2016 Dodge Charger problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
42% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2016 Dodge Charger are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 51% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 18 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 38%).
Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have fuel system problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 69 of 164 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Charger concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (42%), and the largest group is filed under fuel/propulsion system (25). For comparison, the 2015 scores 52% and the 2017 scores 32%. On a test drive, check for hard starts, stalling, hesitation, a fuel smell or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
The rest of the picture on the 2016 Dodge Charger
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2016 Dodge Charger said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical fuel system repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Every owner quote, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 69 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows them, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Dodge Charger?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2016 Dodge Charger involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to…
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's…
3 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model; one of NHTSA's listings did not answer when this page was built, so the list may be incomplete. Checked October 17, 2026.
Checking one particular 2016 Dodge Charger? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have fuel system problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 69 of 164 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Charger concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (42%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the fuel system and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Dodge Charger?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2016 Dodge Charger involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total: 18E053000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)), 18V281000 (power train: driveline: driveshaft), 17V097000 (power train: axle assembly: axle shaft). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Dodge Charger years are better?
Among the Dodge Charger years we track, the 2018 (20%), the 2019 (28%) and the 2020 (30%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2016 (42%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2016 Dodge Charger?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2016 Dodge Charger has an elevated fuel system complaint pattern, so treat it as a car that needs proof: service records showing fuel system work, a cold-start test drive, and an independent pre-purchase inspection focused on the fuel system. A well-kept or already-repaired example can be a fine car; an unknown one is a gamble.
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.