OBD diagnostics · purchase protection

2021 Dodge Charger
Common Problems & Inspection Guide

Verify baseline vehicle system stability data. Learn what to check on the physical vehicle computer before signing a bill of sale.

Connect Adapter & Check for Code Wipes

Platform Heritage

The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge in various forms over eight generations since 1966. The first Charger was a show car in 1964. A 1965 Charger II concept car resembled the 1966 production version. In the United States, the Charger nameplate has been used on mid-size cars, personal luxury coupes, subcompact hatchbacks, and full-size sedans.

Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Aug 13, 2026

Key facts for this model year

32NHTSA owner complaints
2Safety recalls on file
12Top issue reports · Air Bags
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you

N/A average monthly buyer searches in the US (google ads data · as of Aug 13, 2026). Run a MotoMetrics scan for your VIN to see live repair exposure.

Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Aug 13, 2026

System Defect Summaries & Field Data

Active safety recalls on file: 2 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Aug 13, 2026)

Top NHTSA complaint categories

Recent recall summaries

Campaign 21V516000 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · API record

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."

Campaign 24V198000 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR · API record

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.

YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.

On-Site Dodge Charger Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
  2. Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
  3. Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
  4. Inspect systems related to AIR BAGS (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  5. Inspect systems related to UNKNOWN OR OTHER (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  6. Inspect systems related to POWER TRAIN (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  7. Inspect systems related to VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  8. Inspect systems related to STRUCTURE (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  9. Confirm recall remedy completed for VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD (campaign 21V516000).
  10. Confirm recall remedy completed for AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR (campaign 24V198000).
  11. Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Dodge Charger before signing the bill of sale.

Dodge OBD-II trouble code quick reference

  • P0420 — Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — top long-tail code across most makes
  • P0171 — Fuel system too lean — vacuum leaks and fuel trim diagnostics
  • P0300 — Engine misfire detected — inspect coils, plugs, and compression

Generic diagnostic context only — confirm stored, pending, and permanent codes with a full-protocol scan before purchase.

Alternative Inferences & Cross-Shopping Matrix

Adjacent model years for this nameplate and equivalent footprints shoppers compare across brands.

Generational cohorts

2020 Dodge Charger 2019 Dodge Charger 2018 Dodge Charger 2017 Dodge Charger

Class competitors

No cross-shop peers indexed in this segment yet.

Vehicle health varies wildly by individual history. Aggregate recall and complaint data cannot tell you whether the specific car on the lot had its monitors cleared or its odometer rolled back. Verify the physical or digital scan before you sign a bill of sale.

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