Modern American sedans such as the Dodge Charger are popular for their performance and high-quality design. The Dodge Charger began as a traditional muscle car in the 1960s and evolved into a well-designed high-performance sedan over the years. As a powerful sedan, the Dodge Charger has the feel of both a retro and modern design.
In addition to its powerful V8 engines and Uconnect infotainment system, the Dodge charger offers adaptive cruise control as well as Uconnect infotainment. Buying a Dodge Charger is a good idea if you want to buy a Dodge car. There are certain Dodge Charger years that you should avoid.
Dodge Charger years that are acceptable and avoidable are ranked according to the following criteria:
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Dodge Charger Worst Years You Should Stay Away From
Choosing the best Dodge Charger consumption requires avoiding some of the years
In the case of Dodge Chargers, the avoidable years are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014. Furthermore, the best years of the Dodge Charger are 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Dodge Charger models from the following years should be avoided:
Because of some detailed reasons, these models are not very reliable.
When purchasing a Dodge Charger, avoid the following model years for the following reasons:
Dodge Charger Worst Year 1: 2006, 2007, 2008
The Model 2006 was the first model year since the Dodge Charger was re-introduced as a modern sedan. Likewise, it covered the Dodge Charger 6th Gen (LX) in 2007 and 2008. After the rebirth of the Dodge Charger, these models receive the most complaints. There is almost no difference between these models in terms of their problems.
It was frequent engine failure that was reported as the most common problem in 2006. Some engines fail even before they reach 100,000 miles on the odometer. For the V8 engine, this problem is primarily caused by dropped valve seats. These models are also prone to stalling engines due to defective fuel tanks. Usually, this happens after 85100 miles when you fill up your gas tank.
It is widely reported that the 2007 Dodge Charger has transmission issues, which require costly repairs in the future. There’s a problem with the gear shifter, as it’s not smooth and sometimes it gets stuck.
It is common for the control modules to stop working, and the cooling fans to become defective. As well as engine failures, excessive oil consumption, and faulty sensors, 2007 has also received complaints.
Users and critics of the Dodge Charger 2008 complain about its ignition problems, which prevent the engine from working. Dodge Charger 2008 problems include a faulty accelerator system, a defective fuel tank, and a poor interior. Its V6 engine is of poor quality because its materials are too cheap to last in the long run. Comparatively speaking, the car is too heavy for the engine to perform well.
Dodge Charger Worst Year 2: 2011, 2012, 2014
These are considered the worst-year Dodge Charger models of the 7th Generation (LD) covering the years 2011, 2012, and 2014. Powertrain control, gear shifting, and transmission control module problems plagued the 2011 Dodge Charger. This car’s interior is made of cheap materials and isn’t user-friendly either.
Despite mixed reviews about the 2012 Dodge Charger’s performance, many users have trouble operating this model year. Two hundred eighty people reported gear shifting issues on RepairPal, including rough shifts and shuddering. There were 123 complaints about the thermostat closing completely and the need to replace it sometimes to correct the problem. A few recalls were issued for the 2012 Charger due to alternator problems.
Similarly to the 2011 and 2012 Dodge Chargers, the 2013 Dodge Charger shudders while shifting gears, even after replacing the ECM/PCM and updating the TCM/PCM. Over two hundred twenty-two people reported problems with transmission shift quality while driving longer distances. Informationtainment systems sometimes crash and get glitches. However, you may still experience severe problems with the 2014 Dodge Charger, despite improvements over previous models.
Dodge Charger Reliability by Year
In order to understand the details about Dodge Charger’s avoidable years, let’s take a look at its generations. A Dodge Charger’s reliability can be determined by its model generation. In 1966, the Dodge Charger was introduced as an American muscle car, and since then, it has been a traditional muscle car until 1987. In 2006, a new charger version was introduced to the industry.
A number of Dodge Charger models have been developed since 2006, categorized into several generations based on the technology used.
By generation, the Dodge Charger reliability is shown in the table below.
| 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
Several recalls have been issued for Dodge Chargers by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and vehicle manufacturers. Model years with the most recalls usually have issues with various components of the vehicle.
Taking a look at Dodge Charger’s recall history, the following table shows:
| 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
Customers can find out the safety range of different vehicle models by contacting safety ratings. Before buying a car, make sure the safety rating system meets the safety requirements for that model year.
Here are the safety ratings for Dodge Chargers based on several important factors.
| 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) |
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Best Years of Dodge Charger
Following our discussion of the worst Dodge Charger years, let’s discuss the best Dodge Charger years. These are the best years of Dodge Charger based on reliability, high performance, and safety ratings:
They offer modern technology and well-designed interiors, and most are covered by the latest 7th Gen (LD) Facelift.
Taking a look at the best Dodge Charger years, here is a table:
| 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. |