Quick take
The 2016 Charger is the middle of the refreshed generation. It has the updated 2015 styling, an eight-speed automatic and a range that runs from a V6 commuter to the supercharged Hellcat. It also has the largest pile of owner complaints of the five years we cover, 182 in total, so it rewards a careful look.
Three things to verify. Look closely at the interior: the biggest single complaint area is trim and door panels that warp and pull away. Check for a gasoline smell in the cabin or trunk area. And confirm the recall that covers the factory jack, since it only applies to cars built in a certain window.
What changed for 2016
Compared with 2015, the 2016 car was a carry-over year. The facelifted body, interior and eight-speed automatic stayed, and the lineup kept the V6, the Hemi V8 versions, the SRT cars and the Hellcat. There was still no manual option. Trim availability moved around a bit, so the badge on the trunk is a better guide than the model year alone. A car badged SXT, R/T or Scat Pack tells you more than "2016 Charger" does.
The one 2016 entry in the NHTSA safety data we have is a rear-wheel-drive four-door. It shows five stars overall, four stars frontal, five stars side and five stars for rollover. Other versions can differ, so treat that as a reference point, not a promise about the car you are looking at.
Because 2015 and 2016 are so close, read the 2015 report and the 2017 report too. If one year has an issue, the neighbors often share it.
Known trouble spots to check
NHTSA has 182 complaints for this model year, with 7 crashes, 2 fires and 15 injuries tied to the reports and no deaths. Those are owner reports, not failure rates, and they cover every version.
Structure (53 complaints). This is the standout. Owners describe interior door panels that warp, lift and peel away from the door frame, sometimes on all four doors. Some describe the dash or the plastic around the shifter folding outward. A few worry the lifted panels could affect the side airbags, though the data does not show that they did. A handful of the structure reports are about the factory jack, which ties into a recall below. On a visit, look at the top edge of each door panel near the window, and press on the trim. Look for gaps, bubbling and glue marks that suggest a prior repair.
Fuel system (25 complaints). Owners report a strong fuel smell in the cabin, often after fueling, and a leak or residue near the fuel pump under the rear seat. One describes the connector at the pump showing damage. Put your nose in the cabin and trunk with the windows up, and check under the rear seat for stains or a sharp odor. Also notice whether the car runs rough or stalls after fueling.
Power train (25 complaints). Front driveshaft and carrier bearing trouble shows up again, including on a former police car and an AWD car. Others describe thumping from a front corner and a car that rolls when it should hold in park. Listen for a drone or a rhythmic thud under the car.
Engine (25 complaints). The reports include a cracked oil filter housing, oil leaking from the intake and filter areas, ticking, and a failed emissions test. Check the top of the engine and the area around the oil filter for wetness, and ask for service records.
Electrical system (25 complaints). Owners describe batteries dying often, headlight fuses burning out and the car shutting down while driving with the lights still on. One describes a mileage mismatch found at diagnosis. Check the odometer against the history report and the service records.
General checks for this type of car:
- Cooling. One owner with several Chargers describes broken radiator fans damaging radiators and causing overheating. Watch the temperature gauge and listen for the fans.
- Steering. Steering has 17 complaints, several about power assist cutting out. Test it at low speed.
- Lights. Check both headlights, high and low beams, and look for scorched fuse or connector areas if you can get a mechanic to open the box.
- Brakes and tires. Look for shudder under braking, uneven tire wear and a parking brake that holds firmly.
Recalls on a car this age
Several recalls are tied to the 2016 Charger. Not all of them cover every car.
- Jack and body sill (2016). Covers certain 2011 to 2016 Chargers built between August 23, 2010 and January 7, 2016. The sill can give way if the supplied jack is used without chocking the wheels, and the car can fall. Until it is done, do not use the factory jack on a car you are not sure about.
- AWD front driveshaft bolts (2017). Covers certain 2014 to 2017 AWD Chargers and Chrysler 300s. The bolts could loosen and the shaft could come loose, causing a loss of power to the wheels.
- Cruise control wiring (2018). A wiring short could stop cruise control from turning off. The recall text lists Chargers from 2014 to 2018, among many other vehicles.
- Police AWD V8 driveshaft (2018). Pursuit vehicles with AWD and a V8 only.
- Performance-kit engine computers (2018). Covers certain aftermarket performance packages, not the factory computer. If a car has a factory-branded tuning kit, ask which part it uses.
- Fire extinguishers (2017). A recall on certain fire extinguishers sold with some vehicles and trailers. It is not a Charger system and applies only if equipment from the list was added.
Recall repairs at a Dodge dealer are free. Check the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup before you sign.
Test-drive checklist
- Smell the cabin before you start the car, then again after a few minutes of driving. Notice any gasoline odor, especially behind the rear seat.
- Open and close every door and press the panel edges. Look for lifting, bubbling and warps near the window.
- Cold start. Listen for ticking, and watch for warning lights that stay on.
- Accelerate gently from a stop, then firmly on an on-ramp. The eight-speed should shift cleanly without flare or bang.
- Drive at highway speed on a smooth road. A drone, vibration or thud that rises with speed can point to the driveshaft.
- Brake firmly from moderate speed. Watch for shake in the wheel or pedal.
- Turn the wheel slowly in a parking lot. Power steering should feel even, with no warning icon.
- On a V8 or SRT, check the rear tires for patchy wear and ask about modifications and track use.
Before you hand over money
Run the VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup. Get a vehicle history report and compare mileage and service records with what the seller claims. Pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection. Ask the shop to check the fuel pump area, driveshaft bearings, the door panels and the cooling system.
Ask a seller direct questions about modifications. What was changed, who installed it and does the car still have the original parts? Was it tuned, by whom and can it be returned to stock? Ask about clutch-like behavior in the automatic, such as slipping, flaring or harsh shifts after a tune. Then use the payment calculator to see what the monthly cost looks like.
Is it the right car for you?
The 2016 Charger fits buyers who want the updated look and are fine inspecting the cabin closely. The V6 and R/T cars suit daily driving. A Scat Pack or SRT car suits an enthusiast who wants speed and will check the history carefully.
Look elsewhere if interior trim warping would bother you, if you can't tolerate any fuel odor in the cabin, or if you want a car that has never been modified or driven hard.
Bottom line
The 2016 Charger is a capable performance sedan with a noisy complaint record, mostly in the interior and fuel areas. Check the door panels, smell the cabin and confirm the recalls by VIN. A seller who is open about modifications and records is worth more than a lower price.