2016 Dodge Charger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD Hellcat, 4dr Sedan RWD R/T Scat Pack/Srt392, 4dr Sedan RWD V6
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 292–370 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 19 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,935–4,575 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 370 hp, versus about 268 hp for similar 2016 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with 4 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,158 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 8% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Charger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Charger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Brampton, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Charger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 198.4 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,158 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD Hellcat | 198.4 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,575 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD R/T Scat Pack/Srt392 | 198.4 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,400 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD V6 | 198.4 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,935 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD V8 | 198.4 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,264 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | +8% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Charger FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | +8% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Charger AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -1% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Charger AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -1% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Charger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -10% | $4,000 | 466 |
| Charger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Charger SRT8 | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Charger SRT8 | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -25% | $5,150 | 546 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Dodge Charger.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Dodge Charger (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Dodge Challenger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Passat | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Chrysler 300 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (5)
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · May 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V281000 · 13,928 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- Risk
- If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Feb 14, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V097000 · 69,298 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
- Risk
- A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
Structure · Jan 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V043000 · 441,578 vehicles
- Problem
- FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
- Risk
- A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
Not every 2016 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 42 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 25 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 25 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Charger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Charger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Charger | 267 mi | 206.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 Charger | 20 | 206.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Charger | 308 mi | 206.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 39 |
| 2024 Charger | 308 mi | 198.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2023 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 26 |
| 2022 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 16 |
| 2021 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 35 |
| 2020 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 58 |
| 2019 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 120 |
| 2018 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 122 |
| 2017 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 128 |
| 2015 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 7 | 136 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →