MODEL
Dodge Charger
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. 19 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 Dodge Charger carries a best NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, achieved in model year 2021, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-test profile is genuinely competitive in several dimensions: the best-year results show a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side impact and rollover resistance, with a solid 4 out of 5 in the frontal category. That frontal score is worth noting because it is the one area where the Charger falls short of a clean sweep, and shoppers should weigh that accordingly. The recall picture is harder to dismiss. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Charger has accumulated 19 recalls, a count that sits on the higher end for this segment and signals that Dodge has had to address a meaningful number of production and engineering issues over the years. Owners have filed 268 complaints in the same window, including 26 reported crashes, 6 fire-related allegations, 19 injury claims, and 1 death allegation. These are unverified allegations and should not be read as confirmed incidents, but the volume and severity of the complaint categories deserve serious attention from any prospective buyer. The bottom line is that the Charger's crash-test numbers are genuinely respectable, particularly in side and rollover protection, but the recall count and the complaint severity profile add real uncertainty to its overall safety picture. Shop informed.
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.