Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Dodge Charger problems

Owners filed 35 complaints about the 2021 Dodge Charger with NHTSA between Apr 2021 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (16).

Complaints
35
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags16
  2. Power train5
  3. Engine3
  4. Visibility2
  5. Exterior lighting2
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Wheels2
  8. Fuel/propulsion system1
  9. Visibility/wiper1
  10. Structure1
  11. Seat belts1
  12. Steering1
  13. Suspension1
  14. Lane departure1

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
20213
20222
20236
20249
20259
20266

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

16 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Air bagsODI 11766656

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2024Power trainODI 11622931

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11606397

Visibility

2 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V198000 (Air Bags) and 21V516000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted to perform the recall repairs; however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact stated that the sound was audible through the window, which the contact associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V516000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the recall repairs remained incomplete. The VIN was previously related to the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Visibility, Air bagsODI 11734493

Exterior lighting

2 reports
“condensation in headlight”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2025Exterior lightingODI 11677995

Electrical system

2 reports
“1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to be without my car so I could not take it back to them.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 14, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11660824
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.