Vehicle Guide

2016 Dodge Charger Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2016 Dodge Charger, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that blends traditional American muscle-car attitude with everyday practicality, offering roomy seating and a large trunk. It’s ideal for drivers who want strong V6 or V8 performance, a distinctive look, and available all-wheel drive without moving to an SUV. This model year sits in the LD generation (2011–2023) and continues the major 2015 refresh that brought updated styling, improved cabin materials, and upgraded infotainment. In the market, it competes with other large sedans but stands out for its rear-wheel-drive dynamics and wide range of performance trims.

Key Features

1) Engine choices for multiple driving styles: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (292–300 hp depending on trim), a 5.7L HEMI V8 (around 370 hp), a 6.4L HEMI V8 in SRT 392 (485 hp), and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 (707 hp) for maximum performance. 2) 8-speed automatic transmission: Most trims use an 8-speed automatic that helps responsiveness and highway fuel economy compared with older 5-speed units. 3) Available AWD on V6 models: The Charger is one of the few full-size sedans that offered all-wheel drive in certain V6 trims, appealing to snow-belt buyers. 4) Modern tech and safety options: Available Uconnect infotainment (including larger touchscreen setups on many trims), Bluetooth, navigation, and available driver-assist features depending on package. 5) Practical full-size packaging: A comfortable rear seat and a large trunk make it more usable than many performance-oriented sedans.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers often search “2016 Dodge Charger problems” and “2016 Dodge Charger reliability” because the car mixes strong performance with a few repeat trouble spots. Overall reliability can be solid with good maintenance, but these are some of the most commonly reported 2016 Dodge Charger common issues: 1) Suspension and steering wear (often 50,000–100,000 miles): Owners commonly report clunks, wandering, or uneven tire wear linked to worn front lower control arms, bushings, sway bar links, or tie-rod ends. The Charger’s weight and wide tires on sport packages can accelerate wear if alignments are neglected. 2) Electrical and infotainment glitches (varies by mileage): Intermittent Uconnect screen freezing/rebooting, Bluetooth pairing issues, and occasional backup camera or sensor faults are frequent complaints. Battery condition and software updates can play a role, but some owners still report recurring issues. 3) V6 oil cooler/filter housing leaks (commonly 60,000–120,000 miles on the 3.6L): The 3.6L Pentastar is known for oil seepage around the oil cooler/filter housing assembly. Symptoms include oil pooling in the engine valley, a burning-oil smell, or gradual oil loss. 4) HEMI valvetrain ticking and exhaust leaks (V8 models, mileage varies): Some 5.7L/6.4L owners report a “tick” that may come from exhaust manifold bolt issues or, in more serious cases, valvetrain wear. Not every tick is catastrophic, but any persistent noise should be diagnosed early to prevent larger damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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