The Lemon Index2021 Dodge Charger.
The 2021 Dodge Charger is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 15 to 23 mpg combined. The best Dodge Charger year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 35 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Charger year. 2021 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 6K to 64K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- airbags 2024
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- visibility 2021
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
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 303 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Customer complaint may include ticking noise with engine running coming from under the hood or…
- Customer complaint may include engine oil leak/consumption
- Customer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Dodge Charger Pursuit 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5300 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
A SABIC inflator rupture may result in compressed gas rapidly escaping from the inflator and material potentially being propelled into the vehicle.
2021 Dodge Charger owner · NHTSA complaint 11601754
More owner reports
Heard popping under car while driving noticed there appeared to be an issue with rear control arm removed rear tires and found both rear control arms to be broken and rubbing frame one free hanging and the other in a bind
NHTSA complaint 11504250
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 26; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Charger year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Dodge Charger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (40%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
2 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 2021 Dodge Charger get?
15 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Dodge Charger cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 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 2021?
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