DODGE CHARGER · model year

2021 DODGE CHARGER

38 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021DODGECHARGER carries 38 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 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 2021 CHARGER is air bags with 12 filings, followed by power train (5) and unknown or other (4). 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 2 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 2021 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.

38
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 DODGE CHARGER - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 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

38 filings

Crashes Reported

4 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
AIR BAGS12
POWER TRAIN5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ENGINE3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
WHEELS2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
SUSPENSION1
STEERING1
SEAT BELTS1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

Recalls (2)

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.

21V51600008/07/2021

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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

Recent Complaints

20251015STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear doors cannot be opened from the inside when the child proof locks are in the open position, or the locked position. They can only be opened for the inside when unlocked from the drivers unlock panel.

20250820SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while installing the car seats in the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side and passenger’s side rear seat belts would loosen unintendedly while attempting to fasten the seat belts. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,702.

Mileage: 61,702

20250802EXTERIOR LIGHTING

condensation in headlight

20250514ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to be without my car so I could not take it back to them.

20250514EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to be without my car so I could not take it back to them.

20250514UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to be without my car so I could not take it back to them.

20250422UNKNOWN OR OTHER

No incident happened. My 2021 Charger windshield has not been recalled due to the adhesive around the edge of windshield.

20250206AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

20250129AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20250109AIR BAGS

Los vehículos están instalados con infladores de bolsas de aire de cortina, ubicados a lo largo del techo sobre las puertas delanteras y traseras, que pueden romperse debido a un defecto de fabricación no especificado, dijeron los reguladores.

20250107AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer declined to purchase the vehicle because the VIN was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20241031POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the “Service Transmission” message displayed. The contact stated that the continue to drive and do not shift message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and noticed that the transmission had overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the head gasket might have failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Mileage: 42,000

20241001AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240805POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic called an unknown local dealer, who informed him that the repair parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

20240805ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic called an unknown local dealer, who informed him that the repair parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

20240802ENGINE

During a recent tire change, I observed that the plastic cover beneath the engine had become dislodged, and several clips were broken. Additionally, a large round component had detached and fallen out. Following consultation with fellow Dodge Charger Scat Pack owners on social media, it appears that this issue is not an isolated incident and raises concerns about the reliability of the engine's internal components. As such, I believe it is crucial for the manufacturer to investigate and address this problem promptly.

20240715AIR BAGS

Airbag recalled since March 2024, & no Dodge dealer in the Charlotte or surrounding areas has a remedy available. This is extremely dangerous and I have my child with me. I need to get this recall fixed ASAP! This is a danger and my only form of transportation.

20240713AIR BAGS

A SABIC inflator rupture may result in compressed gas rapidly escaping from the inflator and material potentially being propelled into the vehicle.

20240627AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240619AIR BAGS

Notification or recall came out in March. Notified by mail end of April. It is now mid June and still there is no remedy available for this open recall. For drivers where this is their sole car, it is concerning and unfair that we continue to drive with this recall and possibly risk injury. I understand the process might take a while but having no communication on when parts are to be available from the manufacturer is upsetting.

Compare 2021DODGECHARGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 DODGE CHARGER have?
The 2021 DODGE CHARGER has 38 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 DODGE CHARGER?
The 2021 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 2021 DODGE CHARGER?
Yes, the 2021 DODGE CHARGER has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 DODGE CHARGER?
The most-complained component for the 2021 DODGE CHARGER is AIR BAGS with 12 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2021 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 2021 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.