Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Dodge Charger
The 2021 Dodge Charger, while offering strong performance, has significant recall concerns, notably involving airbag integrity and windshield bonding. Complaints focus primarily on airbag issues, which could affect safety. Prospective buyers should prioritize verifying these elements to ensure safety and compliance.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Dodge Charger has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 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 #24V198000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V516000 Inadequate Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 16 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 5 complaints
- Engine 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
Of the 35 complaints on file, 2 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbags may rupture
How to check: Check recall rectification paperwork for airbag inflators.
Windshield may detach
How to check: Inspect windshield bonding quality and recall fixes.
Power train concerns
How to check: Listen for unusual noises during engine operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or loud ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe stability of idle RPMs.
Red flag: RPMs fluctuate excessively
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Verify acceleration performance and noise.
Red flag: Lack of power or loud noises
- 05
Braking to a stop
What to check: Feel for vibrations in pedals.
Red flag: Vibrations or grinding sounds
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Heavy steering or unusual noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Was the windshield bonding recall fixed?
- Any ongoing issues with the power train?
- Have there been any accidents?
- Do you have the original purchase receipt?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair receipts
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Title or proof of ownership
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 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.