2016 Dodge Charger Safety Report

2016 Dodge Charger: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Recurring Drivetrain, Electrical, and Structural Flaws with Multiple Recalls

179Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
15Injuries
Most reported components: Structure (40)Unknown Or Other (18)Fuel/Propulsion System (17)Power Train (13)Engine (8)Electrical System (6)Air Bags (4)Electrical System,Engine (3)Service Brakes (3)Steering (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side and rollover, and 4 stars for frontal impact, its complaint and recall data reveal several concerning patterns. With 179 total complaints, including 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 15 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported component issues are related to STRUCTURE (40 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18), and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (17), indicating potential manufacturing or design flaws beyond typical wear and tear. The recall history further highlights these issues, with 6 recalls addressing critical components. Two recalls specifically target the POWER TRAIN, one for front driveshaft universal joint seizure/fracture in AWD V8 pursuit vehicles and another for front driveshaft bolt loosening in AWD models, both leading to a loss of motive power and increased crash risk. Another significant recall addresses a STRUCTURE issue related to the supplied tire jack, which could cause the vehicle to fall unexpectedly. The presence of a recall for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING' and 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE' related to unintended cruise control acceleration also points to serious safety risks. Common complaint patterns include numerous reports of driveshaft issues (carrier bearing, front driveshaft failure), electrical problems leading to battery drain, and significant interior structural issues like warping door panels and dashboards. Fuel system complaints, including strong gas smells and fuel pump leaks, are also prevalent and pose a fire risk, as evidenced by the 2 reported fires. Despite strong crash ratings, the recurring mechanical and structural failures, coupled with recalls addressing similar concerns, suggest that while the vehicle may perform well in controlled crash tests, its long-term reliability and integrity of certain components are questionable, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Dodge Charger receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Charger

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Charger:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Driveshaft/Carrier Bearing Failure
Numerous complaints and a recall (POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT) indicate frequent failure of the front driveshaft, universal joint, or carrier bearing, leading to loud noises, loss of motive power, and potential detachment, increasing crash risk.		 High Common 50000-80000 miles
Electrical System/Battery Drain
Multiple reports of constant battery drain, requiring frequent battery replacement, and general electrical issues, including a recall for cruise control wiring.		 Medium Common all miles
Interior Panel Warping/Detachment
Dashboard and interior door panels warping, pulling away from the frame, and detaching, often attributed to heat, raising concerns about structural integrity and airbag deployment.		 Medium Common all miles
Fuel System Leaks/Gas Smell
Complaints of strong fuel smell inside the cabin and fuel leaks from the fuel pump connector or housing, posing a significant fire hazard, with 2 reported fires.		 High Occasional all miles
Unintended Cruise Control Acceleration
Two recalls (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING and POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE) address issues where the vehicle may maintain speed or accelerate despite attempts to deactivate cruise control, increasing crash risk.		 High Rare all miles
Oil Filter Housing Cracks
Reports of cracked oil filter housings, leading to oil leaks, a known issue for which owners express surprise at the lack of a recall.		 Medium Occasional all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Dodge Charger:

Structure 22% of complaints

Warping interior panels (door, dashboard), issues with the tire jack causing vehicle to fall, and general structural integrity concerns.

Fuel/Propulsion System 9% of complaints

Strong gas smell in the cabin, fuel pump leaks, and issues with emissions tests.

Power Train 7% of complaints

Driveshaft failure (carrier bearing, front driveshaft), transmission issues, and unintended vehicle movement.

Engine 4% of complaints

Oil filter housing cracks, engine ticking, and general engine problems.

Electrical System 3% of complaints

Battery drain, headlights not working, and general electrical malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Charger

Is the 2016 Dodge Charger safe?

The 2016 Dodge Charger received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, NHTSA complaint data shows 179 total complaints, 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 15 injuries, indicating significant reliability and component safety concerns, particularly with the drivetrain, electrical system, and interior structure. There are 6 recalls addressing critical safety issues.

What are common problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Dodge Charger include structural problems (22% of complaints) like warping interior panels, fuel/propulsion system issues (9%) such as gas smells and leaks, and power train problems (7%) like driveshaft failures. Electrical system issues leading to battery drain and engine problems like cracked oil filter housings are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger?

Yes, the 2016 Dodge Charger has 6 recalls. These include issues with the electrical system wiring (cruise control), front driveshaft in AWD models, powertrain control modules (cruise control), fire extinguishers, front driveshaft bolts in AWD models, and a structural issue with the supplied tire jack.

Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have issues with its driveshaft?

Yes, driveshaft issues are a significant concern for the 2016 Dodge Charger. There are multiple complaints about carrier bearing failure and front driveshaft issues, and two recalls specifically address front driveshaft problems in AWD models, which can lead to a loss of motive power and increased crash risk.

Are there fire risks with the 2016 Dodge Charger?

Yes, there are reported fire risks. NHTSA data shows 2 fires, and several complaints describe strong fuel smells inside the car and fuel leaks from the fuel pump, which are direct fire hazards. One recall also addresses faulty fire extinguishers in some vehicles.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2016 Dodge Charger's recurring drivetrain, electrical, and structural issues, and verify all 6 recalls have been addressed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the driveshaft, fuel system, and interior integrity is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Dodge Charger

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Dodge Charger. The data includes 179 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 15 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Dodge Charger an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.