Which Years Of Used Dodge Chargers Are Most Reliable?
We peruse the Dodge Charger's many generations to identify which years are most reliable. See which years — and why you can count on them.
Not everyone looking for a used vehicle wants an SUV or truck. Big sedans often meet the needs of those seeking a spacious car with a usable back seat. One example is the Dodge Charger, a four-door with performance credentials. It’s also a member of an extinct market class, the large American sedan. Let’s explore the most reliable years of the Dodge Charger.
We’ll also touch on the Charger’s background as we highlight the best model years to consider for a used car.
THE DODGE CHARGER YEARS TO AVOID
Their models range from classic muscle cars to the more modern vehicle that mixes the looks of a muscle car and a sports vehicle. Of course, there are still some Dodge Charger years to avoid, even with the long history of the car.
Dodge Charger History
The Dodge Charger is a storied name in American motoring history that dates back to the muscle car era of the 1960s. During this time and through the mid-1970s, Dodge produced three Charger generations that emphasized strength and speed instead of refinement.
But by the middle of this decade, the energy crisis and environmental concerns had killed high-performance cars. In 1975, Dodge launched the fourth-generation Charger as a large personal luxury coupe complete with a hood ornament and vinyl roof. But, the effort failed, and the automaker dropped the Charger from its lineup after 1978.
With the country focused on fuel economy, Dodge debuted a completely different Charger in 1982 (the fifth generation). Based on the Dodge Omni economy car, the small hatchback offered a turbocharged engine for sporty (for the times) driving. Dodge axed the Charger in 1987, and the nameplate lay dormant for two decades.
Seeking a stablemate for the resurrected Challenger coupe, Dodge introduced the Charger in 2006 (the sixth generation) as a sports sedan. This debut marked the first time the Charger was available with more than two doors. Keeping the four-door theme, an all-new seventh-generation Dodge Charger appeared in 2011.
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The seventh-gen edition has received several updates over the years and remains on the market today. However, 2023 is the last production year for the Dodge Charger as a conventional car. It’s possible it might return as an electric vehicle in the future.
With that introduction out of the way, let’s dive into why you’re reading this article; to learn about the most reliable years of the Dodge Charger. We’ll skip the older generations because reliability and classic cars usually don’t work together. Instead, we’ll focus on the sixth and seventh generations of the Dodge Charger.
Of course, not all of these newer Charger models are perfect. You can learn about the Dodge Charger years to avoid, but we’re putting a different spin on things. Keep reading to find out what are the Dodge Charger models years to check out.
Our recommendations are based on available data from carcomplaints.com, repairpal.com, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Most Reliable Years of the Dodge Charger
We’ve separated our list of reliable Dodge Chargers by generation. This will help you focus on your options, particularly if you’re budget-focused (sixth-generation Chargers will be the cheapest). But here’s a quick look at the most reliable years of the Dodge Charger:
Dodge Charger (sixth generation)
- 2009
- 2010
Dodge Charger (seventh generation)
- 2013
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
Most Reliable Years of the Dodge Charger: Sixth Generation
It’s usually a wise idea to skip the first year or two of an all-new model, and the sixth-generation Dodge Charger is no exception. It took a few years for the automaker to work out the kinks and gremlins.
2009 Dodge Charger
Compared to the earlier years of this-generation Charger, issues with the engine and other key systems are down significantly. This car is more than a dozen years old, so it won’t be flawless. Nonetheless, buying a 2009 model would be the cheapest way to get behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger.
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2010 Dodge Charger
The 2010 model year repeats 2009, with complaints about the engine remaining low. RepairPal notes that annual repair and maintenance costs for this Charger are $537. That’s cheap for a vehicle this age and almost $100 less than the previous model year. As with any used car, if you’re considering a 2010 Charger, have it inspected by a professional mechanic before signing the paperwork.
Most Reliable Years of the Dodge Charger: Seventh Generation
Dodge introduced more refinements to the seventh-generation Charger as these cars have a sleeker exterior and more upscale cabin. That said, some model years from this generation have fewer faults than others. Here are the Chargers worth looking at.
2013 Dodge Charger
Just as with the previous generation, Dodge took a couple of years to work through the seventh-gen Charger flaws. While the 2013 Charger has its share of problems (like every decade-old car), they concentrate on non-critical areas. Owners report that the top concerns involve interior accessories and HVAC systems.
2015 Dodge Charger
Curiously, 2014 model year problems spike. So, we’ll move on to the 2015 Charger, which tends to have fewer issues. And like the 2013 edition, the problems are typically not related to the powertrain and other critical components. 2015 also marks a redesigned exterior giving the Charger a very modern look (although that has nothing to do with reliability).
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2016 Dodge Charger
Transmission troubles increase slightly with the 2016 Charger, but that doesn’t knock this model year out of contention. It’s just a reminder to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic if this Charger is on your shopping list.
2017-2018 Dodge Charger
We’re grouping the 2017 and 2018 Dodge Chargers together because they share similar characteristics. There are few owner reports about engine or transmission problems. Some issues arise with the electrical system, but we’re talking dozens, not hundreds or thousands of complaints. Annual repair and maintenance costs are modest, particularly for the 2017 model year at $542.
The 2017 and 2018 Chargers are the sweet spots for buying a used Dodge sedan. They’re old enough for depreciation to kick in but still have modern features and looks. Plus, fewer reliability issues always appeal.
2019-2023 Dodge Charger
We’ll mention these newest Dodge Chargers, so we’ve discussed all of the nameplate’s 21st-century offerings. In truth, it’s challenging to pass judgment (good or bad) on the 2019-2023 Dodge Chargers because there is not enough available data to support a recommendation. These could be the most reliable Dodge Chargers ever, but it’s too early to tell. There are not enough owner reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which generations of the Dodge Charger are the most reliable?
A: When considering reliability, it’s best to focus on the sixth (2006-2010) and seventh (2011-present) generations of the Dodge Charger. These modern iterations of the Charger have more advanced features and tend to have fewer critical issues than the older generations, which were more prone to problems due to age.
Q: What are the most reliable years for the sixth-generation Dodge Charger?
A: The 2009 and 2010 model years are the most reliable among the sixth-generation Dodge Chargers. These years have significantly fewer reported issues with the engine and other critical systems compared to the earlier years of this generation.
Q: Is it a good idea to buy a first-year model of a new Dodge Charger generation?
A: It’s generally frowned upon to purchase a vehicle from the first year or two of an all-new model, and the Dodge Charger is no exception. Manufacturers often need a few years to identify and resolve any initial issues or quirks in a new generation of vehicles. This pattern is evident in both the sixth and seventh generations of the Charger.
Q: Are there any specific years of the seventh-generation Dodge Charger that stand out in terms of reliability?
A: The 2017 and 2018 model years are often considered the sweet spot for buying a used seventh-generation Dodge Charger. These years, fewer issues have been reported with the engine, transmission, and electrical system than in other model years. Additionally, these Chargers are old enough to have affordable price tags in the used car market.
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