2016 Dodge Charger Safety Report
2016 Dodge Charger Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Dodge Charger
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Dodge Charger. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (179) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Structure | Compare structure issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Dodge Charger with 29 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Dodge Charger before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Charger Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Charger years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Dodge Charger | 125 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Charger | 133 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Dodge Charger | 121 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Dodge Charger | 118 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Dodge Charger | 53 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Dodge Charger | 29 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Dodge Charger Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Dodge Charger, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Structure
40 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyFuel/Propulsion System
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Dodge onlyPower Train
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Dodge onlyEngine
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Dodge onlyElectrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Charger
Reliability Score
The 2016 Dodge Charger receives a reliability score of 7 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Dodge Charger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Wiring defects in the electrical system can cause the vehicle to not turn on, as reported by multiple owners. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Drive Shaft Drive shaft failures have been reported, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and safety concerns. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Axle Assembly Axle shaft failures have been reported, causing unexpected vehicle movement and safety risks. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Abnormal driveline behavior has been reported, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and safety concerns. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k 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:
Issues with the electrical system, including wiring defects, are common.
Drive shaft failures have been reported, leading to unexpected vehicle movement.
Axle shaft failures have been reported, causing unexpected vehicle movement.
Abnormal driveline behavior has been reported, leading to unexpected vehicle movement.
Recall Details for the 2016 Dodge Charger
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Dodge Charger by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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's number for this recall is U37.
Summary: 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 disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually tur...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.
Summary: 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 may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the v...
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall i...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Consequence: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
Summary: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Consequence: A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Dodge Charger
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Dodge Charger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
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.
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...
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
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.
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 wa...
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 w...
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.
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
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...
The interior door panels on both front doors of my 2016 Dodge Charger SXT have warped and pulled away from the frame near the window area. The defect appears to be heat-related, and the panels have progressively worsened over time. This issue has not only affected the cosmetic integrity of the vehicle, but it also poses a safety risk by potentially interfering with side airbag deployment or window...
Smelled fuel leaking inside car towards rear seat. Electrical connector to fuel pump had fuel surrounding it (located under back seat, on left side of car). Upon disconnecting connector, I notice two right most pins of connector (on pump) had a burn mark which cause a hole and allowed fuel to leak out.
I have a continuous and ongoing problem with my draft shaft specifically the carrier bearing. This part has been giving me trouble for over a couple of years now and feel like it's going to break every time I pull in reverse and my local dealer manufacturer currently has no recalls for this which in 2018 they did.
I repaired my drive shaft in May of 2024 and I am already having this problem again. It appears this is a common issue with this vehicle. My vehicle is a 2016 Dodge charger. I paid $2000 to repair this the last time and am not happy that I am having the exact same problem again. It was repaired by Dodge, jeep, Chrysler in Springdale Ohio (Jake Sweeney)
There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “” flash r...
Unexpected vehicle movement from power Train. I was changing my tire and the jack caused my vehicle body side to deform causing the vehicle to fall and nearly broke my leg.
The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.
Loud noise coming from where the center console should be. I thought it could be something wrapped around the drive shaft but instead the drive shaft carrier bearing needs replaced. You can't get a shop to buy just the part they have to replace the entire piece!
Loud noise while driving vehicle due to driveshaft center support bearing damaged. Currently in the process of getting it repaired.
My 2016 Charger has the same problem described in Emissions Recall UB4, Revision 5. When filling tank with gas, there is a very strong odor of gas. After about three days of driving, it dissipates. Revision 5 by added 2015 and 2016 Dodge Chargers, but I have been told that my vehicle is not included in that recall. It most certainly is a safety issue. Again, it has the exact problem as described ...
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.
Showing 20 of 179 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Dodge Charger
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Charger
Has the 2016 DODGE CHARGER been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 DODGE CHARGER has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 DODGE CHARGER have?
The 2016 DODGE CHARGER has 179 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 15 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2016 DODGE CHARGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 DODGE CHARGER involve structure (40 complaints), unknown or other (18 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (17 complaints). Other affected components include power train, engine, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 DODGE CHARGER have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2016 DODGE CHARGER out of 179 total complaints (3.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 DODGE CHARGER have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER out of 179 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
15 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE CHARGER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 DODGE CHARGER is acceptable with caveats. It has 179 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 DODGE CHARGER are: 1. STRUCTURE (40 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (17 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (13 complaints), 5. ENGINE (8 complaints). STRUCTURE is the single most-reported problem area with 40 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
Be cautious of electrical system issues, drive shaft failures, and abnormal driveline behavior. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected vehicle movement and ensure safety. The 2016 DODGE CHARGER has 179 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2016 DODGE CHARGER receives a reliability score of 7/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 179 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Drive Shaft.
What are the known issues with the 2016 DODGE CHARGER?
Known issues with the 2016 DODGE CHARGER include: Electrical System, Drive Shaft, Axle Assembly, Power Train. These are based on patterns found across 179 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 Dodge Charger?
Common safety issues include electrical system defects, drive shaft and axle assembly failures, and abnormal driveline behavior.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger?
Yes, there are recalls for issues with the driveline and power train, including drive shaft and axle assembly failures.
What should I do if I experience unexpected vehicle movement?
If you experience unexpected vehicle movement, have the vehicle inspected by a professional to identify and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system issues, drive shaft failures, and abnormal driveline behavior. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected vehicle movement and ensure safety.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14