Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Dodge Charger
The 2015 Dodge Charger has multiple notable recalls, particularly in the powertrain, electrical, and safety categories. Review the condition of the drivetrain and electrical systems thoroughly. Airbag and structural issues are also present, though less critical; be sure to ask about recall repairs and service history.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Dodge Charger has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 136 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
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 #18V281000 Front Driveshaft may Separate from Vehicle NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V097000 Front Driveshaft Bolts may Loosen and Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V043000 Body-Side Sill may Give when Jacking Car NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V461000 Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V114000 Damaged Fuel Rail Hose Connection NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 32 complaints
- Engine 24 complaints
- Electrical System 22 complaints
- Unknown or Other 21 complaints
- Service Brakes 15 complaints
- Steering 13 complaints
Of the 136 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 136 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Wiring may cause short circuit
How to check: Inspect visible wiring for wear and tear.
Fuel rail hose may leak fuel
How to check: Check for gasoline odor near the engine bay.
Cruise control may not disengage
How to check: Verify cruise control function under various speeds.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Ask for proof of airbag recall resolution.
Front driveshaft may detach
How to check: Ensure driveshaft bolts are secure and undamaged.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or warnings.
Red flag: Knocking noise, warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for smooth idle without vibrations.
Red flag: Rough idle or shaking
- 03
Acceleration
What to check: Check response and shifting smoothness.
Red flag: Delayed acceleration, harsh shifts
- 04
Cruise control engagement
What to check: Engage and disengage cruise control several times.
Red flag: Cruise control won't disengage
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Test stability and listen for drivetrain noise.
Red flag: Pulling to one side, loud noises
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth, even braking performance.
Red flag: Brakes grinding, pulling
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and ease of turning.
Red flag: Heavy or unresponsive steering
- 08
Turning at low speed
What to check: Listen for knocks or creaks from suspension.
Red flag: Clunking noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag inflator recall been fixed?
- Has wiring been inspected for short circuits?
- Were there any fuel leaks from the engine?
- Has the driveshaft issue been addressed?
- Any cruise control malfunctions noted?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repairs documentation
- Service history records
- Title and registration
- Previous inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 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.