Reliable Auto DB

2013 Dodge Charger reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 360 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Charger over 14 years — 31 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Charger years here — over the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has 8 recalls on file, including Inflator, Alternator, and Transmission control module.

2012 Dodge Charger
Photo by PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

360

Per year

31

Recalls

8

Years on the road

14

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (167 of 360), then Engine (50) and Powertrain (48). Those filings include 25 that report a crash, 20 that report a fire, and 14 that report an injury.

Next to 2012 and 2014

The 2012 Charger has 648 complaints, 49 per year, and the 2014 has 343 complaints, 31 per year. The 2013 has fewer complaints per year than the 2012. The 2013 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2014.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2013 Dodge Charger. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (8)

Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2019-01-15 · NHTSA campaign 19V018000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2018-01-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V021000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2017-07-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission, transmission control module 2016-04-25 · NHTSA campaign 16V240000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Recall Structure 2016-01-28 · NHTSA campaign 16V043000
Summary FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
Recall air bags, side and window 2015-07-27 · NHTSA campaign 15V467000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000
Summary Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Remedy Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2013-12-06 · NHTSA campaign 13V610000
Summary Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

Complaints by component (360 total)

Electrical system
167
Engine
50
Powertrain
48
Air bags
41
Steering
30
Speed control
24
Electronic stability control (ESC)
18
Seat belts
14
Service brakes
14
Structure
10
Fuel and propulsion system
9
Suspension
9
Latches, locks, and linkages
4
Visibility and wipers
4
Wheels
3
Engine and engine cooling
2
Exterior lighting
2
Hydraulic brakes
2
Seats
2
Traction control
2
Adaptive and mobility equipment
1
Back-over prevention
1
Equipment
1
Forward collision avoidance
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Visibility
1
Show 18 more Show less
Crash-flagged

25

Fire-flagged

20

Injury reports

14

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

12012820133220145320155120166720174620183620192820201620216202242023620243202532026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the dealer confirmed there were no open…"
    Air bags · filed 2026-08-31
  • "A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which…"
    Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2026-08-07
  • "The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While attempting to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal became firm. To avoid crashing with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered out of the lane…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-06-22
  • "The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my…"
    Electrical system, Speed control, Service brakes · filed 2025-07-23
  • "Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Charger R/T I’m reaching out because my car has been showing signs that seem to match the symptoms of the V62 recall that FCA issued for the fuel pump relay issue. I have a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T…"
    Electrical system, Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2025-07-16

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Charger 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 18 27 21 MPG $3100
Charger 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 16 25 19 MPG $3900
Charger 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 18 27 21 MPG $3100
Charger 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 19 30 23 MPG $2800
Charger 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 19 30 23 MPG $2800
Charger all-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed All-wheel drive 18 27 21 MPG $3100
Charger all-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed All-wheel drive 15 23 18 MPG $4100
Charger all-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed All-wheel drive 18 27 21 MPG $3100
Charger SRT8 6.4L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 14 23 17 MPG $4700

Specs and fitment

LD generation, 2012–2023
Body styles Sedan
Oil 5W-20 full synthetic (3.6L V6 Pentastar) , 7 qt capacity
Tire size 235/55R18 (SXT), 245/45R20 (R/T and above)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 24V-198 covers 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. Dealers replace both side curtain air bags. Recall 19V-203 covers certain 2019 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles whose instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings; dealers update the instrument cluster software.

Compare

Previous year 2012 Dodge Charger Next year 2014 Dodge Charger See every Dodge Charger model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Dodge Charger reliable?

Owners have filed 360 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Charger over 14 years — 31 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Charger years here — over the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has 8 recalls on file, including Inflator, Alternator, and Transmission control module.

What are common problems with a 2013 Dodge Charger?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (167 of 360), then Engine (50) and Powertrain (48). Those filings include 25 that report a crash, 20 that report a fire, and 14 that report an injury.

Is the 2013 Dodge Charger more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2012 Charger has 648 complaints, 49 per year, and the 2014 has 343 complaints, 31 per year. The 2013 has fewer complaints per year than the 2012. The 2013 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2014.

Has the 2013 Dodge Charger been recalled?

The 2013 Dodge Charger has 8 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2013 Dodge Charger?

Owners have filed 360 complaints about the 2013 Dodge Charger with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2013 Dodge Charger get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2013 Dodge Charger is 20.4 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Dodge Charger use?

Most recent V6 Charger models call for 5W-20 full synthetic with about 7 quarts including the filter.

What does NHTSA recall 24V-198 cover on the Dodge Charger?

Recall 24V-198 covers 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.

What generation is the 2013 Dodge Charger?

LD generation (2012-2023).