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2016 Dodge Charger: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Charger, most recently filed May 2018. Owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 5campaigns 2 power train · 1 electrical · 1 equipment Source: NHTSA Complaints 182filed Owner reports, 2012–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 23mpg combined $2,840/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.6 L 6-cyl· 8-speed automatic 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Charger. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Dodge Charger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V332000 Filed May 17, 2018

Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
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 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 turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
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 disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
77% repairedof 4,815,661 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V332000
Listed for 2016 Dodge Charger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V281000 Filed May 1, 2018

Front Driveshaft may Separate from Vehicle

Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
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.
86.9% repairedof 13,928 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V281000
Listed for 2016 Dodge Charger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V824000 Filed Dec 21, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
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 valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
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 is T82.
48.3% repairedof 61,791 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V824000
Listed for 2016 Dodge Charger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V097000 Filed Feb 14, 2017

Front Driveshaft Bolts may Loosen and Disconnect

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
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.
82.9% repairedof 69,298 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V097000
Listed for 2016 Dodge Charger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V043000 Filed Jan 28, 2016

Body-Side Sill may Give when Jacking Car

Structure
Official NHTSA text
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.
63.5% repairedof 441,578 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V043000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Charger years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Dodge ChargerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (182)

182 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.

7involved a crash
2involved a fire
15injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Dodge Charger, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 182.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Charger years

Best and worst Charger years →
648 360 343 136 182 128 122 120 57 35
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.1%★★★★★
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Dodge Charger 4 dr awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined

23
mpg combined
19
city
30
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,900
CO₂ tailpipe
389 g/mi
EPA class
Large Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year

Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Dodge Charger configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23$2,900389
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23$2,900389
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21$3,200415
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21$3,200415
5.7 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19$4,000466
6.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 25 / 18$4,550486
6.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 25 / 18$4,550486
6.2 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 22 / 16$5,150546

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Charger for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Charger years

Where to next

Which Charger years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Dodge Charger report128 complaints · 4 campaigns →2015 Dodge Charger report136 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Dodge Charger FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Charger have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 18V332000 (electrical), 18V281000 (power train), 17V824000 (equipment), 17V097000 (power train), 16V043000 (structure). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Charger problems?

Owners filed 182 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (53), Unknown or other (33), Electrical system (25) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Dodge Charger get?

EPA rates the 3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 19 city, 30 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2016 Dodge Charger get?

NHTSA rated the 2016 Dodge Charger 4 dr awd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 5 stars rollover (10.1% rollover risk).

How does the 2016 Charger compare with other years?

Among the 2012–2021 Dodge Charger model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (35) and the 2012 the most (648). The 2016 drew 182. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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