Makes›Dodge›Charger›2018

2018 Dodge Charger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 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

Engine292 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine370 hp5.7L 8-cyl
Engine485 hp6.4L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveRWD · AWD/4WD
Seating5 seats

Trims

SXT PlusR/TSXTGTR/T 392

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsOptional
Keyless startStandard

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD198.4 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,158 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD Hellcat198.4 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in64.2 / 63.8 in4,575 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD R/T Scat Pack/Srt392198.4 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in64.2 / 63.8 in4,400 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD V6198.4 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,935 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD V8198.4 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,264 lb56/44

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
Charger3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 230%$2,900389
Charger FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 230%$2,900389
Charger AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200415
Charger AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200415
Charger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-18%$4,000466
Charger6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 25 / 18-22%$4,550486
Charger SRT6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 25 / 18-22%$4,550486
Charger SRT6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 22 / 16-31%$5,150546
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2018 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Dodge Charger (this car)23 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★8
2018 Dodge Challenger23 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Volkswagen Passat29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Buick Regal26 MPGNot rated3
2018 Chrysler 30023 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

122Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System44
Unknown Or Other33
Structure › Body13
Engine11
Power Train9
Service Brakes6
Structure › Interior Panels › Door6
Suspension5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/11: 122/12: 123/06: 223/07: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 224/02: 124/04: 124/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 324/10: 125/01: 125/02: 225/06: 125/09: 125/10: 126/01: 126/02: 126/04: 122/1123/0723/1024/0424/0724/1025/0626/01max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 44 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Structure › Body — 13 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
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
2017 Charger23198.4 inNot rated4128
2016 Charger23198.4 inNot rated5182
2015 Charger23198.4 inNot rated7136

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