Is the 2021 Dodge CHARGER reliable?

The 2021 Dodge CHARGER has 39 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Dodge CHARGER?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (12 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Dodge CHARGER?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Contact any Dodge dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Dodge CHARGER?

The 2021 Dodge CHARGER gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Dodge CHARGER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Dodge CHARGER is approximately $2,945/year (coupe-muscle class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Dodge CHARGER

Q: Is the 2021 Dodge CHARGER often stolen?

The Dodge CHARGER was the #20 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 5,100 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Dodge CHARGER has 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 194. The most common issue is air bags problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars i have no idea what caused my car to lock up but i don’t know what ca. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

4 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

12 complaints

31%

• Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what ca
• My passenger air bag is falling it says passenger frontal squib 2 control circuit open it also says check air bag system on the dashboard of the car the car was in an accident it has a branded title but when they fix the cars don't they have to make sure the airbags are safe and the vehicle is safe
• There is an open recall for curtain side airbag with no remedy available. In April 2024, vehicle displayed service airbag system. vehicle was taken to dealership and the issue was the passenger seat harness airbag. Dealership states it is a warranty issue and I had to pay a deductible. With the no r

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what ca”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Dodge CHARGER

Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 57K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (2)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD08/07/2021

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."

Risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Dodge CHARGER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

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.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,945

Full coverage / month

$245

Liability only / year

$747

vs US avg

+76%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (coupe-muscle)1.55x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2945

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 2021 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.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 39 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what ca
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: So this vehicle turned out to be one of the easiest cars to be stolen. I’ve heard many stories and cases about other Dodge Charger owners that have gotten there Chargers stolen as well and I received a recall notice from dodge this week that it’s something about the radio frequency and something abo
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: The issue with the vehicle is inconsistent and delayed power delivery. On numerous occasions, when trying to accelerate quickly in low gears (1 through 3), the vehicle exhibits an obvious restriction and/or lack of thrust. The vehicle does accelerate (sometimes poorly with hesitation) and the RPM's
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: AT ONLY 256 MILES, THE VEHICLE EITHER SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WILL NOT START AFTER IT'S PARKED. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO STALL. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE HAS SINCE BEEN 3 NO START CONDITIONS AFTER THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)