2018 Dodge Charger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
- 292–485 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- 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
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 485 hp, versus about 292 hp for similar 2018 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 0% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Charger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Brampton, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 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 | 0% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Charger FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Charger AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Charger AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Charger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -18% | $4,000 | 466 |
| Charger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -22% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Charger SRT | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -22% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Charger SRT | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -31% | $5,150 | 546 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
| 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |


Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Charger (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Dodge Challenger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Buick Regal | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Chrysler 300 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (6)
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Mar 14, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V198000 · 284,982 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V512000 · 26,361 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
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 › Automatic Transmission · May 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
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.
Not every 2018 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 44 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 13 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 11 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 30,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 128 |
| 2016 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 182 |
| 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 →