Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Dodge Charger
Our scoring places the 2021 Dodge Charger at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.6/10. The Dodge Charger delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,753–$36,623, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Dodge Charger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Dodge Charger is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and safety hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Dodge Charger ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,753 starting price is about 11% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Charger Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Dodge Charger scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Dodge Charger (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Visibility / Windshield 08/07/2021 · 21V516000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these…
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.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Dodge Charger that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Dodge Charger
Is the 2021 Dodge Charger reliable?
We rate the 2021 Dodge Charger's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Dodge Charger worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Dodge Charger cost?
The 2021 Dodge Charger starts at $30,753 and ranges up to $36,623 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Charger years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Charger years we've rated are 2015 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Dodge Charger have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Dodge Charger are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Visibility, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Dodge Charger
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More Dodge Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year