2016 Dodge Charger Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/01/2025

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

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/04/2026

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 — Filed 04/24/2026

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 — Filed 02/01/2026

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 — Filed 02/03/2026

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 — Filed 01/14/2026

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 — Filed 03/01/2025

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 — Filed 08/01/2025

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 — Filed 09/20/2025

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 — Filed 09/24/2025

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 — Filed 06/18/2025

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 — Filed 06/06/2025

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2024

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/22/2023

Airbags did not deploy in a high speed frontal collision.

STEERING — Filed 01/22/2023

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 02/01/2018

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle exhaust fumes were present in the cabin of the vehicle causing the 6-year-old daughter to become ill. Also, the traction stability control warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the vehicle for the failures but the failures continued to occur. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/30/2021

The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 15 MPH, another vehicle suddenly crashed into his vehicle from the rear driver's side at approximately 55 MPH. The contact stated that the driver’s side A-pillar and driver’s side rear B-pillar were severely crushed, but no air bags deployed. A police report was made. The vehicle was towed from the scene and deemed a total loss. The contact suffered a concussion, bruising along the left side of his body, memory loss, and a broken collar bone. The contact was not aware of anyone else had sustained any injuries. The contact went to the hospital to seek medical attention. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 04/15/2020

ONE DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING, I HEARD A REALLY LOUD SOUND COMING FROM MY CAR THAT HURT MY EARS SO I DROVE BACK HOME UNDER 5 MILES PER HOUR BECAUSE WHATEVER WAS HITTING UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR WAS WAY TOO LOUD. AS I WAS PARKING IN MY SPOT AT HOME, MY CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. COULDN'T EVEN PUT IT IN PARK AND SAID TO CHECK ENGINE. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO LITHIA OF DODGE TO LOOK AT IT TO SEE WHATS WRONG BECAUSE I COULDNT EVEN TURN MY CAR BACK ON AT ALL OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT IT WAS UNDRIVEABLE. I WAS TOLD THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE AND SLAMMED AGAINST THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, ANYTHING BASICALLY CONNECTED TO THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DAMAGED. THEY DIDN'T TOTAL IT OUT AND TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE BUT THEN THEY SENT ME ELSEWHERE TOO AND FOR 6 MONTHS I COULD NOT GET ANYTHING WORKED OUT. COME TO FIND OUT, THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON 2016 DODGE CHARGERS FOR ONE OF THE REASONS BEING THE DRIVESHAFT NOT BEING TIGHTENED ENOUGH WHEN MADE OR SOMETHING THAT IT BROKE AND COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD CAUSE INJURIES! I AM LUCKY THAT I DID NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT OR HURT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT SAID THAT THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED BUT OF IT WAS, IT SHOULDNT HAVE BROKE ON MY CAR. I STOPPED PAYING MY LOAN AND EVERYTHING BECAUSE NO ONE WAS TOTALLING IT OUT OR SENDING ME TO SOMEONE WHO COULD HELP SO NOW MY CAR IS REPOSSESSED AND SAYS I STILL OWE ON IT WHICH I FEEL IS WRONG AND I SHOULDNT HAVE THE REPOSSESSION OR BE HAVING TO PAY ANYTHING ON IT.

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 03/15/2019

MY CAR WAS PARKED ON A HIT AND RUN ON AUGUST OF 2018. MY CAR WAS PARKED ON A FLOOD MARCH 2019, MY CAR HAS REPAIRS COVERED BY THE INSURANCE OF $19,000 AND IT'S STILL IN THE SHOP. I HONESTLY THINK THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE.

STRUCTURE,Other/Unknown — Filed 06/10/2018

I HAVE A 2016 DODGE CHARGER SXT. THE CARS DOOR PANELS ON ALL DOORS HAVE BEGAN TO PEEL BACK. THIS IS CAUSING THE WINDOW FRAMING TO BE EXPOSED AND CAUSING THE WINDOW TO NOT BE PROTECTED. THIS HAS BECOME A NATIONAL PROBLEM WITH THESE DODGE CHARGERS. THERE IS NO WARRANTY OUT THAT CAN COVER THESE ISSUES. THESE ARE NEWER MODEL CARS THAT HAVE DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE FIXED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PLACE SO THAT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM THIS ISSUE CAN GET IT REPLACED WITH NO COST OR AT A VERY LOW COST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/19/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH DOWN A HILL WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER SWERVED, BUT THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CLIFF AND CRASHED INTO SOME TREES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION, BROKEN RIBS, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/04/2017

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY POWER STEERING UNIT FELL OUT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND COULD NOT STEP ON THE BRAKE FLU ABOUT A HUNDRED FEET IN THE AIR CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS... ...UPDATED 11/21/17 *BF

SEATS — Filed 11/18/2017

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WITH THE HEATED SEATS ON. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I NOTICED A PAIN FROM MY RIGHT BUTTOCKS PRESSURE POINT. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY A 3 INCH BURN BLISTER ON MY RIGHT BUTTOCKS.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 09/30/2017

WHILE DRIVING ON DIRT ROAD AT ABOUT 15 OR 20 MPH, I WAS STEERING STRAIGHT IN THE INTENDED DIRECTION, WITHOUT ANY SWAYING, FISHTAILING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND VEERED LEFT THUS, COMING TO REST IN A DRAIN DITCH....UPDATED 10/11/17 *BF UPDATED 10/18/17 *BF UPDATED 7/24/18*JB *TR

ENGINE — Filed 05/04/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ENGINE WAS THE RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200.