down the thumping sound decreased; however, the faster the vehicle was driven, the louder the sound became. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,996.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-09-30 · NHTSA 11690668

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 stated that there was a plastic burning odor and an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact requested that the vehicle have a full inspection, and the dealer refused. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-09-24 · NHTSA 11689555

Odometer Faud. The contact purchased a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle diagnosed, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 116,000 and at the time of diagnosis, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 120,000.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES 2025-06-18 · NHTSA 11667617

Unknown/. When Press on brake car still moves. Also when put in parked car will move forward or backwards a few inches. Steering wheel does not feel right as if feels not secure when driving.when trying to go in right lane on freeway steering wheel was not all the way responding as if felt like it was loose and not connected to what pairs it’s spose to be. And almost crashed

POWER TRAIN 2025-06-17 · NHTSA 11667329

My charger was a michigan state patrol vehicle all its maint. Kept up on and all recalls fixed and repaired properly, yet driving at 45mph and my front driveshaft gives out and ends up smashing off my transmission and transfer case and it hit and almost went through the passanger side floor board right under the passanger seat which if it had it would of messed my passanger up bad ,so now 12k + in repairs. Dodge has had multiple recalls over the years for this exact problem, so i guess its time for another one, idk how you can say the recall has been fixed on vehicle if it breaks exactly the same way, that means its not fixed. 06

STRUCTURE 2025-05-27 · NHTSA 11663183

The interior door panels on both front doors of my 2016 Dodge Charger SXT have warped and pulled away from the frame near the window area. The defect appears to be heat-related, and the panels have progressively worsened over time. This issue has not only affected the cosmetic integrity of the vehicle, but it also poses a safety risk by potentially interfering with side airbag deployment or window functionality. I believe this could compromise occupant safety in the event of a side-impact collision. The issue is visible and can be inspected upon request. The problem has not been officially confirmed by a Dodge dealer, but it is widely documented online and the subject of an active class action lawsuit [XXX] et al. v. FCA US LLC). I reported this defect to CarComplaints.com over three years ago and have seen other owners report identical issues with Chargers from similar model years. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. There were no warning lights or messages related to this issue. The defect gradually became visible approximately two years after I purchased the vehicle. To date, no resolution or support has been provided by Dodge or FCA despite the known and recurring nature of this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2025-05-02 · NHTSA 11658598

Smelled fuel leaking inside car towards rear seat. Electrical connector to fuel pump had fuel surrounding it (located under back seat, on left side of car). Upon disconnecting connector, I notice two right most pins of connector (on pump) had a burn mark which cause a hole and allowed fuel to leak out.

POWER TRAIN 2025-05-01 · NHTSA 11658144

I have a continuous and ongoing problem with my draft shaft specifically the carrier bearing. This part has been giving me trouble for over a couple of years now and feel like it's going to break every time I pull in reverse and my local dealer manufacturer currently has no recalls for this which in 2018 they did.

POWER TRAIN 2025-02-24 · NHTSA 11644441

I repaired my drive shaft in May of 2024 and I am already having this problem again. It appears this is a common issue with this vehicle. My vehicle is a 2016 Dodge charger. I paid $2000 to repair this the last time and am not happy that I am having the exact same problem again. It was repaired by Dodge, jeep, Chrysler in Springdale Ohio (Jake Sweeney)

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-28 · NHTSA 11639040

There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “” flash recall on the engines computer. Me and my infant child were stranded for over 5 hours until the car decided it would start back. This power loss caused the power steering to lock up and no movement besides me coasting to get over into the emergency lane on the interstate almost being hit by multiple vehicles. The Service ESC came on numerous times since then and still keeps coming on and dodge says it’s nothing and clears the codes. The drive shaft bolts backed out and caused my drive shaft to snap in half costing me over $1700.00. The sec system never works properly it stays stuck in awd mode and seldomly goes in RWD mode. When turning traction control off it automatically kicks into awd not sure if that’s suppose to happen but makes no sense if so. Also the turn signal switch on the steering column is faulty causing the wipers to come on any time you use the turn signal or turn the wheel to make a turn in the vehicle. That has caused me to almost wreck more times then I can count. This car and this cars year make and model definitely has a lot of safety issues and should be investigated by the manufacturer. On the date below I checked February 22, 2022 due to this issue being persistent I can look for the old invoices where I had to replace my drive shaft if needed just email me

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE 2025-01-03 · NHTSA 11633813

Unexpected vehicle movement from power Train. I was changing my tire and the jack caused my vehicle body side to deform causing the vehicle to fall and nearly broke my leg.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2024-12-04 · NHTSA 11628796

The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.

POWER TRAIN 2024-09-20 · NHTSA 11615620

Loud noise coming from where the center console should be. I thought it could be something wrapped around the drive shaft but instead the drive shaft carrier bearing needs replaced. You can't get a shop to buy just the part they have to replace the entire piece!

POWER TRAIN 2024-08-18 · NHTSA 11609216

Loud noise while driving vehicle due to driveshaft center support bearing damaged. Currently in the process of getting it repaired.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2024-08-15 · NHTSA 11608826

My 2016 Charger has the same problem described in Emissions Recall UB4, Revision 5. When filling tank with gas, there is a very strong odor of gas. After about three days of driving, it dissipates. Revision 5 by added 2015 and 2016 Dodge Chargers, but I have been told that my vehicle is not included in that recall. It most certainly is a safety issue. Again, it has the exact problem as described in that recall. The gas smell is so strong, I cannot park it in the garage. I'm not sure if NHTSA issued the Revision 5, or Fiat Chrysler issued it.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Fire 2024-07-24 · NHTSA 11604322

I was driving down the road, and without warning there were flames coming out of the dash and smoke and within minutes the car was fully engulfed. Luckily, my daughter and I got out, but I am now left with nothing.

POWER TRAIN 2024-05-30 · NHTSA 11591512

Drive train issues

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2024-04-26 · NHTSA 11585455

Interior door panels are letting loose and detaching from frame. Seems seems to be rather unsafe with the side airbags and all. Many forums online from Dodge Charger owners with same issue on all (4) doors. We need help getting Dodge to recall this issue and help make it right. We are getting quotes of up to $3,500 to complete the repair and replace interior door panels.

POWER TRAIN 2024-03-03 · NHTSA 11575170

Drive train broke

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2024-01-27 · NHTSA 11568232

Engine problems after problems on all charger no warning sign or nothing and electric issues on whole vehicle work temporarily

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2023-11-05 · NHTSA 11553643

Fuel pump is inoperable due to cheap make(plastic). Leaks out at the top due to the lid and gas comes out thru there right underneath of where my children sit.

SERVICE BRAKES 2023-09-11 · NHTSA 11543761

Bolts the attach the emergency brake cable assembly to the frame undercarriage can become rusted and corroded and can pop out which causes the emergency brake to not function correctly which results in transmission damage, shifting while towing, shifting while vehicle jacked up, and possible parked incline vehicle roll especially if car is not able to shift into park during an emergency.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2023-09-02 · NHTSA 11542221

Headlights go out when replacing. Fuel smell in cab. Engine ticking Front wheels knocking on bumps Inspection done by police Could cause major wreck all of the above

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER 2023-08-27 · NHTSA 11540982

Headlamps are not working therefore causing a safety issue when driving at night. Initially, 2 years ago, April 2021 the driver headlamp was not working. Dodge dealership had replaced and within the year the bulb would come off and on intermittently. It cost over $400.00. On March 18, 2022 I took it back to Dodge dealership and because it was working that day they just said to bring it when it was not working? They had the car for the whole day and did not inspect anything. Now a year later both of my headlamps are not working and took it back to them again. Now my fuses are melted and have been told by them that the cars electrical system is faulty. The car will need a new PDC Power Distribution Center unit that controls the electrical power which is no longer made. He found a dealer that has the unit available but also includes the wires harness . The charge for this including labor is 5300 if he the dealer will sell it to him. He did not advise of price for part and labor separately. The dealer charged me 212.00 to tell me this. Meanwhile I have a car that is only 7 years old that I cannot drive safely at night and it will not pass motor vehicle inspection which is in 2 weeks. Therefore, now I own a car I cannot legally have on the road because of this issue with the headlamps.

STEERING,SUSPENSION 2023-06-21 · NHTSA 11528212

Vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new drive shaft i see a recall for 2016 dodger chargers how do we have this covered?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2023-05-10 · NHTSA 11521392

The headlight bulbs, like a past recall on the 2011-2012 Chargers, regularly fry through fuses and stop working. This is obviously caused by a more serious issue in the vehicle and should be recalled. Many Dodge Charger and Challenger owners have been faced with this common problem, as shown in the comments on the page linked below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAmcGxeD5LY In my case, I've had several electrical issues with the headlight, and have had the entire headlight unit replaced. We have also switched the bulbs to see if that changes anything. After still having problems with the light going out, the repair shop I took it to informed me that the fuse can be switched for a quick fix, although it is not fixing the root of the problem, and this is a very common issue among these types of cars.

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2023-05-10 · NHTSA 11521403

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2023-03-19 · NHTSA 11512682

The door panels started to peel away from the door. My car was still under warranty at the time and the door panels were replaced by the dealership. after a year the door panels have started to peel back again. It looks like it will keep the side airbag from deploying correctly if it is ever needed. I feel it is unsafe and should be part of a recall since it seems to be a common problem with these cars.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2023-01-28 · NHTSA 11504231

The power steering goes in and out completely loosing power steering while Maneuvering A curve in the road it completely stops or if it's already out it will come back on while steering so your giving a lot of force then suddenly you have power steraing again you harshly turn to almost swerve off the road or towards traffic.

AIR BAGS Crash 2023-01-25 · NHTSA 11503586

Airbags did not deploy in a high speed frontal collision.

STEERING Crash 1 injured 2023-01-24 · NHTSA 11503485

as i was driving getting ready to make a turn i suddenly lost control of my car. The steering wheel became stiff and was unable to move it ultimately causing me to crash, Dodge/Chrysler needs to get there stuff together and do something about this, this is ridiculous, would not recommend buying anything involved with the brand whatsoever

STRUCTURE 2023-01-10 · NHTSA 11500990

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2022-10-04 · NHTSA 11487904

Strong smell of raw gas when fuel tank is 1/2 full(+). The smell is inside and outside the vehicle (mostly on driver's side near back door & wheel well) whether vehicle is running or not. The smell is just as strong outside as inside. When fuel level falls below 1/2 tank, the gas smell reduces. Removed rear seat, drivers side fuel tank cover have a crack in it. A puddle of gas was sitting on top of the fuel pump & a brown burn mark near the electrical plug. Google search: many complaints of fuel pump leakage. The fuel pump still works, it pumps/primes when the key is switched to the ACC position & the car cranks when pushed to turn on. The issue is fuel is leaking from the pump upward when tank is at or above 1/2 full. Tried to order new pump from local dealership (Northpoint Chrysler Dodge) who said it calls for a different part#, is out of stock with no expected date of availability, & is not available anywhere within their network. September 8th, went online to a site that provides OEM parts (World Parts Direct). They said the part was not available until September 23rd. Since they provided an availability date, I ordered the part & waited. The delivery arrived on the 29th. What arrived have a totally different part# with an electrical connector that must replace the factory connector. In order to install, the factory harness must be cut, spliced, soldered, & heat shrink a rubber sleeve to protect the soldered wires. I questioned the different part#, was told that is what their supplier sent, it is OEM, & should work. The new connector came with a diagram showing to switch the 2nd & 3rd pin from the factory connector into the new connector. The factory (+) & (-) pins are side-by-side, the new connector separates them. Fuel pump wiring is faulty, dangerous. Raw gas encountering electrical connectors is unsafe, can be explosive or deadly. Not inspected/repaired by dealer or mfg, no CEL, avail for inspection if needed. Let's not wait for someone to die for recall.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2016 Dodge Charger?
Most reported: structure, across 182 owner reports on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Of the 40 most recent reports, a crash is mentioned in 2 and a fire in 1. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.