Makes›Dodge›Charger›2009

2009 Dodge Charger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Dodge Charger
Pictured: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona RT, front 4.14.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan RWD R/T, 4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt, 4dr Sedan RWD Srt8
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.1L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
3,821–4,160 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2009 large car (18.3 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with 4 engines (2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.1L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,101 lb (4dr Sedan RWD R/T).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 15% better than the 2009 large car average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Charger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Charger →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan RWD R/T200 in74.4 in58.3 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in4,101 lb54/46
4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt200 in74.4 in58.3 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in3,821 lb54/46
4dr Sedan RWD Srt8200 in74.4 in57.9 in120.1 in62.6 / 63 in4,160 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Charger2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+15%$3,200423
Charger3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+9%$3,350444
Charger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19+4%$3,550468
Charger3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19+4%$3,550468
Charger AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550468
Charger AWD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-2%$3,700494
Charger6.1L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-18%$4,450592
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2009 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Charger under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Dodge Charger (this car)21 MPGNot rated3
2009 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated10
2009 Chevrolet Impala23 MPGNot rated4
2009 Dodge Challenger20 MPGNot rated4
2009 Chevrolet Malibu29 MPGNot rated3
2009 Chrysler 30019 MPGNot rated3
2009 Toyota Avalon23 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 26, 2015 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

113Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
110,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags42
Electrical System29
Engine27
Steering10
Unknown Or Other5
Service Brakes4
Wheels4
Suspension3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/04: 218/05: 118/06: 218/08: 118/09: 118/10: 319/04: 219/08: 119/11: 119/12: 220/01: 120/04: 120/08: 220/10: 120/12: 121/01: 121/04: 321/05: 121/08: 123/03: 123/06: 124/07: 125/03: 125/06: 118/0418/0819/0419/1220/0821/0121/0824/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 42 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Engine — 27 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Charger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Charger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Charger267 mi206.7 inNot rated10
2026 Charger20206.7 inNot rated15
2025 Charger308 mi206.7 inNot rated339
2024 Charger308 mi198.4 inNot rated324
2023 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★226
2022 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★316
2021 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★235
2020 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★358
2019 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★5120
2018 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★6122
2017 Charger23198.4 inNot rated4128
2016 Charger23198.4 inNot rated5182

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →