6 Best And Worst Years For The Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a power horse when it comes to driving. With the muscle car being one of the most powerful ones in its class, people have come to love it over the years.

A fun fact is that the Charger is the only four-door muscle car available right now.

Although it is powerful, the Charger has not had a reliable past. With frequent muscle car models filled with issues, a person has to think twice before deciding.

Well, you don’t have to spend a second on researching anymore.

In this article of the best and worst years for Dodge Charger, you will be enlightened with all the details you need.

Before we get into the details, let’s check out all the important years.

Best Years for Dodge Charger:

1. 2020
2. 2021
3. 2018
4. 2019
5. 2017
6. 2009

Worst Years for Dodge Charger:

1. 2006
2. 2011
3. 2007
4. 2008
5. 2012
6. 2014

You may have already noticed that when it comes to the years of the Dodge Charger, one must avoid; they are spread out.

There are many untrustworthy Chargers, from older to relatively newer models.

All of these years will be discussed in detail, and you will understand why these models have earned their respective positions.

List Of The Best Years For The Dodge Charger: What Years To Buy

A lot of research had to be done to compile this list.

Everything was considered, from the number of features to overall reliability and even the price to performance ratio, before these models earned their respective positions.

You will understand more once they are discussed.

#1 Best Year: 2020 Dodge Charger

Arriving in the first place and taking the clear lead over all other models of the Dodge Charger is 2020. Although this model is two years old, it is one of the most reliable.

With many engine options available, especially with many V8 engines, it is the perfect option for people looking to get something that is a beast on the road.

The comfort level of the 2020 Dodge Charger is excellent. Whether they be short trips or long, you will not feel the need to stretch due to the seats being too uncomfortable.

If you wonder about the technology, you are in for a treat. Dodge has implemented its Uconnect system with a quick response time and a friendly user interface.

#2 Best Year: 2021 Dodge Charger

Coming up next is the 2021 Dodge Charger. This muscle car model has earned second place only because there were few changes compared to 2020 one.

The V8 engine, under the hood, is powerful enough for most people. Even the braking distance is great, at 102 feet. So, one wins easily from a price to performance ratio, 2020.

The 2021 Dodge Charger is pretty comfortable. Like the 2020 model, it has excellent seats, which also provides lumbar support.

You are getting the same high-quality interior and the amazing Uconnect system. This is the case for the rear seats too.

#3 Best Year: 2018 Dodge Charger

Coming up next is the 2018 Dodge Charger. It is pretty similar to its newer counterparts and is a beast on the road. When you step on the pedal, you will be amazed by the acceleration.

The steering and handling of this muscle car are also excellent. The only reason this model has earned a lower spot is that its seats are a bit stiffer compared to the newer models.

The 2018 Dodge Charger excels in all other regards. With the interior being spacious and roomy, you will enjoy your rides every day.

Even this model has the infamous Uconnect system, designed to be user-friendly. The fantastic touch response is something you don’t see every day.

#4 Best Year: 2019 Dodge Charger

The 2019 muscle car has been loved by many, especially because of its amazing performance on the road.

It is an amazing muscle car, and no one can challenge that. But all of that performance does come with high fuel consumption.

This is why the 2019 Dodge Charger has earned the fourth spot on this list. Coming in fourth place is the three-year-old model of the Dodge Charger.

Even this model is filled to the brim with safety features. From airbags to all kinds of sensors, they will surely make your driving experience easy and safe.

The interior has a sleek design and looks aesthetic. It is spacious enough that you won’t feel too constrained, whether you are a driver or a passenger.

#5 Best Year: 2017 Dodge Charger

The 2017 Dodge Charger is the next model on this list. The only reason it has earned a lower place than the 2018 model is that its interior is more constrained than its successor.

Other than that, it is a very similar vehicle. It has the same amazing V8 engine that many people have loved. It is amazing on the road and offers plenty of performance.

It does not end there. Although the 2017 model is five years old, it is still packed with safety features as of writing this article.

From lane departure warning systems to front collision avoidance systems. The interior is also great. It looks and feels premium.

You will thoroughly enjoy your experience with this muscle car.

#6 Best Year: 2009 Dodge Charger

Finally coming in the sixth and final place is the 2009 Dodge Charger. This is the only model on this list that is a part of an older generation.

It looks fantastic, so you are not missing out on anything in terms of shape. This model has scored the last place only because the rear seats have a tight entry for some people.

This model is the perfect option for people looking to buy something cheap and is a power horse. Well, the V6 engine under the hood will surely make your daily rides fun.

The interior is pretty good, and the manufacturer made some major improvements compared to the 2008 model.

List Of The Worst Years For The Dodge Charger: What Years To Avoid

Moving on to the worst years, these model years have been chosen after careful consideration.

They have provided their owners with nothing but headaches.

Although you should read everything that makes them bad, you should never consider them.

You can expect to pay possibly thousands of dollars on repairs if you do.

#1 Worst Year: 2006 Dodge Charger

Arriving in the first place is the 2006 Dodge Charger. This is the worst model of muscle car that you can buy.

It was plagued with engine and suspension issues, which made owning this model a nightmare.

Owners complained about the engine dying suddenly and prematurely. There were issues of engine knocking too.

It does not end there! The common issue of the gear getting stuck in park mode was also reported with this model.

The suspension system would also wear down quicker, leading to inadequate shock absorption. This issue has been discussed in detail in the next section.

#2 Worst Year: 2011 Dodge Charger

The 2011 Dodge Charger, which is 11 years old at writing this article, had major electrical and fuel system issues. They are difficult to identify and can get pretty expensive to fix.

Things did not look too good five years later. The alternator would die out of the blue. There were also complaints of the entire electrical system failing.

The fuel system on the 2011 Dodge Charger was not reliable.

The most common issues were leaking of the gas tank, smell of gas inside the cabin, and the fuel pump going bad, which would result in a loss of acceleration.

All of them are pretty serious issues and can cause hazards or accidents.

#3 Worst Year: 2007 Dodge Charger

With the 2007 Dodge Charger taking the third spot on this article, it was not better than the 2006 model.

There were complaints regarding the engine and the transmission, which frustrated many owners.

The problem of the gear getting stuck was present this year too. Even the reverse of the muscle car would fail, which is another serious issue.

The engine on the 2007 Dodge Charger was not reliable too. There were frequent complaints about the engine shutting down while driving.

Some owners also reported about a blown engine. These problems require a complete replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars.

#4 Worst Year: 2008 Dodge Charger

Things did not improve by a huge margin next year.

Yes, many of the transmission issues were solved, but there were still many complaints about engine failure and ticking noises coming from the engine.

The 2008 Dodge Charger also had safety issues, such as the child safety lock not working. The electrical system on this model was the same as the previous two models.

Owners complained about the engine not turning on, probably due to a faulty battery. The steering system would also lock up at times, preventing the vehicle from being used.

This is another serious problem and can get expensive to fix.

#5 Worst Year: 2012 Dodge Charger

Electrical problems were present in the 2012 Dodge Charger too, which is a decade old at this point.

Owners complained that the alternator would fail suddenly, preventing the vehicle from being driven. The electrical system would also go down, shutting off many vehicle features.

This model of the Dodge Charger also had engine issues. Six years later, reports of the engine stalling while driving were still present.

This is a serious issue as the possibility of a rear-end collision can be pretty high in such situations.

Owners also reported hearing ticking noises coming from the engine, which can indicate engine failure.

#6 Worst Year: 2014 Dodge Charger

Finally, earning the best spot on this list is the 2014 Dodge Charger. It is not only the most recent model on this list but also one of the more reliable ones.

It did have many issues, but they were much less frequently reported. Engine issues on this model included oil leaks and engine power loss.

Transmission issues came back with this model. Owners complained that there were shifting issues, which led to difficulty in driving the vehicle.

There were also reports of the vehicle hesitating while accelerating. The transmission would also slip when the temperature gets cold.

Transmission issues can be extremely expensive to fix.

What Are The Most Common Problems With The Dodge Charger?

With the Dodge Charger being in the market for a long time, there have been problems that were present in many models.

Well, this section of the article will focus on the most common ones. It is recommended to read this section completely.

1. Warped Door Panels

A very common problem with the seventh generation of the Dodge Charger is that its doors can actually melt and warp.

The problem has been reported by a majority of the owners. The issue is so serious and so common that replacement parts are difficult to find.

So, what could be the reason for this problem?

Well, there can be two possible causes. The first one is that the manufacturer may have opted for cheaper parts, which are not designed for use in higher temperatures.

The second reason could be that the installation is not done correctly. I think that the latter cannot be possible. Melting of the doors cannot be attributed to a wrong installation.

2. E-Shift Issues

Coming up next is a problem that caused many accidents due to the fact that a feature was not implemented properly.

If you know anything about the Dodge Charger, then you may already be aware that it uses an electronic gear shifter. Well, it was not reliable in the 2012-2014 models of the Charger.

Owners reported numerous times that their vehicles would roll off while they thought they were parked.

The reason for this problem is that the manufacturer did not educate new owners enough to properly use the system. This resulted in this problem.

Dodge did fix the issue in upcoming models, but it was too late for many consumers.

3. Transmission Stuck In Park

Coming up next is the final issue on this list.

The problem that was found in the sixth and even the latest seventh generation of the Dodge Charger is that the vehicle would get stuck in park mode.

The gear shifter would not change, which prevents the vehicle from being driven at all. Well, it is not the system that locks up, but the blame goes to the use of cheap parts.

The process of fixing this is simple, but it involves removing the interior cover and manually adjusting the gear once to get it working again.

This is an annoying problem, and Dodge actually recalled some of its vehicles back in 2010 in order to fix the issue.

Related: Why Won’t My Dodge Charger Start?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Many Miles Can A Dodge Charger Last?

You are going to be impressed with the answer. Although the realistic mileage for the Charger is 150000 miles, there have been some owners that have pushed past the 300000 limits.

That is truly incredible. Although achieving the number is no big feat, it can only be reached with constant maintenance.

Also, major repairs must not be delayed. If they are, then the lifespan of the vehicle may be shortened.

Related: How Long Do Dodge Chargers Last?

Q2. Are Dodge Chargers Expensive To Maintain?

Yes, they are. With an expected ten-year average of $7800, the number is around $1000 more than the average for other vehicles in the same class.

Because the muscle car uses a hefty V8 or V6 engine, they need to be kept in tip-top condition at all times. If not, then performance depreciation should be expected.

This is the main reason Dodge Chargers are expensive to maintain.

Q3. Is A Dodge Charger A Good Daily Driver?

The Dodge Charger is a great car to drive daily and has many safety features to protect you in the event of an accident.

There are many driver-assist features too, which can come in handy on a bad day.

The superior performance combined with the high comfort level provides you with an unparalleled experience.

If you are looking to daily drive the Dodge Charger, then there is no better alternative out there. So, you should go ahead and do purchase one.

Q4. Is A Dodge Charger Better Than The Dodge Challenger?

The Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger are both powerful muscle cars that look great, but there are some differences between them.

The Charger is perfect for families with kids. It can seat up to 5 people, which makes it much more practical than the Challenger.

It also has much more cargo space as compared to the Challenger, making it the clear winner. The Challenger is a great option for single, or two persons use only.

Q5. Are Dodge Chargers Good In Snow?

Driving a Dodge Charger in the snow is not only fun but safe as well. The Dodge Charger has a huge selection of safety features that make it an excellent vehicle for winter driving.

The traction control system reduces the risk of sliding on icy roads and makes stopping on snowy roadways possible.

The ABS brakes also help to keep you from skidding when you hit ice or other slippery surfaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dodge Charger has had many ups and downs in its 50 years of production.

There have been numerous design changes that have made it an extremely popular car for many years.

In this article of the best and worst years for Dodge Charger, one thing that you may have noticed is that the recent models of the muscle car have been more reliable than ever.

With the 2020 model taking the lead, it is a clear winner. If you have the budget, it is my recommendation that you purchase it. It will provide you with a memorable experience.