Full-Size Performance Sedan

Dodge Charger

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Significant concerns from real users

Full-Size Performance Sedan

819 sources · updated June 2026

⚠ Elevated risk

Reported risk: safety concerns mentioned in 1.5% of posts (12 of 819); systematic failures reported in 5.3% of posts (43 of 819).

The Dodge Charger nameplate suffers from severe generational fragmentation. Pre-2023 V8 models (especially Hellcat variants) are beloved by enthusiasts for raw power and sound despite chronic reliability issues, high insurance costs, and theft vulnerability on 2017+ models. The all-new 2025/2026 generation is a spectacular disappointment: rushed software, excessive weight, poor powertrain tuning, and lack of V8 at launch alienated the core fanbase. V6 models across all generations are universally panned as underpowered and poor value. Better alternatives exist at every price point, Mustang GT for V8 performance, Camry for practical reliability, or any number of EVs for electric performance. Only consider: old V8 if you're mechanically inclined and accept high costs, or new EV on a deeply discounted lease only.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

Pre-2011 models (LX platform, early years)

2006–2010

Avoid

Early 2000s Dodges are described as 'filled with problems,' 'shitty when new,' and haven't aged well. Consistent issues, high maintenance costs, and abuse from previous owners are common themes for this era.

2011–2023 models (LX platform, V8 era)

2011–2023

Strong

The V8-powered generation is widely praised — 'for all its faults, the powertrain made the entire package somehow still great.' Sold in droves despite being ancient. The defining trait was tons of low-down torque and a great engine, making it a beloved muscle car despite being a 'boat.'

2025–2026 models (STLA Large platform, EV/Hurricane)

2025–2026

Compromised

The new platform is criticized as rushed, with embarrassing software/powertrain issues, slower performance than expected, and a snooze-fest powertrain. Reviewers were visibly bored. The EV variant is called 'possibly the worst EV we've driven,' and the gas Sixpack is seen as a disaster — heavier, larger, more expensive, with a harsh ride that fails as both a sports car and a comfortable cruiser.

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Common complaints12 issues

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−2025/2026 models plagued by software issues, poor powertrain calibration, and unfinished feel, described as 'rushed to market'

−Excessive weight (5400+ lbs for new gen) compromises handling and performance, 'heavier than a Ram 2500'

−Insurance costs extremely high, especially for young drivers, frequently $300-500/month

−2017+ models are theft magnets, systematic vulnerability in shift interlock bypass allows easy theft

−2007-2020 generation suffers from numerous reliability issues: MDS lifter failures, tie rod problems, exhaust manifold bolt failures, dead cams on 5.7L Hemi

−V6 models (GT/SXT) are significantly slower than competitors including V6 Camry, poor value proposition

−Poor fuel economy even on V6 models

−Front bumper paint mismatch common on 2007-2015 models

−New EV Daytona models have serious quality control and support issues, lemon law territory

−2025+ Hurricane I6 has early reliability concerns and lacks the character of previous V8s

−Track mode on new models actually reduces performance, software bugs persist

−Higher maintenance costs than Asian competitors

✓

What owners praise8 strengths

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✓

Classic generation (pre-2023) V8 models deliver strong straight-line performance and distinctive muscle car sound

✓

Spacious four-door practicality for a performance car, legitimately usable as daily driver with family

✓

Significant trunk space compared to competitors

✓

New 2025+ styling is widely praised as attractive and distinctive

✓

V8 models (when working) provide engaging driving experience for enthusiasts willing to accept compromises

✓

Lease deals on new EV models are extremely attractive ($99-179/mo range)

✓

2010+ V6 3.6L engine relatively reliable when properly maintained

✓

Police package versions demonstrate durability under extreme use cases

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

819 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

819 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)1.3

8 positive vs 52 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)2.5

2,847 positive upvotes vs 8,543 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)6.5

Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 127 functional, 43 systematic, 12 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)2.0

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)1.3

12 'worth it', 38 'overpriced', 62 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)2.4

3 repurchased/gifted, 8 unprompted recommendations, 31 regrets

⚠ Safety concerns reported across multiple owners

⚠ Systematic failure pattern reported by multiple independent owners

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

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Specifications2025

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$49,995

Range

$49,995 - $75,185

Capability

Fuel economy

20 MPG

EV range