Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Dodge Charger problems

Owners filed 122 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Charger with NHTSA between Jan 2018 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (45).

Complaints
122
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system45
  2. Structure19
  3. Engine11
  4. Power train10
  5. Service brakes6
  6. Exterior lighting5
  7. Suspension5
  8. Air bags5
  9. Wheels5
  10. Fuel/propulsion system4
  11. Steering4
  12. Visibility/wiper3
  13. Forward collision avoidance2
  14. Back over prevention2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201815
201912
202023
202131
202214
20238
202410
20256
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

45 reports2 related recalls
“The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11645097

Structure

19 reports1 crash
“I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driver’s knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repair Details: Date of Repair: January 17, 2023 Description of repair from dealership: Trunk lights and dashboard indicator were non-functional, and no alert was provided when the trunk…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2024StructureODI 11614487

Engine

11 reports1 fire
“My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel””
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11615856

Power train

10 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2026Power trainODI 11717796

Service brakes

6 reports2 crashes
“Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2024Power train, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11617422

Exterior lighting

5 reports
“Head lights become inoperable. Dealer says its a common problem. $1,500 fix. Well known power issue. Heavily discuss on the internet. Temp fix is to replace fuses that ARE NOT BLOWN. They are melting in place causing non contact. I have never seen a fuse melt and not blow. Potential dangerous situation especially if you have the owners replacing with a higher rated fuse then what is called for. The manufacturer has 20 amp mini fuses in position 15 & 16 to protect the two circuits. One for each headlamp.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 1, 2023Exterior lightingODI 11557901
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.