2018 Dodge Charger Safety Report
2018 Dodge Charger Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Dodge Charger
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 (121) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Dodge Charger with 29 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Charger | 118 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Dodge Charger | 125 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Dodge Charger | 53 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Dodge Charger | 179 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Dodge Charger | 29 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Charger | 133 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Dodge Charger Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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.
Electrical System
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyStructure
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyPower Train
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Dodge onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Dodge Charger
Reliability Score
The 2018 Dodge Charger receives a reliability score of 55 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Charger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Dodge Charger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunction Recall due to potential malfunctions in side curtain and back over prevention systems. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Recalls for wiring problems in the front underhood and front of the vehicle. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Powertrain Recalls Recalls for driveline and automatic transmission issues in various models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structural Integrity Reports of door panels detaching and structural issues. |
Medium | Common | 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 2018 Dodge Charger:
Issues with side curtain and back over prevention systems.
Problems with wiring in the front underhood and front of the vehicle.
Recalls for driveline and automatic transmission issues.
Reports of door panels detaching and structural issues.
Recall Details for the 2018 Dodge Charger
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Charger by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall o...
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
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 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Consequence: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Dodge Charger
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagn...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back int...
Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue
The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but...
The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermittent problems in 2021 just after the "Warranty" expired. The dealer said it would cost about $2,200 to replace and Chrysler w...
Center touchscreen delamination. This has caused the screen to function without intention by randomly changing settings which causes undesired use of the screen, distracted driving and an unsafe environment due to glue adhesive separation within the screen.
Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.
My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up m...
I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification a...
The Uconnect screen in my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus began to delaminate, leading to unresponsiveness and phantom touches on the screen. This created a distraction while driving and impacted the use of essential vehicle controls, such as navigation, climate settings, and the backup camera was completely non-functioning. At the dealer I was initially quoted a price over $2,000 and I know from rese...
uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as it’ll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldn’t call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving. It turns my heat up on high as well as my heated seat in the 100 degree weather. Changes my radio stations at a rapid rate and removes my backup ca...
The transmission is completely out but the vehicle is fairly new. I saw that there is a recall on the transmission on some vehicles but I’m not sure if mine is on that list.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front driver and front passenger side door panels had started to detach from the door frames. The dealer was contacted about the failure and acknowledged that the door panel failure was a known issue; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the replacement of each door panel. The...
uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as it’ll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldn’t call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving.
The Uconnect system in my vehicle has been delaminating and has been causing several issues in my vehicle where the Blindspot detectors are not working properly and the back up camera is not working properly to notify me and alert me with whistles and chimes if a vehicle is driving behind me while I’m backing up or if a pedestrian is on my Blindspot crossing near my car. The Uconnect system in my ...
Rack and pinion needs to be replaced.
Air bag service light came on without any incident or accident being involved.
Head lights become inoperable. Dealer says its a common problem. $1,500 fix. Well known power issue. Heavily discuss on the internet. Temp fix is to replace fuses that ARE NOT BLOWN. They are melting in place causing non contact. I have never seen a fuse melt and not blow. Potential dangerous situation especially if you have the owners replacing with a higher rated fuse then what is called...
Showing 20 of 121 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Charger
Has the 2018 DODGE CHARGER been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 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 2018 DODGE CHARGER have?
The 2018 DODGE CHARGER has 121 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2018 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 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 DODGE CHARGER involve electrical system (24 complaints), unknown or other (19 complaints), structure (18 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,unknown or other, power train, air bags.
How many crash reports does the 2018 DODGE CHARGER have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2018 DODGE CHARGER out of 121 total complaints (4.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 DODGE CHARGER have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER out of 121 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 DODGE CHARGER is acceptable with caveats. It has 121 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 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 DODGE CHARGER are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (18 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 24 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
Be aware of potential airbag and electrical system issues, and check for recalls regularly. The 2018 DODGE CHARGER has 121 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2018 DODGE CHARGER receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 121 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag Malfunction and Electrical System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
Known issues with the 2018 DODGE CHARGER include: Airbag Malfunction, Electrical System Issues, Powertrain Recalls, Structural Integrity. These are based on patterns found across 121 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the airbags in the 2018 Dodge Charger?
Yes, there are recalls due to potential malfunctions in side curtain and back over prevention systems.
What are the most common electrical system issues reported?
Problems with wiring in the front underhood and front of the vehicle.
Are there any issues with the powertrain that I should be aware of?
Yes, there are recalls for driveline and automatic transmission issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential airbag and electrical system issues, and check for recalls regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Dodge Charger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Dodge Charger. The data includes 121 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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