2021 Dodge Charger Problems
Compared with other Dodge Charger years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Dodge Charger year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 35 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Air bags (16 complaints, median 56,850 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 6.4L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Dodge Charger (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2021 Dodge Charger. The part named most often is air bags, with 16 complaints (46% of the total), followed by other or unknown (5) and transmission and drivetrain (5). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 303 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the inflator and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 19 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 14 Dodge Charger model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags16 46%
- Other or unknown5 14%
- Engine3 8.6%
- Electrical system2 5.7%
- Exterior lighting2 5.7%
- Wheels2 5.7%
- Fuel system1 2.9%
Also reported: Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “While parked in my driveway, the passenger rear side curtain airbag inflated on its own with noone in the car. The car cranks and operates correctly with no indication of a problem with the airbag system. This airbag had been replaced in September of 2025 due to a recall issued by Mopar. I have contacted Mopar and been assigned a case number.”
NHTSA complaint #11748734, filed 2026-07Other or unknown: “1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to be without my car so I could not take it back to them.”
NHTSA complaint #11660824, filed 2025-05Transmission and drivetrain: “Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what caused my car to lock up I know when my sales guys first go over my car he didn’t fully mention everything to me I saw my tires pressure at 50 psi in all days didn’t know if that was normal because my car was shipped so I know the dealership is suppose to inspect vehicle to make sure everything is…”
NHTSA complaint #11513325, filed 2023-03Engine: “At only 256 miles, the vehicle either shuts off while driving or will not start after it's parked. The first occurrence of the engine turning off was while I was driving. The vehicle appeared to stall. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. There has since been 3 no start conditions after the vehicle has been parked. The vehicle is currently at davis chrysler jeep Dodge ram in yulee, fl awaiting diagnostics and repair of this intermittent fault.”
NHTSA complaint #11413702, filed 2021-04, 256 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,700 and 61,702 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| Charger · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Dodge Charger version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Charger RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,000 |
| Charger RWD | 6.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Charger AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Charger SRT Widebody RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 12 | 21 | 15 | $5,500 |
| Charger Widebody RWD | 6.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V198000Mar 14, 2024Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › InflatorCovers: Dodge Charger 2018–2021, Chrysler 300 2018–2021
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.
- 21V516000Jul 8, 2021Visibility › Windshield › Critical fastenersCovers: Dodge Charger 2020–2021, Challenger 2020–2021, Chrysler 300 2020–2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles…
Recall details for the 2021 Dodge Charger → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 303 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038329Sep 30, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft…
- 11034385Jun 26, 2026Body and structure. Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
- 11030229Mar 21, 2026Engine. Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following…
- 11030269Mar 18, 2026Other or unknown. Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
- 11030138Mar 9, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95…
- 11030042Mar 5, 2026Electrical system. Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
- 11030022Mar 3, 2026Electrical system. SPEAKER - NONE
- 11028904Feb 14, 2026Electrical system. Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)…
- 11027843Jan 21, 2026Engine. D-25-17 Rev. A ALL Model Years 2019 - 2021 VF, DS, LA, LD and LX with a 3.6L Engine for Camshaft and/or Rocker Arm Replacements
- 11027842Jan 21, 2026Engine. ID-25-14 Rev. A ALL Model Years 2019 - 2021 VF, DS, LA, LD and LX with a 3.6L Engine for Camshaft and/or Rocker Arm Replacements
Other model years of the Dodge Charger
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 | 19,000 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 16 | 11,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 35 | 47,500 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 58 | 20,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 120 | 10,100 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 122 | 28,750 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 128 | 38,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 182 | 43,500 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 136 | 54,000 | 7 | — | 19 | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 343 | 54,000 | 9 | 5 | 21 | 89 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 360 | 58,000 | 8 | 5 | 21 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 648 | 64,000 | 14 | 5 | 21 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 695 | 59,500 | 11 | — | 21 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 232 | 77,622 | 6 | — | 20 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 174 | 70,626 | 6 | — | 19 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 609 | 91,147 | 5 | — | 20 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 554 | 77,972 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,294 | 80,475 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Dodge Charger model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2021 Dodge Charger as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Dodge Charger is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 16 complaints (46% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 5.
Has the 2021 Dodge Charger been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Dodge Charger do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Dodge Charger 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Dodge Charger get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Charger (Charger, 6.4L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Dodge Charger reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,500 miles and the middle half falls between 12,700 and 61,702 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.