CSR

Dodge · NHTSA safety record

2013 Dodge Charger

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

359

Complaints

25

Crashes

20

Fires

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2013 Dodge Charger have filed 359 safety complaints with NHTSA between December 2012 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 167 of them (47%). The typical failure was reported at 58,000 miles, the median across the 265 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 8 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (8)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V018000 · January 15, 2019

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 1,413,222 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V021000 · January 9, 2018

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 328,177 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

17V435000 · July 10, 2017

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
The risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 442,214 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

16V240000 · April 25, 2016

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
The risk
Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 811,290 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE

16V043000 · January 28, 2016

The defect
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
The risk
A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 441,578 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

15V467000 · July 27, 2015

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
The risk
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 284,095 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

14V634000 · October 8, 2014

The defect
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
The risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Chrysler Group LLC · up to 435,081 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

13V610000 · December 6, 2013

The defect
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
The risk
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

Chrysler Group LLC · up to 4,194 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Vehicle rollaway, engine on

EA16002

Closed engineering analysis · opened February 3, 2016 · closed June 24, 2016 · led to recall 16V240000

the power train

On April 22, 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automotive US LLC, (FCA) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in unattended vehicle rollaway with the engine running in approximately 811,586 model year (MY) 2012 to 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles and MY 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 8-speed transmissions and a monostable gear selector (NHTSA Recall #16V-240, FCA Recall #S27). According to FCA's DIR, The existing strategies built into these vehicles to deter drivers from exiting the vehicle after failing to put the transmission into PARK have not stopped some from doing so. Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.The vehicles recalled by FCA are equipped with Monostable electronic (shift-by-wire) gearshift assemblies supplied by ZF Group (see Figure 1).The subject Monostable shifter has a single neutral position that it snaps back to when the driver releases the shift knob.Although the Monostable gearshift has the familiar appearance of a conventional console mechanical gearshift assembly, it has an unfamiliar movement that does not provide the tactile or visual feedback that drivers are accustomed to receiving from conventional shifters.Consequently, the driver must take additional time to verify that the desired gear position was achieved by checking the PRNDL display on the shift knob or the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 359.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 167 47%
ENGINE 50 14%
POWER TRAIN 48 13%
AIR BAGS 40 11%
STEERING 30 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 28 8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 24 7%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 18 5%
SEAT BELTS 14 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 14 4%
STRUCTURE 10 3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 67.

2012 2017 2026
2012 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

STEERING

3 injured · crash · towed · 126,099 miles

WHEN TURNING LEFT, POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY, I WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE TURN AND WENT ACROSS TWO LANES OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE PREFORMED FINE PRIOR TO INCIDENT. THERE WERE 3 INJURIES IN THE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint 11366590. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 50,999 miles

MY WIFE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT HIT A CAR HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS DID NO DEPLOYED

NHTSA complaint 10787396. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

2 injured · crash · 23,914 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND TWO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,914. UPDATED 02/02/15*LJ UPDATED 6/8/2015 *JS

NHTSA complaint 10628257. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · fire · crash · 600 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V467000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.

NHTSA complaint 10761485. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which are the ABS, Break, and FCW. Went to Advance Auto Parts to check code, and it was C2200-49. Took to dealership and paid $200+ to learn the same. They quoted $1955 alone for the ABS Control Module because the part was discontinued by Mopar in 2025. Took to an independent shop for a recheck, and they confirmed they could not fix it because they couldn’t guarantee an added part would work since they were discontinued. I haven’t driven the vehicle for a month, and I’m wary of

NHTSA complaint 11755399, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

towed · 140,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While attempting to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal became firm. To avoid crashing with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered out of the lane and the parking brake independently activated and the vehicle jerked to a stop with the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder and was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with brake booster failure and informed the contact that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was

NHTSA complaint 11745747, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my wheel is locked up causing my car to not move at all and brake pedal has no pressure.

NHTSA complaint 11675779. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Charger R/T I’m reaching out because my car has been showing signs that seem to match the symptoms of the V62 recall that FCA issued for the fuel pump relay issue. I have a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7L HEMI engine. Lately, the car has been having trouble starting, especially after it’s been driven and sits in the heat. Sometimes it cranks but won’t turn over, and other times it randomly dies or stalls when I’m coming to a stop. It recently sat for a couple of days and then started again like nothing happened. This keeps happening on and off, and I’ve noticed it’s worse when it’s really hot outside or after it’s been driving a lot I took it to the dealership and

NHTSA complaint 11673932, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Anti-lock brake system and stability control system control module has failed and replacement parts have been unavailable. (For over a year me dealer has said.)

NHTSA complaint 11636271. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
The "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents and injuries. It's a standard safety feature in most modern vehicles, including the Dodge Charger. Here's what it's intended to do: When the vehicle is shifted out of Park (P) and the transmission is not fully engaged, the system will display a "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message on the dashboard. This message is triggered by the vehicle's Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which monitors the vehicle's gear position and transmission status. The purpose of this warning is to alert the driver that the vehicle is not properly secured and may roll or move

NHTSA complaint 11603558, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Dodge Charger

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 26 2
2022 13 3
2021 32 2
2020 57 3 1
2019 120 5
2018 122 6
2017 128 4
2016 182 5
2015 135 7
2014 343 9 2
2012 648 14
2011 694 11
2010 232 6 2

Other 2013 Dodge models

Every Dodge on this site — 105 vehicles, 431 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst