DODGE CHARGER · model year

2018 DODGE CHARGER

166 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018DODGECHARGER carries 166 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 1 fire, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 CHARGER is electrical system with 44 filings, followed by unknown or other (32) and structure:body (13). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2018 CHARGER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

166
Complaints
9
Crashes
1
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 DODGE CHARGER - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

166 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
UNKNOWN OR OTHER32
STRUCTURE:BODY13
ENGINE11
POWER TRAIN9
SERVICE BRAKES6
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DOOR6
SUSPENSION5
AIR BAGS5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
STEERING4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
WHEELS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2

Recalls (6)

20V51200027/08/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Feder

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler

24V19800014/03/2024

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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.

18V52400009/08/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 J

18V28000001/05/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

18V28100001/05/2018

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Recent Complaints

20260213POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20260106POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back into the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that sparks of fire were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while his family was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed drive shaft and hairline cracks in the transmission. The contact was informed that the drive shaft had detached and caused a hairline crack in the transmission. I

Mileage: 180,000

20251007UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue

20250928EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.

20250928ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.

20250604UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their s

20250604FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their s

20250226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.

20250226ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.

20250219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermittent problems in 2021 just after the "Warranty" expired. The dealer said it would cost about $2,200 to replace and Chrysler will not take responsibility. I see this issue is very common amongst other dodge owners. I am surprised there has not been a recall since it appears to be a common problem and it is unsafe. Been driving it over the past 2-3 years and it is totally non operable. I was hoping it would eventually be recalled. I keep same radio station on every tab so when it skips around, it at least stays on the same station. Only thing that works. If not recalled, Stellantis should at least bear some of the cost (not to make a profit) to assist in the replacement

20250128UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Center touchscreen delamination. This has caused the screen to function without intention by randomly changing settings which causes undesired use of the screen, distracted driving and an unsafe environment due to glue adhesive separation within the screen.

20241001CrashPOWER TRAIN

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

20241001CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

20241001CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

20240922ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

20240922EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

20240922ENGINE

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

20240913ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Uconnect screen in my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus began to delaminate, leading to unresponsiveness and phantom touches on the screen. This created a distraction while driving and impacted the use of essential vehicle controls, such as navigation, climate settings, and the backup camera was completely non-functioning. At the dealer I was initially quoted a price over $2,000 and I know from researching the internet many many many others have had this issue. I contacted both Chrysler and a local dealership. The dealership at my 2nd visit replaced the screen for free under a goodwill repair, and Chrysler also contacted me later promised to get the issue resolved if the dealership could not help me. I am reporting this issue because it is a significant defect that could affect the safety and functionality of the vehicle.

20240913STRUCTURE:BODY

I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driver’s knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repa

20240812ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as it’ll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldn’t call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving. It turns my heat up on high as well as my heated seat in the 100 degree weather. Changes my radio stations at a rapid rate and removes my backup camera and other features while I am driving.

Compare 2018DODGECHARGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 DODGE CHARGER have?
The 2018 DODGE CHARGER has 166 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 1 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2018 DODGE CHARGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
Yes, the 2018 DODGE CHARGER has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 DODGE CHARGER?
The most-complained component for the 2018 DODGE CHARGER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 44 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2018 DODGE CHARGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 DODGE CHARGER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.