2021 Dodge Charger Safety Report

The 2021 Dodge Charger presents a mixed safety profile, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing concerning patterns in consumer complaints and recall history. The vehicle earned a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in side and rollover tests, and a respectable 4 stars in frontal crash tests. This indicates strong performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, despite only 29 total complaints, a significant portion (11 complaints, or 37.9%) are related to AIR BAGS, directly correlating with a critical recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000) concerning side curtain air bag inflators that may rupture and cause injury or death. This recall affects 2018-2021 Dodge Charger models, and several complaints highlight the unavailability of parts for this urgent repair, leaving owners at risk. Beyond the airbag issue, another recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V715000) addresses a potentially improperly bonded windshield, which could separate during a crash and increase injury risk. While only one complaint explicitly mentions the windshield recall, it underscores a manufacturing quality concern. Other notable complaint patterns include POWER TRAIN issues (2 complaints, 6.9%), with specific mentions of aggressive downshifts, transmission service messages, and even complete loss of acceleration or engine stalling. STEERING issues also appear, with one complaint detailing a complete power steering failure at 60 MPH. The low number of reported crashes (2) and zero reported injuries or deaths in the complaint data is positive, but the severity of the airbag recall's potential consequences cannot be overstated. In summary, while the 2021 Dodge Charger performs exceptionally well in NHTSA's controlled crash tests, the high volume of airbag-related complaints and the critical nature of the associated recall are significant concerns. The ongoing unavailability of recall parts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death is a major safety liability. Additionally, emerging patterns in powertrain and steering complaints suggest potential reliability issues that buyers should be aware of.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the critical, unresolved airbag recall and emerging powertrain issues. Verify all recalls have been completed before purchase, and consider an extended warranty for powertrain components.