Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,294 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Dodge Charger, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 185 | 14% |
| Engine | 144 | 11% |
| Power train | 129 | 10% |
| Fuel system | 105 | 8% |
| Air bags | 87 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 77 | 6% |
| Engine | 48 | 4% |
| Fuel system | 46 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 42 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 29 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I have a beautiful 2006 dodge daytona charger with 5.7L Hemi engine that has failed with 170,000 miles. It has been impeccably maintained with on time oil changes using Mobil 1 synthetic oil. The problem is the roller on
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Severe rust under the car on frame and rear wheel wells. Looks likely unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint: Structure
I filled up my gas tank on way home from work in [XXX] . Once i got on on ramp to get on freeway my 2006 dodge charger stalled. I lost all power and barely was able to get to side of on ramp. I waited a couple minutes af
NHTSA complaint: Engine
After filling the gas tank with gas.Car starts missing and engine will stall . If you stop at red light after filling up car will stall and the engine stops running. If you dot fill the car up to full it has no problem
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while idling at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warnin
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I HAVE A DODGE CHARGER RT 2006 HEMI. I WAS COMMING OFF THER HIGHWAY . AFTER TAKING THE EXIT RAMP I WAS HEADING TO A RED LIGHT MY BREAKS FAILED! I HAD NO BREAKS AT ALL SUDDENLY CAUSING MY CAR TO CRASH INTO THE CAR AT THE
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
My 2006 Dodge Charger stalls after refueling, and now stutters when driving as if not getting fuel. I have noticed when attempting to break and stopping at stops this is happening more often. The car shuts down and could
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I was almost rear-ended by a semi when the vehicle stalled at a light while picking my son up from work. It seems to stall at stop signs or waiting at lights completely. It stalls while idling here and there sometimes. S
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2006 Dodge Charger. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rup
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7 LITER ENGINES AND MK25E BRAKING SYSTEMS MAY EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE. CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBES AND EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY CAUSE THE
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A DECREASE OF BRAKING FORCE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE TUBES FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. A CLIP WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE BRAKE TUBES TO THE RIGHT FRONT SHOCK TOWER TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARAN
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLE
| Reliability raw | 52 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 63 | average |
| Maintenance | 72 | good |
| Depreciation | 64 | average |
| Performance | 74 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,294 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel/propulsion system is the most reported area with 185 of them (14%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 52/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 63/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.