The Lemon Index2018 Dodge Charger.
The 2018 Dodge Charger is about average by owner complaints: 81 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 97, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 16 to 23 mpg combined. The best Dodge Charger year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 122 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Charger year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 46K miles on the car (60 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 4K–44K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2024
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- back over prevention 2020
" When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
- electrical 2018
The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Show all 6 recalls
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 267 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Door Hinge Assembly Side door hinge noisy
- ACTUATOR, A/C and Heater Before replacing HVAC actuator, please contact either Thomas Conway…
- Transfer case seal, Transmission Output Seal If vehicle has a fluid leak between the transfer…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The navigation is reporting I'm in another state, also the entire radio screen and functions stop working and switch back and forth without touching it.
2018 Dodge Charger owner · NHTSA complaint 11407037
More owner reports
The video display has a bubble forming within the screen and is increasing in size. The warping does not go away when the video display is turned on. It is present in all driving conditions (I.e. Driving, parked, and reverse.).
NHTSA complaint 11319307
We have 12 different Dodge chargers that are stalling out while the officer is driving.
NHTSA complaint 11217567
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Dodge Charger reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 97; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Charger year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Charger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), body structure (19%) and engine (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Charger have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Charger get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Dodge Charger safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Dodge Charger problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,600 and 46,100 miles. The middle report was at 28,800 miles, from 60 complaints.
Does the 2018 Dodge Charger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Dodge Charger cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Dodge Charger have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Charger year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works