
2016 Dodge CHARGER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
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.
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- • 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.
“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.
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL
STEERING
BRAKES
SUSPENSION
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)
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
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
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 pricesBased 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
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
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 2026-07Federal 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)
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
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)
Dodge CHARGER — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
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