Air bags: side
Free remedy
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.
Research · Large Cars · 3 NHTSA variants
2021 Dodge ChargerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Most complaints involve air bags (16) and power train (5). The EPA rates it 15–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
15–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2024
Owner complaints
35
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Visibility: windshield
Free remedy
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."
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
35 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2021 – Sep 2026
- Air bags16
- Power train5
- Engine3
- Visibility2
- Exterior lighting2
- Electrical system2
- Wheels2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Visibility/wiper1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Charger model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,294 |
| 2007 | 570 |
| 2008 | 624 |
| 2009 | 175 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2011 | 695 |
| 2012 | 648 |
| 2013 | 360 |
| 2014 | 343 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2016 | 182 |
| 2017 | 128 |
| 2018 | 122 |
| 2019 | 120 |
| 2020 | 58 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2025 | 0 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
16 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer failed to reassemble the parts correctly during the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,700.”
Power train
5 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the “Service Transmission” message displayed. The contact stated that the continue to drive and do not shift message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and noticed that the transmission had overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the head gasket might have failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.”
Engine
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic called an unknown local dealer, who informed him that the repair parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
6 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 6.4L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Charger AWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 415 |
| Charger Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,900 | 466 |
| Charger Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 496 |
| Charger Widebody Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 496 |
| Charger SRT Widebody Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 21 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
5 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.1%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 Charger questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2021 Dodge Charger problems?
Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (16), power train (5), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Dodge Charger get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Charger at 15–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Dodge Charger 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 4, 2026