NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Dodge Charger Safety Ratings
The 2021 Dodge Charger scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Dodge Charger AWD has a strong safety profile for a used sedan, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100. This score reflects a six-point increase from the 2020 model year, supported by a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating.
The 2021 Dodge Charger AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Dodge Charger ranks 45 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Dodge Charger?
The 2021 Dodge Charger AWD represents a meaningful step forward on the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing six points from the 2020 model year's score of 82 to reach 88 out of 100, remaining in the Strong band but landing notably higher within it. That gain is reflected across the index components: crash protection contributes 65 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating and the clean rollover result. The avoidance-tech score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this year, a structural limitation that holds the index back from the top tier despite strong passive-protection numbers. The defect record component scores 17 out of 20, shaped by two recall campaigns, one addressing curtain airbag inflators and one addressing windshields, both of which originated after the vehicle entered service and remain actionable for used-market buyers. The 13 alleged Air Bag complaints are worth noting alongside the airbag inflator recall, as the concentration in that component category is a specific pattern for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Dodge Charger perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Dodge Charger AWD achieved 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's overall safety evaluation. This top-tier assessment was bolstered by 5-star ratings for both side impact and rollover protection. The Charger AWD demonstrated a 10 percent rollover risk without dynamic tip in testing. Its frontal protection rating of 4 out of 5 stars represents the lowest score across all crash-test categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15496
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in 2021, targets the windshield on certain 2020-2021 Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles tied to a manufacturing concern. The second, issued in 2024, addresses right and left side curtain airbag inflators on 2018-2021 Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data, but both should be verified by VIN.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Dodge Charger?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Charger. Alleged problem areas include Air Bags (13 reports), Power Train (5), Unknown or Other (5), and Engine (3). Two alleged crashes have been reported. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Dodge Charger?
The 2021 Charger carries two recalls of note: one for its curtain airbag inflator, the other for its windshield. Both are serious safety concerns. Any shopper considering a used 2021 Charger should confirm in writing that all recall repairs have been completed on the specific vehicle.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 88 out of 100 is six points higher than the 2020 Charger's score of 82, the largest year-over-year gain in recent model years for this vehicle.
- A 2024 recall campaign specifically targets the curtain airbag inflators on 2018-2021 Charger vehicles, meaning this recall was issued years after production and may still be unresolved on used examples.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both optional on the 2021 Charger AWD, not standard, which directly limits the avoidance-tech component to 6 out of 10 in the Safety Index.
- Air Bags is the single most-reported complaint component for this model year with 13 alleged reports out of 31 total, a concentration that aligns with the active curtain airbag inflator recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Dodge Charger places
The 2021 Dodge Charger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Dodge Charger safety questions
Was the 2021 Dodge Charger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Dodge Charger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2021 Dodge Charger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Dodge Charger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Dodge Charger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Dodge Charger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Charger years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15496), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Charger 2021.
- 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 45 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.