Dodge Chargers are a popular muscle car throughout the world. If you’re considering one of them, you’ll want to know how reliable they are.
Dodge Chargers have an average reliability rating according to RepairPal, with a score of 3.5 out of 5. However, J.D. Power gave the 2021 Dodge Charger a 2 out of 5 reliability rating, making it the lowest-rated car ever in the United States.
We’ll take a closer look at the Dodge Charger’s reliability in this article. And, we’ll look at how often they break down. Plus, we’ll even cover the most common problems they have.
We’ll look at how several major publications rated its reliability as well. That way, we can develop an objective view of the Dodge Charger’s reliability!
How Reliable Are Dodge Chargers
To judge a car’s reliability, we’ve got to consider several factors. First, how often do they break down? Second, how must do they cost to repair? And, how serious are their breakdowns?
RepairPal gave the Dodge Charger an average reliability rating. It scored 10th out of 12 full-sized vehicles on its site. They said you should expect to spend about $652 each year on repairs. That’s slightly more than average.
The average yearly repair cost of a full-sized car is around $590. So, the Dodge Charger might cost a little more than average to maintain. However, it won’t cost too much more than that.
Across all vehicles, you should expect to visit a repair shop about 0.4 times per year. The Dodge Charger only has to go around 0.2 times per year. So, you might not have to visit the repair shop as often with one of them. Most full-sized vehicles have to visit the repair shop 0.3 times per year on average.
When visiting the repair shop, about 15% of Chargers experience a major issue. The average for all vehicles is around 12%. So, the Charger might suffer from serious issues a little more often than average.
J.D. Power gave the 2021 Dodge Charger a 2 out of 5. That’s the lowest score they’ve ever given a Car in the US!
U.S. News gave the Dodge Charger a low rating on its reliability test as well.
Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Dodge Charger an average rating for reliability.
Do Dodge Chargers Break Down a Lot?
Dodge Chargers seem to break down less often than an average car. However, when they break down, it’s more likely to be severe. So, you might end up with a large repair bill.
Repairpal said they break down around 0.2 times per year. That’s compared to 0.4 times per year for all vehicles.
However, 15% of Chargers experience a serious issue whenever visiting the repair shop. That’s compared to 12% for all vehicles.
So, the Charger might not break down as often. But, when it does, it might be costly!
Common Problems to Watch Out For
Generally, the Dodge Charger is a reliable vehicle. However, certain model years have had issues.
The 2019 Dodge Charger had some issues with its braking system. Carcomplaints.com reported issues with vibrations. Some customers had problems with erratic braking behaviors, too.
Some people had difficulty finding brake pads that fit the 2019 Charger properly. They seem to have broken their rotors regularly as well.
Fortunately, you could purchase a new set of brake pads for less than $100.
The 2013 Charger had some issues with its suspension. Drivers would report hearing strange noises from their vehicles while in motion. Damaged tension struts were part of the problem. And, worn-out bushings were another common cause.
Typically, the Charger’s suspension system should last for at least 100,000 miles. If you’ve got concerns, take yours to the nearest Dodge mechanic. They’ll be able to investigate any problems.
Chrysler recalled the 2012 Charger for issues with its airbags. Some drivers reported sudden side-airbag deployment. Another common complaint was that the passenger airbag light wouldn’t turn off.
Owners of the 2011 Charger have said it suffered from issues with its alternator. They’d smell something burning from inside of the engine bay whenever they turned it off. Chrysler issues a recall in 2014 for these issues.
Simply replacing the alternator solved the problems in most instances.
6th-generation and 7th-generation Chargers have had issues with the transmission system. Owners have reported transmission slippage. They’ve also said they had issues with its shifting. This would lead to decreased acceleration while driving.
Updating software on the control module seems to have solved these problems, though.
The 2007 Charger has had several issues with its radiator fan as well. The radiator fan would disintegrate, leading to a destroyed radiator. Replacing the radiator fan would help to avert this issue.
The 2006 Charger has had issues with premature engine failure. This seems to be related to issues with the cylinders and valves. Not all of these problems would cause the engine light to turn on. So, you might want to visit a mechanic to be safe.
Engine failures can lead to sudden loss of power while driving.
The 2006 Charger also had some issues with its shifters. Drivers would find that they couldn’t shift out of Park. Replacing the shifter modules usually resolves any problems, though.
Most Reliable Dodge Charger Years
The 7th-Generation Chargers seem to have the fewest problems on record. There haven’t been any recalls for the 2020 or 2021 model years as of the moment.
The 6th-generation Chargers also seem to be fairly reliable. Generally, the older models are the ones with the most issues.
How to Take Care of Your Charger
Regularly maintaining your charger could help prevent any issues. Follow the guide in the back of your owner’s manual. It’ll tell you when to maintain specific parts.
Replace the oil frequently. Since it’s got such a powerful engine, clean oil is crucial. Try to use synthetic. Synthetic oil holds up better under intense pressure, protecting your engine.
Also, try to keep your Charger inside of a garage. That should help keep it from rusting. Wipe off any water on the frame whenever you’re done driving. Wiping it off will help keep it looking great for longer.
