2016 Dodge Charger

Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2016 Dodge Charger: common problems and reliability

· 7th generation

An average Charger year.

354 owner complaints, most about structure. 6 recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Charger?

The 2016 Dodge Charger has 354 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag water pump leak or failure.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

354
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
14
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Dodge Charger vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Charger years only. How we score it

Is 2016 a good year for the Charger?

Across the 21 Charger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2022) to 1,294 (2006). With 354 complaints, the 2016 Charger sits above the model's median of 272.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

structure
105
fuel/propulsion system
49
power train
48
electrical system
48
engine
47

Recalls affecting the 2016 Charger

power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Campaign 18E053000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs 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.

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 18V332000

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.

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 18V281000

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.

equipment

Campaign 17V824000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Show 2 more recalls

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

Campaign 17V097000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.

structure

Campaign 16V043000

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.

What owners report on the 7th generation Charger

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.

  • RecurrentWater pump leak or failure
  • RecurrentThermostat housing and thermostat failure
  • RecurrentLifter failure, particularly on the 5.7 Hemi and Pentastar V6
  • RecurrentHemi lubrication issue at low RPM and idle causing premature hydraulic lifter wear
  • IsolatedCylinder deactivation (MDS) problems

Owner insights for the 7th generation Charger. Read the full 7th generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Charger listings typically run $15,969–$40,489.

Other Charger model years

Compare every Charger year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Charger against its rivals

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