The 2021 Dodge Charger has notable concerns with visibility and airbag systems, which could pose serious safety risks. With two recalls reported, these issues might unfortunately lead to significant repair costs or even vehicle failure, particularly in a crash scenario.
Key Factor:Significant safety recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (2) than the average DODGE vehicle (1.0). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
2 recalls for this vehicle1.0 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Recalls involving critical components like the windshield bonding and airbag inflators are no joke. If the windshield detaches during a crash, it compromises the vehicle's structural integrity and places occupants at a higher risk for injury. Likewise, rupturing airbag inflators could prevent airbags from deploying correctly in a collision, leaving drivers vulnerable in an accident. Given these potential outcomes, addressing these recalls should be a top priority for current owners and can weigh heavily on prospective buyers' decisions.
Additionally, the presence of 29 complaints suggests that issues aren't isolated. This volume points to a pattern of dissatisfaction among owners that shouldn't be overlooked. The likelihood of dealing with costly repairs or incidents related to these complaints means extra caution is warranted when considering this model.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Display
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.0)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends for the Dodge Charger show an increasing pattern of reliability concerns centered around crucial safety systems. The presence of significant recalls indicates that potential problems may be more prevalent than expected for this model year, suggesting prospective owners should approach with caution.
Safety & Reliability Score
83/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-1.45
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 DODGE Charger
Model Year2021
MakeDODGE
ModelCharger
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug21
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
4 complaints (14% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 29 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟡Medium
7(24%)
🟢Low
22(76%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that new Chargers could experience issues almost immediately after purchase. This early failure window suggests that if you're buying used, you should be especially vigilant about ensuring any recall work has been completed before hitting those critical early months.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 6 of 29 complaints (21% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (33%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
2 reports (33%)
60k-80k
2 reports (33%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
VISIBILITYAIR BAGS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Windshield
Issue: Improper bonding may cause windshield detachment during crashes.
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Check if recall repairs have been completed immediately.
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Verify service history includes recall fixes related to the windshield.
2
Airbags
Issue: Potential rupture of side curtain airbag inflators due to defects.
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Have airbag systems inspected and updated as per recall notices.
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Request proof of completed airbag system recalls before purchasing.
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your DODGE dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (2)
Campaign: 21V516000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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Summary
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."
Consequence
A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V198000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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Summary
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.
Consequence
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
✓
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
29 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Charger.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Display14%
Stall7%
Acceleration Issues7%
Accident7%
Crack7%
Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE
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.
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
SEAT 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.
Electrical🔵 Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
condensation in headlight
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN 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.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incident happened. My 2021 Charger windshield has not been recalled due to the adhesive around the edge of windshield.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR 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.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR 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.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR 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.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR 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.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common problems with the 2021 Dodge Charger?
'The most notable issues involve visibility due to improperly bonded windshields and potential defects in side curtain airbag inflators. Both represent serious safety concerns that can lead to costly repairs or unsafe driving conditions.'
'How do I handle recalls on my 2021 Dodge Charger?'
'If you're an owner, it's essential to contact your local Dodge dealer to ensure all recalls have been addressed promptly. This will help avoid serious safety risks associated with unresolved issues.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified DODGE service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in DODGE's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Charger year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.