Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Dodge Charger
The 2009 Dodge Charger has notable airbag recalls and electrical system issues. While generally reliable, potential buyers should prioritize checking these components to ensure safety and performance remain intact. Be cautious of transmission and tire pressure monitoring system problems reported in recalls.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Dodge Charger has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 174 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #18V021000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- 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 #09V420000 FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V642000 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SENSOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V583000 POLICE PACKAGE GEARSHIFT CABLE STEERING COLUMN NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 45 complaints
- Electrical System 45 complaints
- Engine 32 complaints
- Steering 18 complaints
- Tires 18 complaints
- Wheels 12 complaints
Of the 174 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 174 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator failure
How to check: Verify airbag recalls have been addressed.
Frequent electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electronics and lights; look for malfunctions.
Gearshift cable disengagement
How to check: Check if the gear shift aligns correctly with indicators.
Inaccurate tire pressure monitoring
How to check: Inspect tire pressure warning system functionality.
Engine stalling repeatedly
How to check: Listen for uneven idling and stalling sounds.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure a smooth engine start and listen for knocks.
Red flag: Engine struggles or loud knocking sounds
- 02
Idling
What to check: Observe for any unusual vibrations or sounds.
Red flag: Excessive vibration or stalling
- 03
First acceleration
What to check: Check smooth gear transitions and acceleration response.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough gear shifts
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Unresponsive brakes or grinding sounds
- 05
Turning
What to check: Listen for knocking or vibrations when turning.
Red flag: Vibrations or knocking during turns
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test the shifting into park and gear alignment.
Red flag: Misaligned gear indicators
- 07
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check engine performance and noise at higher speeds.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or unusual noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been serviced?
- Any recurring electrical issues?
- Has the airbag system been repaired?
- Are there any transmission repairs?
- Do the tires have accurate TPMS readings?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall service records
- Maintenance logs
- Recent repair invoices
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 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.