2018 Dodge Charger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Dodge Charger: 6 recalls, 122 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #18V280000 · 2018 · 71 vehicles
What's wrong: An incorrect transmission park lock rod May have been installed in the transmission.
Why it matters: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission May not shift into 'park' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #18V281000 · 2018 · 13,928 vehicles
What's wrong: The front driveshaft universal joint May seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it May become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018.
Electrical, Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #18V332000 · 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver May not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed…
Why it matters: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V524000 · 2018 · 12,779 vehicles
What's wrong: The powertrain control module May be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that May fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V512000 · 2020 · 26,361 vehicles
What's wrong: " when stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V198000 · 2024 · 284,982 vehicles
What's wrong: The right and left side curtain air bag inflators May rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (45): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), stalls / loses power (3).
- Other / unknown (33): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Body & structure (19): the most common themes are door / lock issues (17).
- Engine (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6).
The 2018 Dodge Charger has 122 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 22 Charger model years for complaints (well below the 261 average). Complaints peaked in 2021 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 28,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (128 complaints, 4 recalls), 2019 (120 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Midgrade |
| 6.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 25 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Dodge Charger.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Charger problems?
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (45), other / unknown (33), body & structure (19).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Charger get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 8-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Dodge Charger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.