VehicleVerdict

2021 Dodge Charger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Charger year — the 2021 model ranks #17 of 40 Charger years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

41

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Charger years?

Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,904 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 13 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints2001: 4 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1,904 complaints2007: 678 complaints2008: 835 complaints2009: 229 complaints2010: 303 complaints2011: 1,037 complaints2012: 957 complaints2013: 489 complaints2014: 529 complaints2015: 196 complaints2016: 264 complaints2017: 194 complaints2018: 167 complaints2019: 161 complaints2020: 74 complaints2021: 41 complaints2022: 19 complaints2023: 46 complaints2024: 19 complaints2025: 38 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Charger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Dodge Charger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1332%
Other512%
Transmission512%
Engine37%
Driver Assistance37%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Electrical System25%
Lighting25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Suspension12%
Seat Belts12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have recalls?

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

24V198000AirbagsMarch 14, 2024 · 284,982 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.

21V516000Visibility & WipersJuly 8, 2021 · 21,258 units

Defect

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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 2, 2022 · crash

“So this vehicle turned out to be one of the easiest cars to be stolen. I’ve heard many stories and cases about other Dodge Charger owners that have gotten there Chargers stolen as well and I received a recall notice from dodge this week that it’s something about the radio frequency and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 20, 2021 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 2, 2022 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 22, 2021

“The rear camera is defective. It is too dark in most conditions and not clear resulting in a poor view of what is behind me. At night, it is impossible to use, and relying on it will result in a collision. Stellantis and the local dealer have been provided with photos of the display and the dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 21, 2021

2021 Dodge Charger — common questions

Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2021 model at #17 of 40 Charger years. It is one of the Charger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Charger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2021 Dodge Charger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.