Performance and high-end design make the Dodge Charger a popular modern American sedan. In the 1960s, the Dodge Charger made its debut as a muscle car, but today, it is a high-performance sedan with a well-designed interior. Dodge Charger, a powerful Sedan car that was revived in 2006 as a unique and bold design, gives it both a retro and modern feel.
In addition to Uconnect infotainment, adaptive cruise control, and a powerful V8 engine with more than 700 horsepower, the Dodge charger is equipped with some of the latest technology. Chargers are a good option for Dodge owners who are thinking of buying a car. Avoid these Dodge Charger years if you want to keep your car in good shape.
Ranking the acceptable and avoidable years of a Dodge Charger is based on the following criteria:
- Reliability records for engines.
- Records of the engine’s performance.
- Suggestions from automotive experts.
- IIHS or NHTSA safety ratings.
- Recalls and technical service bulletins.
- Forum ratings and reviews for the Dodge Charger.
- EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide data comparisons.
Dodge Charger Years to Avoid
If you want to get the best fuel consumption, you should avoid some of the years of Dodge Charger. 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 are the Dodge Charger years to avoid. Further, Dodge Chargers are best in 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Dodge Charger models from the following years should be avoided:
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2011
- 2012
- 2014
It is suggested to avoid these models for some detailed reasons, as they are not very reliable.
Here are some reasons why you should avoid the above model years when buying a Dodge Charger:
Dodge Charger Worst Year 1: 2006, 2007, 2008
With Dodge Chargers re-entering the industry as a modern sedan, 2006 was the first model year. It was again available with 2007 and 2008, which covered the 6th Gen (LX) of the Dodge Charger. Since the Dodge Charger was revived, these models have received the most complaints. There are almost the same problems with both of these models.
In 2006, frequent engine failure was the most commonly reported problem. There are times when the engine fails before it reaches 100,000 miles on the odometer. Dropped valve seats are responsible for most of this problem in V8 engines. These models can also experience stalling engines due to defective fuel tanks. As soon as the gas tank is filled up after 85100 miles, this case occurs.
There have been numerous reports of transmission problems with the 2007 Dodge Charger.
There is a problem with the gear shifter, as it is not smooth, sometimes it gets stuck, and sometimes it does not work correctly. It is common for the control modules to stop working, and the cooling fans to malfunction. In 2007, there have been complaints about engine failures, oil overconsumption, and faulty sensors.
A majority of users and critics of the Dodge Charger 2008 complain that the engine doesn’t work well due to ignition issues. It also has poor accelerator systems, a defective fuel tank, and poor interior quality, as well as A/C issues. As a result of the V6 engine’s cheap materials, the quality of the engine is quite poor. In comparison with the car’s weight, the engine is too weak to perform well.
Dodge Charger Worst Year 2: 2011, 2012, 2014
Dodge Charger models in 2011, 2012, and 2014, which belong to the 7th Generation (LD), are considered the worst Dodge Charger models. There were many problems with the engines of the 2011 Dodge Charger, such as problems with the powertrain control, gear shifting, and transmission control module. There are also some poor interior quality materials in this car, as well as a lack of user-friendliness.
Users have mixed opinions about the 2012 Dodge Charger’s performance, but many of them still have trouble operating it. A total of 288 RepairPal users reported gear shifting issues, including rough shifts and shuddering. Again, 123 people reported problems with the thermostat closing completely and the need to replace it sometimes. As a result of some alternator mishaps, the 2012 Charger received a few recalls.
After replacing the ECM/PCM and updating the TCM/PCM, the 2013 Dodge Charger also shudders while shifting gears, just like the 2011 and 2012 Dodge Chargers. While driving longer distances, 228 people reported transmission shift quality problems. Infotainment systems can crash and get glitches from time to time. Despite the fact that the 2014 Dodge Charger has many functions and parts that were more troublesome in the previous models, it still has severe problems that may cause you concern.
Dodge Charger Reliability by Year
Before discussing the Dodge Charger avoidable years, let’s examine the Dodge Charger series’ generations. It is possible to rate Dodge Charger reliability based on the model generation. In 1966, Dodge introduced the Charger as an American muscle car, and it has remained a muscle car until 1987. In 2006, the industry reintroduced a new version of the charger.
It has been categorized into several generations since the Dodge Charger debuted in 2006 with different models designed with the latest technology.
- Dodge Charger 6th Generation (LX): (2006-2008)
- Dodge Charger 6th Generation (LX) Facelift: (2009-2010)
- Dodge Charger 7th Generation (LD): (2011-2014)
- Dodge Charger 7th Generation (LD) Facelift: (2015-2023)
The following table shows the reliability of Dodge Chargers by generation.
| Generation | Years | Consumer Rating (Out of 5) | Reliability |
| 6th Gen (LX) | 2006 | 4.5 | * Issues with transmission * Issues with the engine. * Less reliable. |
| 2007 | 4.5 | ||
| 2008 | 4.6 | ||
| 6th Gen (LX) Facelift | 2009 | 3.9 | * Problems with shifting transmission. * Slight improvements to the engine issues. * More reliable than past generations. |
| 2010 | 4.5 | ||
| 7th Gen (LD) | 2011 | 4.7 | * Improved engines. * Updated technology. * More reliable than previous models. |
| 2012 | 4.7 | ||
| 2013 | 4.7 | ||
| 2014 | 4.7 | ||
| 7th Gen (LD) Facelift | 2015 | 4.6 | * Powerful engine. * Safety features. * Strong reliability. |
| 2016 | 4.8 | ||
| 2017 | 4.8 | ||
| 2018 | 4.8 | ||
| 2019 | 4.9 | ||
| 2020 | 4.8 | ||
| 2021 | 4.9 | ||
| 2022 | 4.8 | ||
| 2023 | 4.9 |
Dodge Charger Recall History by Year
A number of recalls have been issued by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and vehicle manufacturers for Dodge Chargers. Model years with the most recalls are generally those with the most problems with various components of the vehicle.
Here is the recall history of Dodge Charger as shown in the following table:
| Dodge Charger Year | Recall (by NHSTSA) | Problematic Part(s) |
| 2006 | 5 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. * Driver-side frontal air bag. * Police package gearshift cable steering column. * Rear brake tubes. * Automatic transmission cup plug |
| 2007 | 5 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. * Driver-side frontal air bag. * Police package gearshift cable steering column. * ABS control module. * Powertrain control module. |
| 2008 | 5 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. * Driver-side frontal air bag. * Ignition switch. * Police package gearshift cable steering column. * Rear axle hub nuts. |
| 2009 | 6 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator (2) * Driver-side frontal air bag. * Frontal wheel spindle nut. * Tire pressure monitor sensor. * Police package gearshift cable steering column. |
| 2010 | 6 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator (3) * Driver-side frontal air bag. * Wireless ignition node module. * Front-wheel spindle nut. |
| 2011 | 11 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. (3) * Alternator (2) * Body-side sill. * Inadvertent side airbag. * Loss of low beam headlight. * Seat airbag wiring harness. * ABC/ESC fuse and headlamp jumper wire harness. (2) |
| 2012 | 14 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. (3) * Alternator. (2) * The driver may exit the vehicle when it is not in the Park. * Body-side sill. * Inadvertent side airbag. * Beam headlights. * Seat airbag wiring harness. * ABC/ESC fuse and headlamp jumper wire harness. (2) * Tire pressure monitor system. * Rod bearing failure. |
| 2013 | 8 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. (2) * Alternator. (2) * The driver may exit the vehicle when it is not in the park. * Body-side sill. * Inadvertent side airbag. * Transmission output shaft. |
| 2014 | 10 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. * Cruise control. (2) * Alternator. (3) * Front driveshaft bolts. * The driver may exit the vehicle when it is not in the Park. * Body-side sill. * Inadvertent side airbag |
| 2015 | 8 | * Passenger frontal air bag inflator. * Cruise control. (2) * Front driveshaft. (2) * Body-side sill. * Radio software security. * Fuel rail hose. |
| 2016 | 6 | * Cruise control. (2) * Front driveshaft. * Front driveshaft bolts. * Fire extinguisher. * Body-side sill. |
| 2017 | 4 | * Cruise control. * Front driveshaft. * Front driveshaft bolts. * Engine oil cooler hose. |
| 2018 | 6 | * Side curtain airbag inflator. * Stealth mode disables the camera display. * Voltage regulator. * Cruise control. * Front driveshaft. * Incorrect transmission park rod installed. |
| 2019 | 5 | * Side curtain airbag inflator. * Stealth mode disables the camera display. * Front tiles. * Airbag. * Driver warnings may not illuminate. |
| 2020 | 3 | * Side curtain airbag inflator. * Stealth mode disables the camera display. * Inadequate windshield bonding. |
| 2021 | 2 | * Inadequate windshield bonding. * Side curtain airbag inflator. |
| 2022 | 3 | * Shifter assembly. * TPMS sensor/ FMVSS 138. (2) |
| 2023 | 2 | * Seat lock. * Parking brake/FMVSS 135 |
Dodge Charger Safety Ratings by Year
In order to determine a vehicle’s safety range, safety ratings cooperate with customers. Ensure the safety measurement system of the car by checking its safety ratings before buying.
Dodge Chargers score well on several important safety factors, according to NHSTA.
| Model Year | Safety Ratings (Out of 5) |
| 2006 | * Front Driver (5) * Front Passenger (5) * Side Crash Driver (4) * Side Crash Passenger (5) * Rollover 4×4. (Not rated) * Rollover 4×2 (4) |
| 2007 | * Front Driver (5) * Front Passenger (5) * Side Crash Driver (4) * Side Crash Passenger (5) * Rollover 4×4. (Not rated) * Rollover 4×2 (4) |
| 2008 | * Front Driver (5) * Front Passenger (5) * Side Crash Driver (4) * Side Crash Passenger (5) * Rollover 4×4. (4) * Rollover 4×2 (4) |
| 2009 | * Front Driver (5) * Front Passenger (5) * Side Crash Driver (4) * Side Crash Passenger (5) * Rollover 4×4. (4) * Rollover 4×2 (4) |
| 2010 | * Front Driver (5) * Front Passenger (5) * Side Crash Driver (5) * Side Crash Passenger (5) * Rollover 4×4. (4) * Rollover 4×2. (4) |
| 2011 | * Not rated |
| 2012 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2013 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2014 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2015 | * Overall rating (Not rated) * Front Passenger (Not rated) * Side Crash (Not rated) * Rollover (5) |
| 2016 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2017 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2018 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2019 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2020 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2021 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2022 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
| 2023 | * Overall rating (5) * Front Passenger (4) * Side Crash (5) * Rollover (5) |
Best Years of Dodge Charger
Let’s take a look at the best years of Dodge Charger you should select, since we’ve already discussed the worst years. The best years of Dodge Charger are based on reliability, performance, safety ratings, and customer reviews:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022.
This model year covers the latest 7th Generation (LD) Facelift with well-designed interiors and modern technologies.
Check out the following table to see which Dodge Charger years are the best:
| Generations | Years | Features |
| 6th Gen | 2009 | * Perform well compared to the lower price. * Improved the engine slightly, which has problems with the previous model years. * Low maintenance and low prices. |
| 2010 | ||
| 7th Gen | 2016 | * Better transmission with strong performances. * Interior updates and modern infotainment system. * Powerful v8 engine with great horsepower. * Well-maintained aesthetics. * Modern safety system. * High reliability, low maintenance, good customer reviews, high safety ratings and low problem counts. |
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