NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Dodge Charger Safety Ratings
The 2020 Dodge Charger scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 57 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Dodge Charger AWD sedan achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in our Strong band. While its crash-test record is largely impressive, three active recall campaigns warrant attention. Buyers are advised to confirm all recall remedies have been completed before acquiring this vehicle.
The 2020 Dodge Charger AWD sedan holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Dodge Charger ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 57 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Dodge Charger?
The 2020 Dodge Charger AWD posts a Safety Index of 82 out of 100, a two-point gain over the 2019 model year's 80, while holding the same Strong band. That incremental improvement is meaningful context: the crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 reflects genuinely strong structural performance, anchored by back-to-back 5-star results in side and rollover categories. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reveals a specific vulnerability for this year: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard, meaning many 2020 Chargers on the used market may lack those systems entirely. The defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflects the weight of three recall campaigns, most notably the curtain air bag inflator recall spanning 2018-2021 production and the stealth-mode backup camera recall unique to Pursuit-spec units. The 36 air-bag-related complaints are unverified allegations, but they align thematically with the open curtain inflator recall, making remedy verification a priority for any prospective buyer of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Dodge Charger perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Dodge Charger AWD received a nearly perfect crash-test performance from NHTSA, achieving an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Its side and rollover protection both earned the maximum 5-star rating, with a low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. Frontal protection, while still strong, was the single category to fall below this standard, rated at 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14270
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Dodge Charger. The first involves side curtain air bag inflators shared with 2018-2021 Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The second targets windshield manufacturing defects on 2020-2021 Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 models. The third affects Charger Pursuit units with a stealth mode that can disable the backup camera. No do-not-drive order is noted in the data, but all three warrant VIN verification.
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
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD21V516000
Risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-07-08
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has logged 57 unverified owner complaints against the 2020 Dodge Charger, including alleged reports of 10 crashes, 2 fires, 7 injuries, and 1 death. Air Bags account for the largest share of alleged component issues at 36 reports, followed by Electrical System and Engine at 6 each.
57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Dodge Charger?
Purchasers of a 2020 Charger should verify recall compliance for this six-year-old model. The three recall campaigns address the air bag inflator, windshield, and backup camera. Before purchase, a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool will confirm whether these remedies have been completed.
- The 2020 Charger's defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflects three open recall campaigns specific to this model year, including a curtain air bag inflator recall covering 2018-2021 production runs.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as optional for this model year, meaning the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 could vary significantly depending on how the individual vehicle was optioned at purchase.
- The stealth-mode backup camera recall applies specifically to 2020 Charger Pursuit variants, not all Charger trims, so buyers should confirm whether the vehicle in question is a Pursuit-spec unit.
- All 57 owner complaints are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA, with 36 of those targeting the air bags component, a concentration that directly overlaps with the active curtain inflator recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Dodge Charger places
The 2020 Dodge Charger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Dodge Charger safety questions
Was the 2020 Dodge Charger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Dodge Charger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Dodge Charger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Dodge Charger earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Charger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Dodge Charger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Dodge Charger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 57 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Dodge Charger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Charger years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14270), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Charger 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 72 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.