Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2018 Dodge Charger Reliability Report

The 2018 Dodge Charger rates good for reliability, but touchscreen failures and peeling door panels are its main complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

121

Complaint Rate

15.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$652

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity62/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity87/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Weakest of the nine scored Charger years, with Uconnect touchscreen failures and peeling door panels leading 121 owner complaints and six recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)
STRUCTURE (18)
POWER TRAIN (9)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.

Year 8 in the Seventh generation (2011-2023) (2011–2023).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
7th generation Charger (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2011: Seventh generation (2011-2023) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2015: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Dodge Charger?

Reliability is good, but this is the weakest of the nine scored Charger years, and it sits close to average among 2018 sedans. The 2019 rates about the same, with 118 complaints and 5 recalls against 121 and 6 here. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $652, above the $590 class figure.

The Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen is the biggest complaint. Screens delaminate and register phantom touches that change stations, adjust the climate controls and place calls. Some fail as early as 5,000 to 6,900 miles, often soon after the 3-year warranty ends, and dealers quote over $2,000 for a new unit. Interior door panels also warp and peel away, with reports from 21,000 to 75,000 miles. Some owners describe hard upshifts or stalling. In two crashes, some airbags did not deploy. Federal records list six recalls across air bags, back over prevention, electrical and power train.

Ask for proof that every recall was completed, especially air bags and power train. Test the touchscreen for phantom touches, check all four door panels, and drive it to feel for rough shifts. The 2019 is worth comparing.

Compared to the 2019 Dodge Charger, which scored 2 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (15%)
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Above-average repair costs for its class
−Above-average recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen delaminates and starts registering phantom touches (44 complaints)

Compare 2018 Dodge Charger With

2018 Chrysler 300

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2018 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2018 Nissan Maxima

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2018 Buick LaCrosse

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2018 Honda Accord

Reliability: 63/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2018 Dodge Charger has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

15.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 25.7

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Dodge Charger Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Charger. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V1980002024-03-14

AIR BAGS

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence

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.

20V5120002020-08-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

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.

18V5240002018-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Dodge Charger? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Dodge Charger, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Dodge Charger NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Dodge ChargerRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$652

vs $590 avg for fullsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

15%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Charger

$652

Category Avg

$590

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Dodge Charger Resale Value

The Dodge Charger is estimated to retain about 62.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Dodge Charger model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.

Value Retained: 62.9%
Depreciation: 37.1%
Listings Analyzed: 716

Listings observed in June 2026. Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.

Explore Dodge Charger depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$4,950/yr

Fuel + repair

13–19 city / 22–30 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Charger 3.6L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	19	30	23	$2,600
Charger 3.6L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	19	30	23	$2,600
Charger AWD 3.6L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	18	27	21	$2,850
Charger AWD 3.6L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	18	27	21	$2,850
Charger 6.4L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	15	25	18	$3,850
Charger SRT 6.4L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	15	25	18	$3,850
Charger 5.7L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	16	25	19	$3,950
Charger SRT 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	13	22	16	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Dodge Charger.

Inspect the Uconnect screen edges for bubbles or peeling, then tap through every menu and watch for phantom presses.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the backup camera image appears steadily without flicker or a blue screen.
Check all four interior door panels near the windows for warping or gaps, and test each lock button and window switch.
Look under the front end for rust on suspension parts, nuts and bolts.
On the test drive, use the paddle shifters and watch for wrong-direction shifts, hard upshifts, or stalling at stops.
Turn the wheel fully both ways in a parking lot and watch for a steering warning light or sudden heavy steering.
Start the car and confirm the airbag warning light turns off and stays off.
Inspect each wheel for cracks, and ask whether the car has had repeated low tire pressure warnings.

2018 Dodge Charger Common Problems by Component

121 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)STRUCTURE (18)POWER TRAIN (9)AIR BAGS (5)STEERING (4)SUSPENSION (4)WHEELS (4)Other (11)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

44 complaints

The Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen delaminates and starts registering phantom touches. It changes stations, adjusts heat and air conditioning, places calls and beeps with clock-setting prompts. Navigation, climate controls and the backup camera can freeze or drop out. Some screens fail as early as 5,000 to 6,900 miles, and the trouble often appears right after the 3-year warranty ends. Dealers quote over $2,000 to replace the unit. Fewer reports describe a no-start with the shifter locked in park, headlight fuses that keep melting, or the dash going dark and steering locking while driving.

44 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

22 complaints

Most of these reports describe the same failing touchscreen. Bubbles spread across the glass, and the screen selects buttons on its own. It places calls, changes temperature settings and makes the backup camera flicker. One screen got hot to the touch and showed what looked like melting drips inside. Interior door panels that warp and separate from the door come up repeatedly. Isolated reports cover a radio that cuts out while moving, an offset GPS position, a check engine light traced to the vapor canister, and brake and steering noises at 400-600 miles.

22 complaints total

STRUCTURE

18 complaints

Interior door panels warp, peel and pull away from the door frame, usually near the window. Foam and wiring show through. The problem often spreads to two, three or all four doors. A lifted panel can misalign the lock button and interfere with door controls. Reported mileages run from 21,000 to 75,000. Dealers typically call it a known issue but decline warranty coverage, and some charge just to inspect it. Single reports describe an outside door handle that stopped opening and a broken trunk latch that suppressed the trunk-open warning.

18 complaints total

POWER TRAIN (9 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

9 complaintsSafety-related

Transmission complaints dominate. Owners describe dropping rpm followed by hard upshifts, a rocking noise in reverse, paddle upshifts that downshift instead, and a car stuck in drive with a flashing gear indicator. One car kept making noise after the transmission was replaced. Some cars stall without warning and need several restart attempts, while dealers find no fault codes. A repetitive thud at low speed persisted after a driveshaft replacement. One report describes the steering pulling, a check engine light and sparks under the car. One complaint involves a crash.

9 complaints total1 crash

AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

In two crashes, some airbags did not deploy. The steering wheel and knee airbags stayed stowed in a rollover, and the passenger lower airbag stayed stowed in a frontal pole impact. Those crashes account for 3 injuries. Other owners worry about door panels that pull away and expose the side airbag to heat and weather. One report describes the airbag warning light coming on with no accident or impact.

5 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaints

Power steering assist cuts out suddenly, often while turning at low speed, and a steering warning light comes on. The fix in these reports is replacing the electric steering rack or power steering unit. Without assist, the car takes heavy effort to turn but can still be driven. One complaint filed here actually describes a frozen touchscreen along with headlight and backup camera problems.

4 complaints total

SUSPENSION (4 complaints)

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

Front suspension parts, nuts and bolts show heavy rust on nearly new cars. Reports note it at 40 and 1,200 miles. Dealers confirm the corrosion but have not replaced the parts. Owners fear the rusted parts could break. One more serious report describes clinking at 60-62 mph, then a sudden pull to the right and a spin. A mechanic traced it to a fractured driveshaft bolt, and a front wheel had come off.

4 complaints total

WHEELS (4 complaints)

WHEELS

4 complaintsSafety-related

A front driver-side control arm broke at highway speed and the car hit a wall. That is the one crash in this group. Repeated low tire pressure warnings led one owner to a cracked rear rim, and the dealer cited a national backorder on replacement rims. Other reports describe slow leaks blamed on poorly coated wheels, and shaking under braking downhill or at speed that persisted after new brakes and rotors.

4 complaints total1 crash

SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Two reports, both serious. In one, the brakes failed to stop the car with the pedal pressed hard, and it rear-ended another vehicle. That crash accounts for 3 injuries. In the other, the automatic braking system activated on its own at various speeds around 15,000 miles, and a shop's diagnosis came back inconclusive.

2 complaints total1 crash3 injuries

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaintsSafety-related

One report describes an engine fire that totaled the car. Another describes the car shaking and shutting off at 70 mph. The stall happened again on the highway with the check engine light on, and two dealers found nothing wrong. With only two complaints, no broader pattern is visible.

2 complaints total1 fire

When Do 2018 Dodge Charger Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

5,000–6,900 milesUconnect touchscreen phantom touches

Best & Worst Dodge Charger Years

Best Dodge Charger Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Dodge Charger Years to Avoid

Good

2018

(Current Model)

6Recalls

121Complaints

See full Dodge Charger years-to-avoid analysis

Dodge Charger Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Dodge Charger reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	71/100	Good
2020	75/100	Good
2021	76/100	Good
2022	74/100	Good
2023	76/100	Good
2024	73/100	Good
2025	71/100	Good
2026	82/100	Excellent

Dodge Charger Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	82/100	+11	Excellent	0	0
2025	71/100	-2	Good	2	10
2024	73/100	-3	Good	2	4
2023	76/100	+2	Good	2	22
2022	74/100	-2	Good	3	11
2021	76/100	+1	Good	2	29
2020	75/100	+4	Good	3	54
2019	71/100	+2	Good	5	118
2018(selected)	69/100	—	Good	6	121

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Dodge Charger reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good, and it lands close to average among 2018 sedans. It is still the weakest of the nine scored Charger model years. Owners filed 121 complaints, and federal records list six recalls. The 2019 model rates about the same.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Charger?

Electrical trouble leads, with 44 complaints, mostly the Uconnect touchscreen acting on its own or freezing. Next come warping interior door panels (18), then transmission and driveline complaints (9). Air bag complaints (5) are fewer but include airbags that stayed stowed in two crashes.

Does the 2018 Dodge Charger have touchscreen problems?

Yes. The Uconnect 8.4 screen can delaminate and register phantom touches, changing stations, adjusting heat and air conditioning, or placing calls. Navigation, climate controls and the backup camera can also freeze. Some screens failed at 5,000 to 6,900 miles, and dealers quoted over $2,000 to replace one.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Dodge Charger?

Federal records list six recalls. They cover air bags, back over prevention, the electrical system (including vehicle speed control) and the power train, which has two. Check the VIN with the NHTSA recall lookup to confirm each repair was completed.

Is the 2018 Dodge Charger cheaper to repair than other sedans?

No. Independent repair-cost data estimates $652 a year for the Charger, compared with $590 for its class. That figure is model-wide, not specific to 2018. A touchscreen replacement quoted at over $2,000 can add to the cost once the warranty ends.

Don’t buy a 2018 Dodge Charger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Dodge Charger

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Dodge Charger does best on how many systems draw complaints (87/100) and worst on complaint severity (62/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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