Dodge Charger 7th generation (2011–2023)
Generation-specific owner insights from 156+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
4,610
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2011–2023
86
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2011-2023 Charger generally describe it as a reliable, practical large sedan whose long production run worked out most of the brand's older reliability complaints.
15 problems reported (4 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentWater pump leak or failure
- RecurrentThermostat housing and thermostat failure
- RecurrentLifter failure, particularly on the 5.7 Hemi and Pentastar V6
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentHemi lubrication issue at low RPM and idle causing premature hydraulic lifter wear
- IsolatedCylinder deactivation (MDS) problems
- IsolatedRear differential seal weeping
- IsolatedHID headlight fuse burnout
- IsolatedPlastic parts cracking, including oil cooler and sensor connectors
- IsolatedCoolant leak from degraded sealant at the coolant reservoir
- IsolatedTiming chain or timing belt service due around 100k miles
- IsolatedTransmission issues on high-mileage examples
- IsolatedPower window motor or obstruction failure
- IsolatedAWD system warning light
- IsolatedEngine tick or knock noted during inspection
- IsolatedAirbag deployment recall
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 5.7 Hemi R/T and the 6.4 Scat Pack, with the Hemi described as a known quantity and the 392 praised for real-world highway fuel economy near 28 mpg. Owners also speak well of the 3.6 Pentastar V6 for daily use, and the 2015+ model years are preferred over earlier ones for the 8-speed automatic.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Mustang (EcoBoost and GT), Chevrolet SS, Toyota Avalon, Mazda6 and Chevrolet Malibu.
Is a 2011–2023 Charger right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2011-2023 Charger generally describe it as a reliable, practical large sedan whose long production run worked out most of the brand's older reliability complaints. The 5.7 Hemi V8 and the ZF-designed 8-speed automatic draw consistent praise, and several owners report trouble-free ownership past 100,000 miles, including one 2016 Scat Pack 392 with over 143,000 miles that owners called "rock solid" with only a rear differential seal weep and headlight fuse failures. Criticism centers on the Pentastar V6's water pump and lifter issues, Hemi idle-related lubrication concerns, and the poor condition of ex-police examples. Later model years (2015+) are viewed more favorably than early ones, largely because of the 8-speed transmission and general refinement; early 2011-2014 cars with the older 5-speed automatic are described as less desirable.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Charger as the value pick for buyers who want V8 sound, rear-seat space, and available all-wheel drive, conceding handling, fuel economy, and sometimes reliability to the Mustang EcoBoost. Several owners note the Charger R/T is heavy and the 5.7 is modest relative to its weight, with a tuned EcoBoost running even with it in a straight line. Against the Chevrolet SS, owners point out the SS costs substantially more. Against the Avalon, Mazda6, Malibu, CTS, and TLX, owners describe the Charger as the more entertaining and distinctive choice, with the Avalon and Charger cited as top-two picks by one cross-shopper. The Charger is repeatedly called the only car in its size and price class offering AWD.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2015 and newer cars for the ZF 8-speed automatic, with the 5.7 Hemi R/T as the value performance choice and the 6.4 Scat Pack for buyers wanting more power. For AWD needs, owners point to the V6 AWD and pursuit/enforcer trims, noting AWD Chargers are common in snowy regions. Owners advise against buying a V6 SXT with the intent to supercharge or turbocharge it, recommending trading up to an R/T instead. Owners also advise avoiding ex-police pursuit cars unless the buyer is a mechanic, and avoiding rebuilt-title cars.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting a large, comfortable, quick sedan with V8 character and available AWD, and who accept higher fuel and insurance costs. Owners suggest preferring 2015+ models for the 8-speed automatic and general refinement, and caution that condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage. Recommended pre-purchase steps from owners include a pre-purchase inspection, a code scanner or OBD check, service records, tire wear inspection, and checking for frame rust in snowy, salted regions. Owners repeatedly warn to budget a few thousand dollars for repairs and to avoid long idling, which they say harms Hemi engines.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly note that ex-police Chargers accumulate thousands of idle hours and hard use, and that idle time is what they consider most damaging to the Hemi. Several owners describe the 5.7 Hemi as a proven, long-lived engine found across many vehicles, with some citing close to 200,000 miles. Owners also note the Charger's resale and pricing are strong for Scat Pack and Hellcat variants, and that rebuilt-title cars carry poor resale and insurance difficulty. Analysis based on approximately 156 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 78 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2022 | 48 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 102 | 2 | air bags |
| 2020 | 57 | 3 | air bags |
| 2019 | 332 | 5 | air bags |
| 2018 | 342 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 249 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 354 | 6 | structure |
| 2015 | 272 | 8 | power train |
| 2014 | 689 | 11 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 727 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2012 | 661 | 15 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 699 | 12 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2023 · parking brakecampaign 24V112000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2023 · seats:critical fastenerscampaign 24V574000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Charger vehicles. The left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
2022 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 22V504000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2022 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 22V808000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2022 · power train:manual transmission:column shift assemblycampaign 22V866000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
2021 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 21V516000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
2021 · air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorcampaign 24V198000
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.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 20V512000
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."
2020 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 21V516000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
2020 · air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorcampaign 24V198000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 20V512000
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."
2019 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 19V203000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
29 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.