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2021 Dodge Charger Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20264 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2021 Dodge Charger Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2021 Dodge Charger has 38 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.8/ 10

Based on 38 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

12 31.6%

POWER TRAIN

5 13.2%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 10.5%

ENGINE

3 7.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 31.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 15 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger has 38 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 32% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2021 Dodge Charger are AIR BAGS (12), POWER TRAIN (5), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Dodge Charger?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2020 Charger complaints2022 Charger complaints2019 Charger complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 15 of 15 systems

AIR BAGS

12 Reports32% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what caused my car to lock up I know when my sales guys first go over my car he didn’t fully mention everything to me I saw my tires pressure at 50 psi in all days didn’t know if that was normal because my car was shipped so I know the dealership is suppose to inspect vehicle to make sure everything is correct to manufacturer specs when vehicle was towed to certificate shop for body and mechanic repairs car sat there 8 months plus when I got the car it was not driving the same and reading a message on the screen service sifter unavailable ever since then my vehicle is unsafe to drive my car now locks up when I do a turn like it get stuck in a gear and when cruising vehicle chocks/hesitated to drive like it was to get stuck in a lock mode . I took it to 2 dodge dealers more then 3 times and can’t duplicate concern and throwing random parts at my car and I’m telling them it’s not the problem also they gave me poor customer service and wish I never bought a car from them .

3/22/2023

My passenger air bag is falling it says passenger frontal squib 2 control circuit open it also says check air bag system on the dashboard of the car the car was in an accident it has a branded title but when they fix the cars don't they have to make sure the airbags are safe and the vehicle is safe to operate the car is financed and I am paying for it and my 3rd party warranty does not cover air bag system and this does put my wife at risk when I'm driving and she's on the passenger seat and this is an expensive fix and right now I am not financially stable to fix an air bag but I want to get it fix because safety is very important.

6/23/2023

10 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The issue with the vehicle is inconsistent and delayed power delivery. On numerous occasions, when trying to accelerate quickly in low gears (1 through 3), the vehicle exhibits an obvious restriction and/or lack of thrust. The vehicle does accelerate (sometimes poorly with hesitation) and the RPM's climb, but the power is severely reduced until 4500 RPM, then the power comes on strong without any change in throttle position or gear. The issue can best be described as feeling like you are towing something heavy with a rope, and at 4500 rpm, the rope breaks and the resistance is lifted. I have had it to multiple dealers, I have reproduced it, but both ran full analysis and it is "performing as designed". Both me and the dealer contacted the manufacturer and was told if there are no diagnostic errors, it is fine. There is no code or message. I have found at least 10 other owners of various vehicle models from Chrysler with the same engine and transmission combo that have the same issue. The 5.7 Litre HEMI V8 and the ZF8HP70 8 speed automatic transmission. There is no way to know it is going to happen. One minute it accelerates normally, the next it doesn't. It does not pose imminent danger, but it has put me in a precarious position more than once when entering a highway or pulling out into traffic and not knowing how much acceleration power I am going to have. It reduces confidence in the vehicle because of the inconsistency. The issue did not start occurring until the vehicle reached approx. 2100 miles. I also owned a 2020 version of the car that did the same thing after approx. 4000 miles. I traded it in on the 2021 because I thought there was no way they all ran this way, but apparently they do.

8/19/2022

Heard popping under car while driving noticed there appeared to be an issue with rear control arm removed rear tires and found both rear control arms to be broken and rubbing frame one free hanging and the other in a bind

1/29/2023

3 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

So this vehicle turned out to be one of the easiest cars to be stolen. I’ve heard many stories and cases about other Dodge Charger owners that have gotten there Chargers stolen as well and I received a recall notice from dodge this week that it’s something about the radio frequency and something about a simple diagnostic tool and it programs a new key instantly and Dodge finally after so many complaints did there research and now put out a recall. My dream car was stolen, crashed and even my insurance company won’t compensate anything and now my vehicle has on its carfax that it was stolen and involved in an accident and the value is now destroyed. I tried getting a selling price thru Carvana and Vroom, well Carvana declined it due to that and Vroom gave me a price value of $30,000 and I bought it for $60,000. Half the value is gone due to a manufacturing issue that made these vehicles so easy to steal and be in the hands of anybody and everybody that doesn’t own it. It was used and abused on my dime and now I have to eat the loss.

12/30/2021

I had a flat tire on the left rear. I pulled the car onto a flat paved surface, placed it in park, and applied the parking brake. I broke the lug nuts loose and proceeded to jack the car up. When I had the car partially jacked up the scissor jack kicked out from under the car into the area I had parked in. Since I no longer felt safe using the jack I called AAA. Oddly enough, the AAA service man told me that he had just returned from a call on a Chrysler 300 that had done the same thing. I no longer feel safe using that jack.

3/10/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT ONLY 256 MILES, THE VEHICLE EITHER SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WILL NOT START AFTER IT'S PARKED. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO STALL. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE HAS SINCE BEEN 3 NO START CONDITIONS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DAVIS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM IN YULEE, FL AWAITING DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR OF THIS INTERMITTENT FAULT.

4/24/2021

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.

8/2/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT ONLY 256 MILES, THE VEHICLE EITHER SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WILL NOT START AFTER IT'S PARKED. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO STALL. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE HAS SINCE BEEN 3 NO START CONDITIONS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DAVIS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM IN YULEE, FL AWAITING DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR OF THIS INTERMITTENT FAULT.

4/24/2021

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.

5/14/2025

WHEELS

2 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My rim on the inside lip has a hairline crack. I’m coming up on 1 year and for the entire time I have had to add air once a month. The tire pressure would be 38 psi when I put air and would drop to 30 over a months time. I’ve had the tire looked at several times and they found nothing. Then around 3 weeks ago it went from loosing 8 psi a month, to around 5 psi a week. So I jack the car up and start looking, spraying with a soapy water and I find the crack.So I called the dealership, and they say well you hit a pothole or something in the road. No I did not, I’ve never hit anything. If I did the rim would be bent or have scuff marks, which theirs not. So I do research and find out I’m not alone. As of now January 16, 2023 I’m loosing 15-20 psi a day. Thank you

1/16/2023

Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what caused my car to lock up I know when my sales guys first go over my car he didn’t fully mention everything to me I saw my tires pressure at 50 psi in all days didn’t know if that was normal because my car was shipped so I know the dealership is suppose to inspect vehicle to make sure everything is correct to manufacturer specs when vehicle was towed to certificate shop for body and mechanic repairs car sat there 8 months plus when I got the car it was not driving the same and reading a message on the screen service sifter unavailable ever since then my vehicle is unsafe to drive my car now locks up when I do a turn like it get stuck in a gear and when cruising vehicle chocks/hesitated to drive like it was to get stuck in a lock mode . I took it to 2 dodge dealers more then 3 times and can’t duplicate concern and throwing random parts at my car and I’m telling them it’s not the problem also they gave me poor customer service and wish I never bought a car from them .

3/22/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

5/14/2025

condensation in headlight

8/2/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear camera is defective. It is too dark in most conditions and not clear resulting in a poor view of what is behind me. At night, it is impossible to use, and relying on it will result in a collision. Stellantis and the local dealer have been provided with photos of the display and the dealer spent a few seconds looking at it and they say it is how it should be. Other owners of the same type car online have the same complaint and had the camera changed. Stellantis refuses to do so. Photos have been uploaded showing the problem.

11/15/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear camera is defective. It is too dark in most conditions and not clear resulting in a poor view of what is behind me. At night, it is impossible to use, and relying on it will result in a collision. Stellantis and the local dealer have been provided with photos of the display and the dealer spent a few seconds looking at it and they say it is how it should be. Other owners of the same type car online have the same complaint and had the camera changed. Stellantis refuses to do so. Photos have been uploaded showing the problem.

11/15/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear camera is defective. It is too dark in most conditions and not clear resulting in a poor view of what is behind me. At night, it is impossible to use, and relying on it will result in a collision. Stellantis and the local dealer have been provided with photos of the display and the dealer spent a few seconds looking at it and they say it is how it should be. Other owners of the same type car online have the same complaint and had the camera changed. Stellantis refuses to do so. Photos have been uploaded showing the problem.

11/15/2021

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, a tiny rock hit the windshield and the windshield cracked. The vehicle was repaired by Safelite at the contact's residence. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, a truck spun out and gravel fell from the truck causing a tiny rock to hit the driver’s side windshield and caused a crack. The windshield was repaired by Safelite at the contact's residence; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred three times within three months. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V516000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

3/30/2022

SUSPENSION

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Heard popping under car while driving noticed there appeared to be an issue with rear control arm removed rear tires and found both rear control arms to be broken and rubbing frame one free hanging and the other in a bind

1/29/2023

STEERING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering failed to operate properly, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the "Electric Power Steering Failure" message was displayed after the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 53,000.

9/15/2023

SEAT BELTS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/20/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/15/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Charger?

The most reported complaint category for the 2021 Dodge Charger is AIR BAGS, with 12 owner reports. That is about 32% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2021 Dodge Charger a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Dodge Charger?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2021 Dodge Charger severe?

19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Dodge Charger: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
38
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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