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 360 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Charger, and it carries 8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 119 | 33% |
| Air bags | 24 | 7% |
| Power train | 24 | 7% |
| Engine | 22 | 6% |
| Steering | 18 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 3% |
| Seat belts | 8 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 2% |
| Power train | 6 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the dealer confirmed there were no open recalls
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which a
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While attempting to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal became firm. To avoid crashing with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered out of the lane
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my whee
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Charger R/T I’m reaching out because my car has been showing signs that seem to match the symptoms of the V62 recall that FCA issued for the fuel pump relay issue. I have a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T wit
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Anti-lock brake system and stability control system control module has failed and replacement parts have been unavailable. (For over a year me dealer has said.)
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents and injuries. It's a standard safety feature in most modern vehicles, including the Dodge Charger. Here's what it's intended to
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that the vehicle was driven to his place of business; however, upon arrival the vehicle was smo
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2013 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) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause t
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious inj
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The r
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 o
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The r
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-sp
Risk: Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parkin
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler cus
| Reliability raw | 49 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 61 | average |
| Maintenance | 72 | good |
| Depreciation | 64 | average |
| Performance | 74 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 360 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 119 of them (33%). There are 8 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 49/100 (below 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 61/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 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 63/100. 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.