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Verdict

2021 Dodge Charger: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2021 Dodge Charger — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most sedan.

Owners filed 32 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 68% of 2021 sedans. Air Bags leads the reports (38%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

32

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

19

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 68% of 2021 sedans

The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (38% of 32 reports), followed by power train (13%).

Air Bags38% · 12 reports
Power Train13% · 4 reports
Unknown Or Other13% · 4 reports
Electrical System6% · 2 reports
Visibility6% · 2 reports
Engine3% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting3% · 1 report
Lane Departure3% · 1 report

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 32 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11748734, ODI 11641193, ODI 11639462, ODI 11635005, ODI 11634543.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

VisibilityAug 2021 · 21V516000Details +

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."

Risk: 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.

Air Bags · 24V198000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2021 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2021 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Charger3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive193023
Charger5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel Drive162519
Charger6.4L 8-cylRear-Wheel Drive152418

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2021 Dodge Charger: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Dodge Charger?

Owners filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Dodge Charger — more complaints than 68% of comparable 2021 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2021 Dodge Charger?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (38% of complaints) and power train (13%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Dodge Charger, covering components such as visibility. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Dodge Charger get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Charger between 18 and 23 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.