VehicleVerdict

2013 Dodge Charger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Dodge Charger carries two red flags at once: 489 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 30.6× the Charger norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Charger years to avoid. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 189 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

489

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

37

Crash-involved

27

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Charger years?

See all Charger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Dodge Charger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System18939%
Engine5211%
Transmission4810%
Airbags408%
Steering316%
Other306%
Speed Control245%
Brakes153%
Seat Belts143%
Fuel System102%
Body & Structure102%
Suspension92%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Latches & Locks41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Seats20%
Lighting20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2013 Dodge Charger have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V018000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2019 · 1,413,222 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

18V021000AirbagsJanuary 9, 2018 · 328,177 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

17V435000Electrical SystemJuly 10, 2017 · 442,214 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequence

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

16V240000TransmissionApril 25, 2016 · 811,290 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.

Consequence

Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.

16V043000Body & StructureJanuary 28, 2016 · 441,578 units

Defect

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.

15V467000Seat BeltsJuly 27, 2015 · 284,095 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

Consequence

Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.

14V634000Electrical SystemOctober 8, 2014 · 435,081 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequence

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

13V610000TransmissionDecember 6, 2013 · 4,194 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.

Consequence

The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, INCLUDING ABS, POWER STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND DASHBOARD GAUGES, AS WELL AS AC AND RADIO, SUDDENLY CUT OUT DURING DRIVING. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE ALTERNATOR CATCHING FIRE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET (IN MOTION). THE FIRE WAS QUICKLY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2017 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 18, 2013 · crash

Power train, transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in park. The vehicle has been inspected. There are warning…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 29, 2024 · crash

Power train, transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in park. The vehicle has been inspected. There are warning…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 29, 2024 · crash

WHEN TURNING LEFT, POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY, I WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE TURN AND WENT ACROSS TWO LANES OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE PREFORMED FINE PRIOR TO INCIDENT. THERE WERE 3 INJURIES IN THE ACCIDENT.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 26, 2020 · crash

2013 Dodge Charger — common questions

Is the 2013 Dodge Charger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 489 complaints put the 2013 model at #7 of 40 Charger years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Charger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Charger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (189 complaints), engine (52 complaints), transmission (48 complaints).

Does the 2013 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Dodge Charger under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Charger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Charger years to avoid are 2006, 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2016, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2021, 2025, 2005. The cleanest record among Charger years belongs to 1987.

How safe is the 2013 Dodge Charger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Dodge Charger earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.