2018 Dodge Charger Reliability Report

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report power train issues, notably involving the transmission and driveshaft. Common symptoms include abnormal noises such as thuds or rocking sounds, unintended gear shifts, and stalling. These issues often arise at varied mileages, with some occurring around 23,500 miles, while others are reported at higher mileages, such as 90,000 and 180,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of uncontrollable steering, sparks or fire from underneath the vehicle, and one instance involving a crash. Buyers should be aware of the potential for unresolved recalls and the need for repeated repairs that may not fully address the problems.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report several issues related to air bags. Complaints frequently mention door panels coming loose, which exposes side airbags to potential damage, though no deployment issues are directly reported from this exposure. Another common issue is the air bag service light activating without apparent cause. Two crash incidents are noted: in one, the steering wheel and lower steering column airbags failed to deploy during a rollover after hitting a guardrail; in another, all airbags deployed except the passenger's lower airbag during a frontal collision, resulting in injuries. These reports suggest potential safety implications regarding airbag deployment reliability during accidents.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report issues with wheel integrity, particularly concerning powder coating and rim cracks. Multiple owners describe problems with wheel finishes not being fully powder-coated, leading to slow tire leaks and accelerated tire wear. Additionally, a complaint highlights a cracked OEM rim, with the owner noting a national backorder for replacements, indicating potential widespread demand for this part. Safety implications are evident, with one report detailing a crash caused by a broken control arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control. These issues often emerge after a year of ownership, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers regarding wheel durability and safety.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues with the electric power steering system, particularly failures of the electric steering rack. Symptoms commonly include a sudden loss of power steering assistance, which can occur without prior warning, as indicated by a warning light that appears after the failure. These failures are noted around 57,000 miles, with one owner mentioning the unavailability of replacement parts. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power steering increases the risk of accidents, especially if the driver is unprepared for the manual effort required to steer. Additionally, one complaint mentions a power steering service light activating, leading to the replacement of the steering unit, although the exact cause remains unclear.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to suspension rust, with several complaints highlighting excessive rust on front suspension components, including nuts and bolts. This rust is noted at low mileage, with one owner observing it at just 1,200 miles. In some cases, the rust appears severe enough to potentially compromise the integrity of the suspension, as described by one owner who expressed concern about the material being eaten away. Additionally, one report describes a critical failure where a driveshaft bolt fracture led to loss of control and tire detachment at 50,000 miles, resulting in a dangerous situation on the road. These reports suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of accidents due to compromised suspension components.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report issues with the service brakes, specifically brake failure and unintended activation of the automatic braking system. One complaint details a crash resulting in three injuries, where the driver experienced brake failure despite applying maximum pressure, leading to a rear-end collision. Another complaint describes the automatic braking system activating independently at various speeds, with diagnosis proving inconclusive. These issues are noted at approximately 15,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to brake failure and unexpected braking, which may concern prospective buyers.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger report engine-related issues, including one instance of an engine fire resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Another complaint describes the vehicle shaking and shutting off while driving at highway speeds, with the check engine light illuminating. This issue occurred around 5,000 miles, and despite being taken to multiple dealers, no specific failures were identified, although the manufacturer was involved in attempting to resolve the issue. The safety implications include potential fire hazards and loss of engine power, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.