BestCarRank
Dodge

2016 Dodge CHARGER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Dodge CHARGER has 264 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 194. The most common issue is body/structure problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 dodge charger. while attempting to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, the steering column undercarriage trapped the contact's foot on two separate occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. t. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 8 crash reports 17 injuries

264

Total Complaints

6

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

55 complaints
21%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE STEERING COLUMN UNDERCARRIAGE TRAPPED THE CONTACT'S FOOT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T
  • TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER ---- DOOR PANELS ARE COMING OFF--- CAR WAS PURCHASED FIVE DAYS AGO AND DOOR PANELS ARE COMING OFF --- DEALERSHIP STATED VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS IS AND PAPERWORK WAS SIGNED STATING VEHICLE WAS BEING TAKEN OFF OF LOT AS IS.... 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN...CB
  • INSIDE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL IS COMING OFF. SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR FRAME 5 DAYS AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE STEERING COLUMN UNDERCARRIAGE TRAPPED THE CONTACT'S FOOT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Dodge CHARGER

Based on 152 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 41K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
54
30-60K
48
60-100K
34
100-150K
16
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 18 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
2
60-100K
5
100-150K
3
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 42K mi · 14 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
3
60-100K
3
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 63K mi · 11 reports
0-30K
4
30-60K
1
60-100K
4
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 10 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
4
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)12/07/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

High theft risk

#20 most stolen in 2025

The Dodge CHARGER was the #20 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 5,100 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Muscle car; frequently targeted for engine

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Dodge CHARGER

Live EIA prices
Per year
$3,626
Per month
$302
Per mile
30.2¢
kWh/mi
1.60

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Dodge CHARGER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,964
Full coverage / month
$164
Liability only / year
$638
vs US avg
+17%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x
× theft risk1.15x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1964

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2016 CHARGER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Dodge CHARGER

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 264 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE STEERING COLUMN UNDERCARRIAGE TRAPPED THE CONTACT'S FOOT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: BURNT PLASTIC AND CHEMICAL SMELL, EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN CAUSING MIGRAINE, VOMITING,DIZZINESS IN FACT CAUSED SKIN TO TURN GREY. DEALERSHIP WAS NO HELP SO WE CONTACTED DODGE CORPORATE AND SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE AFTER 2 WEEKS AND DODGE HAVING AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION OF VEHICLE WE WERE INFORMED

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ENGINE WAS THE RESU

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • FUEL SYSTEM: STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL AFTER CAR WAS DELIVERED ON MARCH 4, 2016. THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WHICH HAS NOT YET BEEN RECTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS OF MARCH 17, 2016. WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, YOU CAN SMELL FUEL (RAW GAS). IT ACTUALLY WAS COMING IN TO THE CABIN VIA THE FRESH AIR VENTS ON TH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
264
Recalls
6
Fire reports
2
Crash reports
8
Injury reports
17
Segment avg
194

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Dodge CHARGER