Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Dodge Charger Reliability Report
The 2020 Dodge Charger has a good reliability standing, but air bag complaints, mainly failures to deploy, are the issue to check before buying.
Recalls
3
Complaints
54
Complaint Rate
7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$652
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$4,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack among Charger years, with fewer complaints and recalls than 2019 and air bag deployment reports as the main concern.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (33)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- ENGINE (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Seventh generation (2011-2023).
- Changes: Widebody option added for Hellcat and new trim released..
- Year 10 in this generation (2011–2023).
- 7th generation Charger (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2011: Seventh generation (2011-2023) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2015: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year (Refresh)
2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Seventh generation (2011-2023).
Should You Buy the 2020 Dodge Charger?
Good is the verdict for this year. It sits above average among 2020 sedans and in the middle of the nine scored Charger years. It looks better than 2019, which drew 118 complaints and 5 recalls, and about the same as 2021. It earns 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs a bit higher than the class norm, at $652 against $590.
Air bags are the weak spot. Several owners say a hit to the driver door at 20 to 40 mph did not set off the bags, and drivers were hurt. Others describe a curtain bag that opened only partly or a knee bag that blocked the brake pedal. Electrical faults are rarer but scarier. One car shut down at highway speed and lost throttle, power steering, and lights. Federal recall records show 3 recalls, covering air bags, visibility, and back over prevention.
Before buying, check the recall history by VIN and get proof that the air bag work was done. Some owners report waiting on parts after a notice. Ask whether the electrical system has had any repairs.
Compared to the 2021 Dodge Charger, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2019 Dodge Charger for an earlier comparison.
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
- −Moderate recall count
- −AIR BAGS: Failure to deploy in a crash is the main complaint (33 complaints)
Compare 2020 Dodge Charger With
2020 Chrysler 300
Reliability: 74/100
2020 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 75/100
2020 Nissan Maxima
Reliability: 74/100
2020 Honda Accord
Reliability: 73/100
2020 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (33)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Dodge Charger. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
10
Crashes
1
Fires
7
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Dodge Charger Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Dodge Charger. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
VISIBILITY
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence
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.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Dodge Charger? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Dodge Charger, and 3 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
2020 Dodge Charger NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Dodge ChargerRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 62.9%
- Depreciation
- 37.1%
- Listings Analyzed
- 716
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Dodge Charger depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
15–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$5,250/yr
Fuel + repair
12–19 city / 21–30 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 2020 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 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 | 24 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Charger Widebody 6.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Charger 5.7L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,950 |
| Charger SRT Widebody 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 12 | 21 | 15 | $4,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Dodge Charger.
Run the VIN for open recalls and get dealer proof that any air bag repair is finished, not waiting on parts.
At startup, confirm the air bag warning light goes out and no service air bag message appears.
On the test drive, watch for gauges or the radio resetting, stalling, or a restart while moving.
Try every wiper setting, then use the turn signals and confirm the wipers don't switch on by themselves.
Run the A/C on max during the drive and confirm it blows cold the whole time.
With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir for oil, then watch the temperature gauge for overheating.
Check the sunroof glass for cracks and the windshield edges for sealant pulling away from the body.
Look under the car for a loose, cracked, or dragging belly pan and for torn-out mounting bolts.
2020 Dodge Charger Common Problems by Component
54 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
33 complaintsSafety-relatedFailure to deploy in a crash is the main complaint. Several reports describe hits to the driver door at 20 to 40 mph with no deployment and injured drivers. Other crashes bring smoke and burns from deploying bags, a curtain bag that only partly opens, or a knee bag that blocks the brake pedal. Nine filings involve crashes, one involves a fire, and four report injuries. Many of the rest describe a recall delay rather than a failure. Owners get a recall notice, but dealers say repair parts are unavailable, sometimes while the air bag light is on.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSudden electrical faults while driving are the most serious reports. One car shuts down at highway speed and loses throttle, power steering, and lights, which was traced to loose bolts at the power distribution center. Another has the radio and gauges resetting to zero, then the car restarts and stalls, at just 3,500 miles. Wipers also fail. Intermittent settings stop working, and the wipers switch on from the turn signal lever and won't shut off. Other filings describe a leaking A/C evaporator core that fails twice and a car that starts by itself.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedNo air bags deploy in a rear-end crash that spins the car into a barrier, and a passenger suffers a head injury. That filing is the only crash here and accounts for both reported injuries. Two other filings are about an open recall that owners say has gone unrepaired for months because no fix is available, which leaves them anxious about driving. The last report describes a sunroof that suddenly shatters on the interstate.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsSudden loss of power is reported, with the steering wheel locking up and no warning light. After a restart, the check engine light comes on and the problem keeps coming back, even after a mechanic replaces one failed sensor and then finds another. A separate report describes an engine that overheats with oil mixed into the coolant and no warning, and the mechanic calls for a new engine. Paddle-shift cars may downshift when the driver upshifts, causing jerks and sudden surges of acceleration.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsDespite the heading, the more serious filing here is a side curtain air bag that goes off on its own during normal driving. The deployment tears the headliner and pillar trim and throws debris, scratching the people inside. The dealer declines to do the related recall work on that car. This is the one reported injury in this category. The only true lighting complaint is water getting into the passenger headlight after 30,000 miles.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsGlass and seal failures make up this category. On one car, the windshield sealant pulls away from the body on both sides at about 14,000 miles. The dealer did not repair it. In the other report, the sunroof glass shatters at highway speed when the driver opens the vent shade, at only 908 miles. The dealer declines that repair, and an independent shop does the work.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsUnderbody and body damage shows up in two forms. The plastic belly pan ahead of the rear axle scoops up water from deep puddles in heavy rain. That tears its mounting bolt out of the body and leaves the pan dragging under the car. It happens again after a warranty repair. In the other report, the car shakes at various speeds with no warning light, and the owner finds a bent driver door beam at about 26,000 miles. The dealer says the door needs replacing.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: PZero A/S, Tire Size: 305/35/R20, DOT Number: JRCDW541. The contact stated that there were cracks on the tread and in between the grooves of the tread on the tires. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintI BOUGHT A 2020 DODGE CHARGER IN JANUARY. THE PASSENGER SEAT IS MANUEL AND THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IS EXTEDED TO THE FULLEST. THERE IS NO RELEASE TO BE FOUND. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE SALESMAN SAID THERE WAS AN ADJUSTMENT LEVEL SOMEWHERE. YOU ARE UNABLE TO SIT BACK CORRECTLY BECAUSE OF THIS. IF YOU HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, YOUR HEAD COULD HIT THE DASH EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR SEATBELT ON. YOU ARE UNABLE TO SIT BACK IN THIS SEAT YOU HAVE TO LEAN FORWARD.
Best & Worst Dodge Charger Years
Best Dodge Charger Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2023
2021
2020
(Current Model)
Dodge Charger Years to Avoid
Dodge Charger Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Dodge Charger reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Dodge Charger?
Does the 2020 Dodge Charger have air bag problems?
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Charger have?
Is the 2020 Dodge Charger better than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2020 Dodge Charger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Dodge Charger
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Dodge Charger does best on how many systems draw complaints (89/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). 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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