Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Dodge Charger problems

Owners filed 58 complaints about the 2020 Dodge Charger with NHTSA between Dec 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (36).

Complaints
58
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags36
  2. Electrical system7
  3. Engine6
  4. Exterior lighting3
  5. Fuel/propulsion system3
  6. Seats2
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Visibility2
  9. Structure2
  10. Forward collision avoidance1
  11. Wheels1
  12. Tires1
  13. Other / unknown10

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 4, 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
20201
20216
20226
20236
202423
20258
20268

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

Air bags

36 reports9 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who initially informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact was later informed that parts were available, but a technician was not available to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that later, while the vehicle was unoccupied, parked, and turned off in the driveway, the front passenger's side air bag unexpectedly deployed, causing damages to the upholstery. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. A second dealer, Arrigo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ft. Pierce (5851 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982), was informed of the failure but did not return the call. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an engineer would inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2026Air bagsODI 11746136

Electrical system

7 reports
“The A/C evaporator core in my 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat has failed twice within a short period of ownership. The first failure occurred at approximately 20K miles in 2022, when the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing cold air. The dealership diagnosed a leaking evaporator core and replaced it under warranty. On [XXX] at approximately 50k, the exact same failure occurred again — loss of refrigerant and no cooling. The vehicle again required replacement of the evaporator core, a repair that involves removing the entire dashboard and is extremely labor-intensive and expensive. This appears to be a recurring defect rather than normal wear. I have learned that many other Dodge Charger and Challenger owners report identical evaporator failures, often multiple times, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing flaw with the HVAC evaporator used in these vehicles. Loss of A/C may seem like a comfort issue, but in extreme heat it can create a driver-safety risk due to overheating, window defogging problems, and driver fatigue. I live in Arizona where daytime temperatures regularly climb above 80 degrees, even in the winter. A major component like an evaporator…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11715643

Engine

6 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and the steering wheel would seize with no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle then the check engine warning light would be illuminated, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil temperature sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2025EngineODI 11635128

Exterior lighting

3 reports
“Headlights were not working, checked and found out the fuses were melted.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11772286

Fuel/propulsion system

3 reports
“Shows a recall that could cause me and kids harm but says unavailable remedy. Now I’m feeling paranoid driving”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2025Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11636941

Seats

2 reports
“While driving under normal conditions with no collision or impact, the side curtain airbag in my Dodge Charger Scat Pack deployed spontaneously. The deployment caused the headliner and pillar trim to rupture and released what appeared to be metal fragments and more. Occupants sustained scratches and narrowly avoided facial injury. I discovered there’s a recall on this airbag as this is a known issue. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Dodge dealership for diagnosis and repair. During this process, i was informed that the VIN has an active safety recall related to the airbag/SRS system. However, the dealership declined to perform recall-related inspection or repairs due to the vehicle having a rebuilt title. I’m concerned my recall remedy is being denied.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2026Exterior lighting, Air bags, SeatsODI 11721443
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026

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