2018 Dodge Charger Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 122 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 6 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2018 Dodge Charger receives a 5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 122 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 6 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 5,250 miles (IQR: 5,125 – 6,075 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
16.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
6 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue”
“The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.”
“The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that t...”
“I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my i...”
“The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermitte...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that t...”
“My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent...”
“The electric steering rack failed. I was turning into a parking lot and suddenly there was no power steering. Luckily I had both hands on the wheel and was able to avoid an accident. A dash light came on at that time related to steering. My mechanic was able to pull the code. ...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that t...”
“Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.”
“The contact's wife leased a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at 60-62 MPH, she heard abnormal clinking sounds and the vehicle lost suspension and inadvertently turned to the right. The contact stated that as she quickly steered the steering wheel to th...”
“MY DODGE CHARGER SHAKES WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES ON A DOWN HILL OR WHEN DRIVING IN SPEED . THERE IS NO AVS LIGHT SYSTEM ON . THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND SO HAVE THE ROUTERS . HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL SHOPS AND EVERYONE SAYS THERE IS NO ISSUE YET MY CAR SHAKE...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“Air bag service light came on without any incident or accident being involved.”
“Issues with the door panel coming loose where my air bag is. Both of my front door panels are coming loose and this is a safety concern I have.”
“Door panel lifting away could cause vent to not work, door lock to not work and maybe airbag to not deploy properly. Foam is exposed”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“I am tasked with maintaining a fleet of Dodge Charger police vehicles. I have a constant and concerning problem that needs to be addressed. On nearly all of the vehicles in service, the fuel pumps crack and leak raw fuel onto the ground, hot exhaust. aside from the toxic fumes...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (6)
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." 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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. 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 or possibly accelerating.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2018 Dodge Charger
Before purchasing a used 2018 Dodge Charger, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2018 Dodge Charger
Is the 2018 Dodge Charger a reliable used car?
The 2018 Dodge Charger earns a 5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 122 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2018 Dodge Charger?
The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 5,250 miles (IQR: 5,125 – 6,075 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2018 Dodge Charger?
Yes, the NHTSA records 6 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.