2021 Dodge Charger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Low complaint volume and proven mechanicals make this a steadier used pick; high insurance and the open airbag recall are the main watch-items. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Charger. 31 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Dodge Charger ranged from $31,125 to $79,725 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Low complaint volume and proven mechanicals make this a steadier used pick; high insurance and the open airbag recall are the main watch-items.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=charger…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/charger
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/dodge-charger-reliability-and-common-problems/
Known issues
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Side curtain-airbag inflator defect (recall 24V198000) with lengthy remedy-parts delays
commonly reported · 45 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–101k miles · other
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HEMI lifter/camshaft failure, occasionally leading to catastrophic engine damage
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · typically 7k–88k miles · engine
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Headlight failure with overheating/melting of the housing and connectors
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · typically 62k–99k miles · electrical
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Brembo rear brake pads undersized for the rotor, causing vibration and reduced stopping feel
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · typically 13k–30k miles · brake
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Interior door-panel warping and separation, affecting locks and window operation
occasional · 5 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=charger…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=charger…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/dodge-charger-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR #24V198000 · 14/03/2024
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.
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.
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VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD #21V516000 · 08/07/2021
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."
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.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
NHTSA crash test (NCAP)
| Overall | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Frontal crash | 4/5 |
| Side crash | 5/5 |
| Rollover | 5/5 |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Genuinely roomy, comfortable full-size interior with a large trunk
- Available all-wheel drive on V6 models
- Broad engine range from the efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 to 5.7/6.4 and supercharged 6.2 HEMI V8s
- One of the last affordable rear-drive V8 sedans, with strong character and resale on V8 trims
Cons
- High insurance and fuel costs, especially on V8 trims
- Recurring electrical, HEMI lifter and door-panel-warp complaints
- Below-average reliability ranking for the full-size class
- Aging platform with dated infotainment on earlier years
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXT | $31,125 | — | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | — |
| GT | $33,125 | — | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | — |
| R/T | $38,125 | — | 5.7L HEMI V8 | — |
| Scat Pack | $42,800 | — | 6.4L HEMI V8 (392) | — |
| Scat Pack Widebody | $48,795 | — | 6.4L HEMI V8 (392) | — |
| SRT Hellcat | $71,125 | — | 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 | — |
| SRT Hellcat Redeye | $79,725 | — | 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-dodge-charger-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2015&make=Dodge…
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2015&make=Dodge…
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($31,125). Higher trims started higher (up to $79,725), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 24% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/dodge-charger/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $4,100–4,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/charger
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-charger-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
Documented issue patterns include: Side curtain-airbag inflator defect (recall 24V198000) with lengthy remedy-parts delays; HEMI lifter/camshaft failure, occasionally leading to catastrophic engine damage; Headlight failure with overheating/melting of the housing and connectors; Brembo rear brake pads undersized for the rotor, causing vibration and reduced stopping feel. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Does the 2021 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, affecting: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?
Low complaint volume and proven mechanicals make this a steadier used pick; high insurance and the open airbag recall are the main watch-items.
How much did the 2021 Dodge Charger cost new?
Between $31,125 and $79,725 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Dodge Charger expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.