Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Dodge Charger
The 2006 Dodge Charger has significant owner complaints related to the engine, fuel system, and power train, alongside five recall campaigns primarily concerning airbags and transmission. Potential buyers should be cautious but note that data shows some consistent issues without specifying severity or incidence rates.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Dodge Charger has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,294 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V352000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V313000 Do Not Drive - Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V583000 POLICE PACKAGE GEARSHIFT CABLE STEERING COLUMN NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V149000 REAR BRAKE TUBES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V460000 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CUP PLUG NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 388 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 305 complaints
- Power Train 218 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 215 complaints
- Electrical System 145 complaints
- Air Bags 103 complaints
Of the 1,294 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 1,294 complaints, owners report 28 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent stalling
How to check: Examine for rough idling or hesitation while driving.
Gearshift cable issues
How to check: Inspect gearshift action and alignment; test each gear.
Brake fluid leaks
How to check: Check for brake fluid leaks in the rear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for any knocking or ticking sounds.
Red flag: Unusual engine noise.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor for engine stalling or hesitating.
Red flag: Engine dies unexpectedly.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Note smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test acceleration for smoothness and power.
Red flag: Engine hesitates or stalls.
- 05
Braking from 50 mph
What to check: Ensure brakes respond without noise.
Red flag: Unusual brake noise or fade.
- 06
Turn testing
What to check: Check for abnormal steering feel or noise.
Red flag: Steering issues or noises.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- How often has the engine stalled?
- Have the airbags been replaced?
- Are there any transmission repairs recorded?
- Have the brakes been serviced recently?
- Is there a recurring electrical issue?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history
- Recall repair records
- Accident history report
- Transmission maintenance records
- Brake service receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Dodge Charger? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.