Is the 2016 Dodge Charger reliable?

It can be reliable with consistent maintenance, especially when fluids, tires, and suspension wear items are kept up. Most complaints center on typical wear components and electronics rather than widespread engine failures.

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Charger problems?

Common issues include front suspension wear and alignment-related tire wear, Uconnect/infotainment glitches, 3.6L oil cooler housing leaks, and V8 ticking tied to exhaust manifold bolts or valvetrain concerns.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2016 Charger?

Costs are moderate for V6 trims and higher for V8 and performance models due to larger brakes, wider tires, and higher consumable wear. Insurance and fuel also rise significantly on HEMI, SRT, and Hellcat trims.

What are the best years of Dodge Charger to buy?

Many shoppers prefer 2015–2020 models because of the 2015 update with improved tech and interior, and later years for newer safety and infotainment revisions. The best choice depends on trim, service history, and how well the car was maintained.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 Dodge Charger?

Check for smooth transmission shifting, front-end clunks, uneven tire wear, and any Uconnect screen problems. Inspect for oil leaks (especially on the 3.6L), listen for persistent ticking on V8s, verify maintenance records, and get a pre-purchase inspection. For full specs, trim-by-trim features, fluid capacities, and the complete maintenance schedule, get a complete owner’s guide before you buy.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2016 Dodge Charger Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A potent American muscle sedan with specific, high-cost risks that savvy buyers must acknowledge.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2016 Dodge Charger

Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Dodge Charger earns a 82.
The system most likely to surface first: hemi v8 engine (mds system) (critical severity).
Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

2016 Dodge Charger: Buy or Avoid?

The 2016 Dodge Charger offers a compelling blend of performance and style, but it demands a proactive approach to maintenance. While V6 models generally fare better, the Hemi V8 engines carry a significant risk of costly lifter and camshaft failures, pushing this platform into the 'Proceed with Caution' territory for used buyers. Prepare for a few common electrical and suspension quirks to ensure a rewarding ownership experience.

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking American muscle, but it comes with a caveat. While the V6 models offer a more reliable experience, the powerful Hemi V8 engines carry a known and expensive risk of lifter and camshaft failure. Buyers must be diligent with pre-purchase inspections…

Best Model Years

2017-2019 (minor improvements to Uconnect, later Pentastar V6 production)

Years to Avoid

2011-2014 (earlier Pentastar V6 head issues, older Uconnect, less refined)

Biggest Strengths

Robust V6 Pentastar engine (when maintained)
Solid ZF 8-speed automatic transmission
Durable body-on-frame platform (overall structure)

2016 Dodge Charger — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that tend to fail first on the 2016 Dodge Charger, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.

Hemi V8 Engine (MDS System)critical~60,000-120,000 mi

The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters in the Hemi V8 engines are prone to premature failure, leading to camshaft wear. This results in ticking noises, misfires, reduced power, and eventually catastrophic engine damage if neglected.

Electrical System (Uconnect/Sensors)moderate~30,000-90,000 mi

Owners frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system freezing, rebooting, or displaying glitches. Additionally, various sensors (e.g., wheel speed, ABS, crank position) can fail, leading to dashboard warning lights and d…

Front Suspension Componentsmoderate~50,000-100,000 mi

Wear items like control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends in the front suspension are common failure points. This leads to clunking noises over bumps, loose steering feel, and premature tire wear.

Full repair-cost ranges, fix-before-you-buy notes, and inspection checklists are in the report.

2016 Dodge Charger Mileage Danger Zones

The mileage windows when the 2016 Dodge Charger most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.

30,000

Low Risk Zone

This mileage primarily sees minor electrical quirks, such as Uconnect glitches, which are often fixable with software updates. Most mechanical components are still in excellent condition.

60,000

Maintenance Zone

Beyond standard maintenance like tires and brakes, watch for initial signs of suspension wear (clunks, loose feel). This is also the point where the critical Hemi V8 lifter issue can begin to manifest, so listen carefully for ticking.

90,000

Elevated Risk Zone

Hemi V8 lifter failures become more prevalent and severe at this mileage. Electrical sensor failures are also more common, leading to warning lights. Suspension components will likely require replacement.

120,000+

High Risk Zone

Vehicles at this mileage without a clear history of Hemi V8 engine work are a significant gamble. Expect potential for major engine or transmission issues, compounded by general wear on all systems. Budget for substantial preventative an…

2016 Dodge Charger Ownership Cost Outlook

What it typically costs to keep the 2016 Dodge Charger on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.

Annual Maintenance

$500-800

Moderate Repairs

$600-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension work, major electrical diagnostics)

How Long Does the 2016 Dodge Charger Last?

For V6 models, prioritize those under 80,000 miles for fewer immediate concerns. For V8 models, anything over 60,000 miles without verifiable lifter work or significant discount carries substantial risk; seek vehicles under 40,000 miles if possible.

What 2016 Dodge Charger Owners Actually Say

What Owners Love

Exhilarating V8 performance and exhaust note (Hemi models)
Bold, aggressive styling that stands out
Spacious interior and comfortable ride for long journeys
Relatively good value for performance when bought used

Common Frustrations

Poor fuel economy, especially with V8 engines
Significant blind spots due to thick C-pillars
Uconnect infotainment system can be frustratingly glitchy
Higher maintenance and repair costs, particularly for Hemi V8s

Who Should Buy the 2016 Dodge Charger?

Best For

Performance enthusiasts who enjoy American muscle and are prepared for maintenance
Drivers needing a spacious, rear-wheel-drive sedan with aggressive styling
Those who appreciate a comfortable highway cruiser for long distances

Not Ideal For

Budget-conscious buyers seeking minimal repair costs
Anyone prioritizing top-tier fuel efficiency

How the 2016 Dodge Charger Compares to Rivals

While offering unmatched performance for its price point, the Charger's reliability often falls short compared to top-tier Japanese sedans, primarily due to the Hemi V8's specific mechanical vulnerabilities.

More Reliable Than

2016 Chevrolet SS (rarer, harder to find parts)
2016 Nissan Maxima (CVT transmission risks)
2016 Ford Taurus SHO (EcoBoost carbon buildup issues)

Comparable To

2016 Chrysler 300 (shared platform and powertrains)
2016 Chevrolet Impala (different class, but similar overall reliability)

Safety Recalls on the 2016 Dodge Charger

6 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

What breaks on the 2016 Dodge Charger?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Dodge Charger — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Dodge Charger. Click any year for its full report.

All Dodge Charger years ranked →Dodge Charger years to avoid →Dodge Charger common problems →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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