MODEL
Dodge Charger Safety
NHTSA safety across every Dodge Charger model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Dodge Charger we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 80. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan with a performance-first identity, targeting buyers who want muscle-car character in a four-door package. Sold in a wide range of trims from everyday commuter to track-ready variants, it competes in a shrinking but passionate segment. The Charger appeals to enthusiasts and families alike who refuse to sacrifice personality for practicality.
The 2021 Dodge Charger achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side impact and rollover resistance tests, a strong performance in key crash categories. Its frontal crash rating, however, registered 4 out of 5 stars, marking the single area where the Charger did not earn the highest possible score. This contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 for the 2021 model year, placing it in the Strong band. Despite these competitive crash-test results, the Charger's recall history presents a more complex picture. Across model years 2019 to 2025, Dodge has issued 19 recalls for the Charger. This figure is on the higher side for its segment and indicates a series of production and engineering concerns requiring manufacturer intervention. Owner complaints further detail potential issues: 268 complaints were filed within the same period, including 26 reports of crashes, 6 fire-related claims, 19 injury claims, and 1 death allegation. While these are owner allegations and not confirmed incidents, the volume and nature of these complaints warrant careful consideration from anyone evaluating the Charger’s safety profile.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally celebrate the Charger for its bold styling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and available high-output powertrains, calling it one of the last true American muscle sedans. Most acknowledge that its interior technology and some refinement details lag behind more modern competitors, but the consensus is that its driving character and practicality combination remain a distinctive and compelling package.
- The Charger's best NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 in 2021 places it in the Strong band, but its 4 out of 5 frontal crash-test star rating means it does not achieve a perfect score across all impact categories.
- Nineteen recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is a notably high count for this segment, so buyers should verify that any used or new Charger has all open recalls addressed before purchase through the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Owner complaints include 6 fire-related allegations and 19 injury claims across the covered model years. These are unverified, but their presence in the complaint record means shoppers should pay close attention to any technical service bulletins or recall notices tied to electrical and powertrain systems.
- The Charger earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side impact and rollover protection in its best testing year, making it a strong performer in those specific scenarios, which is particularly relevant given its rear-wheel-drive layout and performance-oriented trims.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Dodge Charger with 5 recalls.