Dodge Charger problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Key Dodge Charger issues include the 2012–2014 monostable shifter rollaway recall (16V240), 3.6L alternator and Takata air bag recalls on early LD cars, 5.7 Hemi lifter wear on 2014–2016 models, a 2017 Hellcat oil cooler hose recall, curtain air bag inflators on 2018–2021 cars, and park-pawl and sound recalls on the 2024–2025 electric Charger.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Charger issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Charger generations at a glance

Dodge Charger generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
LD2011–2023Monostable shifter rollaway risk (recall 16V240) · 3.6L alternator failure (recalls 14V634, 17V435, 17V741) · Takata passenger air bag inflator (recalls 16V352, 18V021) · 5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear · Hellcat engine oil cooler hoses can fail (recall 17V496) · AWD front driveshaft bolts can loosen (recall 17V097) · Side curtain air bag inflators can rupture (recall 24V198)
STLA Large2024–presentElectric Charger can lose the Park function (recall 25V574) · Electric Charger may not emit pedestrian warning sound (recall 25V389)

LD Charger problems (2011–2023)

Monostable shifter rollaway risk (recall 16V240) (2012–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2012–2014)
Years:
2012–2014

Chargers with the eight-speed automatic and the early "monostable" electronic shifter, which springs back to centre after each selection, did not warn the driver strongly enough when the door opened with the car out of Park. Drivers could exit a car still in gear. FCA updated the software to shift into Park automatically in that situation.

Symptoms

  • Shifter position is hard to read by feel
  • Car rolls after the driver thinks it is in Park

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • With the engine running and the brake held, open the driver door in Drive and confirm the car shifts to Park

NHTSA recall: 16V240 (2016-04)

Sources: [1]

3.6L alternator failure (recalls 14V634, 17V435, 17V741) (2011–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2011–2014)
Years:
2011–2014

Alternators on 2011–2014 Chargers can fail suddenly. 14V634 and 17V741 cover 3.6L cars with the 160-amp alternator, which can cause a stall; 17V435 covers 3.6L and 5.7L cars with electro-hydraulic power steering, where a failing alternator can cause a stall or short-circuit and start a fire.

Symptoms

  • Battery warning light
  • Stalling or loss of electrical power
  • Burning smell

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (several campaigns can apply)
  • Have the charging system tested

NHTSA recall: 14V634 (2014-10)

Sources: [1][2]

Takata passenger air bag inflator (recalls 16V352, 18V021) (2011–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2011–2013)
Years:
2011–2013
Powertrain:
All engines

Early LD Chargers are covered by Takata passenger frontal air bag inflator campaigns. The ammonium-nitrate inflator can degrade with heat and humidity and rupture in a crash. 18V021 covers 2011–2013 cars sold or registered in hot, humid states first.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a deployment

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask for the dealer repair order for the inflator replacement

NHTSA recall: 18V021 (2018-01)

Sources: [1]

5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear (2014–2016)

Major repair
Generation:
LD (2014–2016)
Years:
2014–2016

The Petro v. FCA US lawsuit lists 2014–2016 Chargers with the Gen III 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi, alleging premature lifter and camshaft wear that causes ticking, misfires and eventually engine failure. Nationwide class claims were dismissed in 2024; there is no recall. Later Chargers use the same engine family, so the same check applies.

Symptoms

  • Ticking from the top of the engine
  • Misfire codes
  • Rough idle

Check before buying

  • Listen for ticking at cold start
  • Scan for stored misfire codes
  • Ask for records of cam or lifter work

Sources: [3]

Hellcat engine oil cooler hoses can fail (recall 17V496) (2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2017)
Years:
2017

FCA recalled 2017 Charger and Challenger Hellcats because the engine oil cooler hoses can fail and dump oil quickly. Oil can spray onto the windshield or hot parts, raising the risk of a crash or fire. Dealers replace the oil cooler lines.

Symptoms

  • Oil spray or smoke from the engine bay
  • Sudden low oil pressure warning

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Inspect the oil cooler lines for weeping or damage

NHTSA recall: 17V496 (2017-08)

Sources: [4]

AWD front driveshaft bolts can loosen (recall 17V097) (2014–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2014–2017)
Years:
2014–2017
Powertrain:
V6 AWD

FCA recalled 2014–2017 all-wheel-drive Chargers and Chrysler 300s because the front driveshaft bolts can loosen and let the driveshaft disconnect, causing a loss of drive power or, if the car is not in Park with the parking brake set, a rollaway.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or vibration from the front driveline
  • Loss of drive power

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Listen for driveline clunks when shifting between Drive and Reverse

NHTSA recall: 17V097 (2017-02)

Sources: [2]

Side curtain air bag inflators can rupture (recall 24V198) (2018–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
LD (2018–2021)
Years:
2018–2021
Powertrain:
All engines

In March 2024 FCA recalled 2018–2021 Chargers and Chrysler 300s because the left and right side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect and send metal fragments toward occupants.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a deployment

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Confirm the inflators were replaced, not just inspected

NHTSA recall: 24V198 (2024-03)

Sources: [5]

STLA Large Charger problems (2024–present)

Electric Charger can lose the Park function (recall 25V574) (2024–2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
STLA Large (2024–2025)
Years:
2024–2025
Powertrain:
Electric (Daytona R/T and Scat Pack)

FCA recalled certain 2024–2025 electric Chargers and Jeep Wagoneer S models in September 2025 because an incorrectly installed spring may stop the park mechanism engaging when P is selected, so the car can roll away. Always set the parking brake until the remedy is done.

Symptoms

  • Car moves after Park is selected

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • On a slight slope, select Park and release the brake carefully to confirm it holds

NHTSA recall: 25V574 (2025-09)

Sources: [6]

Electric Charger may not emit pedestrian warning sound (recall 25V389) (2024–2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
STLA Large (2024–2025)
Years:
2024–2025
Powertrain:
Electric (Daytona R/T and Scat Pack)

FCA recalled certain 2024–2025 electric Chargers in June 2025 because the amplifier may be missing software, so the car may not emit the exterior sound required to warn pedestrians at low speed. The fix is a software update. A separate 2026 campaign (26V262) addresses an instrument panel display that can fail.

Symptoms

  • No exterior sound when moving slowly

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (also check 26V262)
  • Walk around the car while someone creeps forward and listen for the alert sound

NHTSA recall: 25V389 (2025-06)

Sources: [6]

Related Charger research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Charger was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Dodge build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Dodge build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the Dodge Charger shifter recall?

Recall 16V240 covers 2012–2014 Chargers with the eight-speed automatic and monostable shifter. A software update shifts the car into Park if the driver door opens while it is still in gear.

Do Charger Hellcats have known problems?

The 2017 Charger Hellcat has an oil cooler hose recall (17V496) because the hoses can fail and spray oil. Check that the remedy was completed on any 2017 car.

Does the Charger 5.7 Hemi have lifter problems?

The Petro v. FCA US lawsuit lists 2014–2016 Chargers with the 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi for alleged lifter and camshaft wear. There is no recall, so listen for ticking and scan for misfire codes.

Does the electric Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes. 2024–2025 electric Chargers are covered by 25V389 (missing pedestrian warning sound), 25V574 (park function may not engage) and 26V262 (instrument display may fail).

How do I check a Charger for open recalls?

Enter the VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Dodge dealer. Recall repairs are free regardless of age or mileage.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2013 Dodge Charger — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2014 Dodge Charger — NHTSA
  3. HEMI tick lawsuit includes 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter engines (Petro v. FCA US) — CarComplaints.com
  4. NHTSA recalls: 2017 Dodge Charger — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2020 Dodge Charger — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2025 Dodge Charger (electric) — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis or Cummins Inc. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, HEMI, SRT, Hellcat, Hurricane and the model names are trademarks of their owners.