Last updated: 2026-04-20
1 Dodge Charger Years to Avoid
Years that score significantly below the Dodge Charger average of 74/100
The Dodge Charger years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 69/100. The best Dodge Charger year to buy is 2026 82/100.
Verdict
The 2018 Dodge Charger scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 69/100 due to electrical system (44) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 75/100.
Dodge Charger Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the Dodge Charger average of 74/100.
| # | Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints | Top Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018 | 69/100 | Good | 6 | 121 | Electrical System (44) |
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2018 Dodge Charger
The 2018 Dodge Charger has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 121 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Dodge Charger. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (44), Unknown Or Other (22), Structure (18).
Top issues: Electrical System (44), Unknown Or Other (22), Structure (18), Power Train (9), Air Bags (5), Steering (4)
View full 2018reliability report →What Are Common Dodge Charger Problems?
Top reported issues across all Dodge Charger model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
AIR BAGS
98 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
85 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
41 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
STRUCTURE
23 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
POWER TRAIN
22 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2021, 2022
STEERING
14 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2023
Best Dodge Charger Year to Buy Instead
2020 Dodge Charger
The 2020 Dodge Charger has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Dodge Charger. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (33), Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (4).
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the best Dodge Charger year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All Dodge Charger Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Dodge Charger Reliability Scores by Year
Seventh generation (2011-2023) (2011–2023)
2021 Dodge Charger
2 recalls · 29 complaints
2023 Dodge Charger
2 recalls · 22 complaints
2020 Dodge Charger
3 recalls · 54 complaints
2022 Dodge Charger
3 recalls · 11 complaints
2019 Dodge Charger
5 recalls · 118 complaints
2018 Dodge Charger
6 recalls · 121 complaints
Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dodge Charger years should you avoid?
What is the best year for the Dodge Charger?
How many recalls does the Dodge Charger have?
Is a used Dodge Charger worth buying?
What are common Dodge Charger problems?
Is the Dodge Charger reliable long-term?
Which Dodge Charger generation is most reliable?
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Is the 2026 Dodge Charger a good used buy?
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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