Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Dodge Charger
The 2014 Dodge Charger faces notable issues with its electrical system, airbag recalls, and transmission warnings. Regular maintenance and recall updates are critical for safety and performance. Engine reliability is a concern, with frequent complaints about sudden failures. Check service history closely to ensure repairs and recall fixes have been timely addressed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Dodge Charger has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 343 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V018000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E053000 Cruise Control Cannot Be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V741000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in an Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V097000 Front Driveshaft Bolts may Loosen and Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V240000 Driver may Exit Vehicle when it is not in PARK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V043000 Body-Side Sill may Give when Jacking Car NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V467000 Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V634000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 109 complaints
- Steering 62 complaints
- Engine 61 complaints
- Power Train 60 complaints
- Unknown or Other 45 complaints
- Service Brakes 31 complaints
Of the 343 complaints on file, 41 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 343 complaints, owners report 27 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Alternator may fail
How to check: Inspect service records for alternator repairs or replacements
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Verify airbag recall repairs through vehicle history
Cruise control may not disengage
How to check: Check if the PCM and associated repairs have been performed
Front driveshaft may disconnect
How to check: Inspect driveshaft bolts for looseness
Possible jack failure with body-side sill
How to check: Test a tire jack with caution and inspect side sills
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or clicking
Red flag: Persistent unusual noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe responsiveness and smoothness of transmission
Red flag: Jerky acceleration or delayed response
- 04
City driving
What to check: Ensure steering responds smoothly to inputs
Red flag: Excessive play or stiffness in steering
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and effective braking without noises
Red flag: Grinding or reduced braking power
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for steady power delivery and engine performance
Red flag: Lack of power or engine misfires
- 07
Cruise control use
What to check: Test that cruise control engages and disengages properly
Red flag: Inability to disengage cruise control
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the alternator been replaced?
- Were all airbag recalls completed?
- Any issues with cruise control disengaging?
- Has the drivetrain been serviced?
- Are all transmission recalls done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Repair and service records
- Recall completion certificate
- Vehicle history report
- Ownership history
- Warranty details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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