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 182 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Charger, and it carries 6 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 40 | 22% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 10% |
| Power train | 14 | 8% |
| Engine | 8 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3% |
| Air bags | 4 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2% |
| Steering | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I am starting to smell fuel inside of my car everytime I fill up my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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. Th
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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. Surprise
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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 conta
NHTSA complaint: Structure
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.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2016 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 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 disengagi
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-
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
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may
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.
Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler'
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 ma
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at
| Reliability raw | 62 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| 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 182 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 40 of them (22%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 62/100 (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 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 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 67/100. 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.