Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2020 Dodge Charger Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Dodge Charger
Brand: Dodge

The 2020 Dodge Charger scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 54 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$652

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600–$4,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity74/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity89/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

AIR BAGS (33)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
ENGINE (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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?

At 75/100, the 2020 Dodge Charger lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Seventh generation (2011-2023).

Owners log 54 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to air bags and air bags (33). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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: Delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts (33 complaints)

Compare 2020 Dodge Charger With

2020 Chrysler 300

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2020 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2020 Honda Accord

Reliability: 73/100

Good

2020 Nissan Altima

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability: 62/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

AIR BAGS (33)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

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

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.3

LowAvgHigh

Low

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.

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.

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.

21V5160002021-07-08

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.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Dodge Charger? Check its history first

Every 2020 Dodge Charger has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 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)Torso/Pelvis (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) (None)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.

MPG & 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.

Verify airbag recall repairs are completed
Inspect A/C for proper cooling; check for leaks
Test windshield wipers for proper function
Check for water in headlights
Inspect engine for oil and coolant mixing
Test paddle shifters for smooth operation
Inspect windshield sealant for separation
Check undercarriage for loose or damaged parts

2020 Dodge Charger Common Problems by Component

54 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

AIR BAGS (33)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)ENGINE (3)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)VISIBILITY (2)STRUCTURE (2)TIRES (1)Other (1)

AIR BAGS

33 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to the air bags, primarily involving delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. A significant number of complaints involve air bags deploying unexpectedly while the vehicle is parked or failing to deploy during a crash. Some reports also mention air bag-related injuries, including burns, and one incident involved a fire. Many complaints indicate that these issues arise around 68,000 miles, although some do not specify mileage. The safety implications of these complaints are notable, with multiple incidents involving crashes and injuries, which prospective buyers should consider when evaluating this vehicle.

33 complaints total9 crashes1 fire4 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints highlighting problems with the vehicle's air conditioning evaporator core, which fails and requires replacement, typically around 20,000 to 50,000 miles. Symptoms include loss of air conditioning due to refrigerant leaks, necessitating labor-intensive repairs. Other reported electrical issues include windshield wiper malfunctions, where wipers operate without input and fail to turn off, and incidents of the vehicle shutting down completely at highway speeds due to loose bolts in the power distribution center. Owners also describe the car restarting itself while driving, causing the vehicle to halt unexpectedly. These issues present significant safety concerns, particularly the sudden vehicle shutdowns and wiper failures, which can affect visibility and control.

6 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger report several issues under the unknown or other category, with a focus on unresolved recalls and safety equipment failures. Multiple complaints highlight an open recall that remains unaddressed for several months, causing anxiety about vehicle safety. Additionally, one report details a crash where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in two injuries, including a head injury. Another complaint involves a sunroof that unexpectedly shattered while driving on the interstate. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning airbag functionality and unresolved recalls, which may be important considerations for prospective buyers.

4 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

ENGINE (3 complaints)

ENGINE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger report several engine-related issues. A common problem involves the vehicle losing power and the steering wheel seizing, often without warning lights, though the check engine light may later illuminate; this issue is linked to failures of the fuel and oil temperature sensors, typically around 50,000 miles. Another issue involves paddle shifter-equipped models where the engine downshifts unexpectedly when upshifting, causing torque jerking and potential engine over-revving. Additionally, some owners report the engine running hot with oil mixing into the coolant, leading to a diagnosis requiring engine replacement. These issues suggest potential safety implications due to loss of control and engine performance problems.

3 complaints total

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners report issues with exterior lighting on the 2020 Dodge Charger, specifically involving water ingress into the passenger side headlight. This problem typically appears after approximately 30,000 miles. The complaints do not indicate any immediate safety implications such as crashes or loss of control related to this issue. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of headlight malfunction due to water exposure.

2 complaints total1 injury

VISIBILITY (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger report issues related to the vehicle's visibility components, specifically the windshield sealant and sunroof. One complaint describes the windshield sealant separating from the body on both sides, occurring around 14,000 miles. Another owner reports the sunroof glass shattering while driving at 72 mph, with the failure occurring at approximately 908 miles. These issues could have safety implications, such as reduced structural integrity of the windshield or potential injury from shattered glass. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these visibility-related concerns and may want to inspect these areas closely before purchase.

2 complaints total

STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Dodge Charger report issues related to the vehicle's structure, particularly involving the front driver's side door and the undercarriage belly pan. One owner describes abnormal shaking while driving and identifies a bent door beam, requiring replacement at approximately 26,000 miles. Another owner notes that the plastic belly pan can scoop water during heavy rain, leading to bolts being ripped from the vehicle structure, causing the pan to drag. This issue recurs during subsequent rain exposure and poses potential safety risks at high speeds. These structural problems may arise around or after the 26,000-mile mark, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers seeking vehicles with similar mileage.

2 complaints total

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2021-09-06

The 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 complaint

2020-01-23

I 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.

When Do 2020 Dodge Charger Problems Start?

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

68,000 milesAir bag deployment issues

20,000–50,000 milesA/C evaporator core failures

30,000 milesWater ingress in headlights

Best & Worst Dodge Charger Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Dodge Charger Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Dodge Charger year is 2023 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (76/100) and 2020 (75/100).

Top Pick

Good

2023

2Recalls

22Complaints

Good

2021

2Recalls

29Complaints

Good

2020

(Current Model)

3Recalls

54Complaints

Dodge Charger Years to Avoid

No Dodge Charger years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Dodge Charger maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Dodge Charger years-to-avoid analysis

Dodge Charger Reliability Score Trend

Dodge Charger reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.

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

Dodge Charger Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	73/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	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(selected)	75/100	+4	Good	3	54
2019	71/100	+2	Good	5	118
2018	69/100	—	Good	6	121

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Dodge Charger reliable?

The 2020 Dodge Charger has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 54 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Dodge Charger?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Dodge Charger include: AIR BAGS (33 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), ENGINE (3 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Charger have?

The 2020 Dodge Charger has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Dodge Charger expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Dodge Charger has estimated annual repair costs of $652/year, which is $62 more than the fullsize cars average of $590. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Dodge Charger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Dodge Charger.

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