MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Dodge Charger

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Dodge Charger

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
118Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE DODGE CHARGER

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.

VERDICT

The 2019 Dodge Charger earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13555

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record9/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR24V198000

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.

Reported 2024-03-14

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V512000

Risk: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.

Reported 2020-08-27

SERVICE BRAKES19V758000

Risk: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.

Reported 2019-10-24

AIR BAGS19V246000

Risk: Failure to provide the air bag warning information increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger sun visors, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V35.

Reported 2019-03-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V203000

Risk: Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.

Reported 2019-03-14

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

118 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

7reported crash
3reported fire
11reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsAir Bags 49Electrical System 21Unknown Or Other 21Exterior Lighting 13Service Brakes 11Engine 10

Other Charger years

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13555), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Dodge Charger 2019. Class rank 79 of 119 in Sedan 2019. Methodology · Disclosure