# Dodge Charger check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 26 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (7) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 26 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Dodge Charger (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (7). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Dodge Charger check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 7 | 136 | 5% | | 2016 | 7 | 182 | 4% | | 2017 | 4 | 128 | 3% | | 2018 | 3 | 122 | 2% | | 2019 | 2 | 120 | 2% | | 2020 | 1 | 58 | 2% | | 2021 | 1 | 35 | 3% | | 2023 | 1 | 26 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Dodge Charger recalls related to the check engine light **[22V866000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V866000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-11-23): An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. **[18E053000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18E053000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2018-07-12): If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. **[18V280000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V280000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): 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. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. **[18V281000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V281000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. **[17V496000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V496000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-08-08): If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. **[17V097000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V097000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2017-02-14): A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. **[15V114000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V114000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-02-27): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Dodge Charger owners report - "Within approximately 30 minutes of leaving the dealership and driving on the freeway, the check engine light returned and the same stalling and loss-of-power condition immediately reappeared. The defect creates a significant safety concern because the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate normally while operating..." -- owner of a 2023 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the sixth gear was inoperable. The independent mechanic called an unknown local dealer, who informed him that the repair parts were on..." -- owner of a 2021 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2024 - "The contact was able to restart the vehicle then the check engine warning light would be illuminated, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The..." -- owner of a 2020 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Dodge Charger check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (22V866000, 18E053000, 18V280000, 18V281000, 17V496000, 17V097000, 15V114000) covering 2015-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Dodge Charger years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Charger model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 7 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Dodge Charger with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Dodge Charger has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Dodge dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Dodge Charger warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/dodge-charger): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/dodge-charger): 9 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/dodge-charger): 12 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/dodge-charger): 29 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/dodge-charger): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/dodge-charger): 20 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Dodge Charger - [Dodge Charger specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/dodge-charger) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/dodge-charger Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.