Owners have filed 199 complaints
about the 2017 Dodge Charger with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Dodge Charger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 77
45% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1659.3%
Door
414.8%
Rearview System Braking
27.4%
Warnings
13.7%
Automatic Emergency Braking
13.7%
Assist
13.7%
Speedometer/Odometer
13.7%
Blind Spot Detection
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1718.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
66.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3437.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1718.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
88.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
66.6%
150,000+ miles
11.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2017peak 8Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 Dodge Charger
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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.C...
Recalls on the 2017 Dodge Charger
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 2018269635,880 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the brakes or shift the transmission to neutral, the vehicle could maintain speed or accelerate without warning, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and perform an update as necessary. Note: In the interim, owners are advised not to use the cruise control until the vehicle is repaired.
Recall 2017387213 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with the Hellcat engine, the engine oil cooler line could separate at the crimp of the hose to the aluminum tube. This could lead to a rapid loss of engine oil which could spray on the windshield impairing visibility, cause engine seizure and/or, in the presence of an ignition source, increase the risk of fire. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine oil cooler lines.
Recall 20170815,206 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain all-wheel drive vehicles, the front propshaft bolts may be loose. This could result in the front propshaft disconnecting from the vehicle, which would lead to loss of motive power while driving and could also damage powertrain and/or underbody components and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace all eight front propshaft bolts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Test, TXCrashFire
AIR BAGS
testetest
NHTSA complaint #11477075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Test, TXCrashFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
testetest
NHTSA complaint #11477075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Test, TXCrashFire
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
testetest
NHTSA complaint #11477075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, there was smoke and oil coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a nearby local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine oil cooler hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The hose was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V496000 (Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11427745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesTamarac, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE IS SHAKING EVEN AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #11407219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesTamarac, FLCrash
ENGINE
ENGINE IS SHAKING EVEN AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #11407219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Franklin Square, NY
SEATS
Door trim panels are separated from the frame, I called the dealer and was told that I need to pay for this items, I see online this is a common issued with this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11756729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin Square, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door trim panels are separated from the frame, I called the dealer and was told that I need to pay for this items, I see online this is a common issued with this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11756729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have been but minutes until the engine completely seized up. The oil had spilled into the motor and all other nearby parts of the engine. This puts my safety and others safety at risk because the car showed no other signs of an issue other than the light coming on. Had i not checked it in time, the engine could have seized up at high speeds causing a catastrophic accident. The problem has been observed by the independent repair shop who expresses that they regularly replace these components so frequently they keep a supply in-stock, and are surprised they have not been subject to a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11752607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, IN
ENGINE
As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have been but minutes until the engine completely seized up. The oil had spilled into the motor and all other nearby parts of the engine. This puts my safety and others safety at risk because the car showed no other signs of an issue other than the light coming on. Had i not checked it in time, the engine could have seized up at high speeds causing a catastrophic accident. The problem has been observed by the independent repair shop who expresses that they regularly replace these components so frequently they keep a supply in-stock, and are surprised they have not been subject to a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11752607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,628 milesCommack, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was making a clunking sound. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear draft shaft center bearing was not moving freely as the front shaft. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall and could not be repaired free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN should have been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train); because of the similarities in the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,628.
NHTSA complaint #11750917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Geneva, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both the front door interior panels are warped. I had to glue them because they pulled almost completely off the door.
NHTSA complaint #11706968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Screen is pushing buttons and overall not working. Turns on heat on seats and will not let me turn them off burning my back with prolong heat. Will turn off my heater and change settings while driving. Has pushed the emergency call button. Changes stations constantly. Doesn’t not allow gos to be used. Tried calling customer services multiple times and it’s is a known issue with almost all and they will not do anything. They pick and choose who’s to fix. Waiting to get a call from dealership if they will inspect it, but dodge will not cover anything they stated. It started very small with just a spot on the screen that wasn’t a big deal but once it started to progress it went fast and became a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11697177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
NHTSA complaint #11696128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
NHTSA complaint #11696128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ENGINE
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
NHTSA complaint #11696128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 90,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11687850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The ABS and traction control systems have shown warning lights. The vehicle has experienced multiple issues including a BUS power system failure, faulty wiring under the middle console, and problems with the shifter. Additionally, there have been issues with overheating and red fluid leakage, brake system shaking, radio screen delamination, and loose interior panels. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The car has experienced significant wobbling, shaking while braking, and instances where it shut down completely and would not move out of park. These malfunctions could pose serious safety risks while driving. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the vehicle has been in the shop multiple times, including two different shops for a total of 32 days. The dealership replaced the shifter due to faulty wiring. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No there was no need at the time just the dealership 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •Yes, warning lights for ABS and traction control appeared. As well as breaks light constantly on. The car also consistently displays a “service shifter” message every 0.5 seconds. Other symptoms include overheating with red fluid leakage and severe shaking when braking. Not breaking at all.
NHTSA complaint #11679628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The ABS and traction control systems have shown warning lights. The vehicle has experienced multiple issues including a BUS power system failure, faulty wiring under the middle console, and problems with the shifter. Additionally, there have been issues with overheating and red fluid leakage, brake system shaking, radio screen delamination, and loose interior panels. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The car has experienced significant wobbling, shaking while braking, and instances where it shut down completely and would not move out of park. These malfunctions could pose serious safety risks while driving. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the vehicle has been in the shop multiple times, including two different shops for a total of 32 days. The dealership replaced the shifter due to faulty wiring. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No there was no need at the time just the dealership 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •Yes, warning lights for ABS and traction control appeared. As well as breaks light constantly on. The car also consistently displays a “service shifter” message every 0.5 seconds. Other symptoms include overheating with red fluid leakage and severe shaking when braking. Not breaking at all.
NHTSA complaint #11679628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The ABS and traction control systems have shown warning lights. The vehicle has experienced multiple issues including a BUS power system failure, faulty wiring under the middle console, and problems with the shifter. Additionally, there have been issues with overheating and red fluid leakage, brake system shaking, radio screen delamination, and loose interior panels. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The car has experienced significant wobbling, shaking while braking, and instances where it shut down completely and would not move out of park. These malfunctions could pose serious safety risks while driving. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the vehicle has been in the shop multiple times, including two different shops for a total of 32 days. The dealership replaced the shifter due to faulty wiring. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No there was no need at the time just the dealership 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •Yes, warning lights for ABS and traction control appeared. As well as breaks light constantly on. The car also consistently displays a “service shifter” message every 0.5 seconds. Other symptoms include overheating with red fluid leakage and severe shaking when braking. Not breaking at all.
NHTSA complaint #11679628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The stereo is making random phone calls, adjusting heat/air, changing stations and pushing buttons all on its own. This is extremely dangerous and distracting while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11650496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesSaint Clair Shores, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster independently changed radio stations and made phone calls. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument cluster independently switched between icons. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door panel was detaching. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the screen touchpad to engage vehicle functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon driving the vehicle out of the garage, the contact became aware that oil had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil was leaking from the O-ring in the engine. The mechanic determined that the O-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11647617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door panel was detaching. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the screen touchpad to engage vehicle functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon driving the vehicle out of the garage, the contact became aware that oil had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil was leaking from the O-ring in the engine. The mechanic determined that the O-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11647617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DOOR
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door panel was detaching. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the screen touchpad to engage vehicle functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon driving the vehicle out of the garage, the contact became aware that oil had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil was leaking from the O-ring in the engine. The mechanic determined that the O-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11647617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN
“Following a $4,960 transmission repair at Cable Dahmer Chrysler Dodge (July 10,2024), my vehicle has experienced serious safety concerns: 1. Immediate transmission performance issues after dealer service 2. Vehicle now diagnosed with : Oil leaking over transmission bell housing Transmission slipping Improper shifting, especially in reverse Loose engine mount These issues create unsafe driving conditions as the vehicle: May not shift properly during critical driving situations Could potentially stall or lose power while driving Has compromised transmission function Shows signs of potential transmission failure The dealership dismissed these safety concerns when reported immediately after their service. Vehicle’s condition has continued to deteriorate, making it unsafe for regular operation. “ “During operation, the vehicle: 1. Shows irregular shifting patterns 2. Has demonstrated unpredictable performance 3. Could potentially fail during operation 4. Leaking oil poses additional safety risks The dealership’s failure to properly address these issues after their service has left the vehicle in an unsafe condition for highway operation. “
NHTSA complaint #11642695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ENGINE
“Following a $4,960 transmission repair at Cable Dahmer Chrysler Dodge (July 10,2024), my vehicle has experienced serious safety concerns: 1. Immediate transmission performance issues after dealer service 2. Vehicle now diagnosed with : Oil leaking over transmission bell housing Transmission slipping Improper shifting, especially in reverse Loose engine mount These issues create unsafe driving conditions as the vehicle: May not shift properly during critical driving situations Could potentially stall or lose power while driving Has compromised transmission function Shows signs of potential transmission failure The dealership dismissed these safety concerns when reported immediately after their service. Vehicle’s condition has continued to deteriorate, making it unsafe for regular operation. “ “During operation, the vehicle: 1. Shows irregular shifting patterns 2. Has demonstrated unpredictable performance 3. Could potentially fail during operation 4. Leaking oil poses additional safety risks The dealership’s failure to properly address these issues after their service has left the vehicle in an unsafe condition for highway operation. “
NHTSA complaint #11642695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dewyrose, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While coming around a 35mph turn my car shut its self off. Normally it would say please put car in park but it shut off and had to panic and pull hard to make it around the turn. Put car in park then I was able to restart the car.
NHTSA complaint #11625479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dewyrose, GA
ENGINE
While coming around a 35mph turn my car shut its self off. Normally it would say please put car in park but it shut off and had to panic and pull hard to make it around the turn. Put car in park then I was able to restart the car.
NHTSA complaint #11625479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dewyrose, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While coming around a 35mph turn my car shut its self off. Normally it would say please put car in park but it shut off and had to panic and pull hard to make it around the turn. Put car in park then I was able to restart the car.
NHTSA complaint #11625479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eureka, KS
STRUCTURE:BODY
That the interior door panels had separated from the door frame causing the locking mechanisms to malfunction and the doors would not remain secured. The failure was present on the drive and passenger front door at this time. I have had this car for 5 years and it started the 2nd year that I have owned it. It is getting worse.
NHTSA complaint #11603635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.