DodgeCharger2021Overview/dodge/charger/2021/base/

2021 Dodge Charger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Charger.

The 2021 Dodge Charger runs on a 7.0-quart fill of 0W-40 oil and logged 32 owner complaints with air bags as the top concern alongside two recalls. That complaint total places it well below the 2006 peak of 1,293 reports across the 2001–2024 model run, though it remains above the 2024 low of just one. The figures suggest a mid-range reliability showing for the nameplate — improved from its worst years but not yet at the quietest recent standard.

Model year202620252023202220212020198719861985

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size245/45ZR20 99YOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8, Optional: 9 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 04884899AC
Engine air filter04861746AB alt 68172459AA
Spark plugSP143877AB alt SP149212AC
Battery56029635AD alt 68533838AA
Front wiper blades68194930AB alt 05182439AB
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length198.4 in
Overall width75.2 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase120.1 in
Curb weight4158 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Charger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.5–4.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.50 sec — 2021 SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Sedan 6.2L Supercharger V83.50 sec11.50 sec797 hpRWD
2021SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Sedan 6.2L Supercharger V84.00 sec11.90 sec797 hpRWD
2021SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Sedan 6.2L Supercharger V84.00 sec12.00 sec797 hpRWD
2021392 Scat Pack Widebody Sedan 6.4L V84.20 sec12.70 sec485 hpRWD
2020SRT Hellcat Widebody Sedan 6.2L Supercharger V83.80 sec11.90 sec717 hpRWD
2020R/T Scat Pack 392 Sedan 6.4L V83.90 sec12.30 sec485 hpRWD
2020SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition Sedan 6.2L Supercharger V84.00 sec12.10 sec717 hpRWD
2019R/T Sedan (87 octane) 5.7L V84.90 sec13.50 sec370 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.0 qt of 0W-40 engine oil, Synthetic · 75W-90 · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4 · ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.1 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity845RE
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Differential Gear OilSynthetic · 75W-90 · 75W-85
Engine Coolant Capacity10.0 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity15.2 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug8HP70: Drain: 6.67 ft-lbs, Fill: 26.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel HubUse a new Hub Nut: 157.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubUse a new Hub Nut: 157.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.56; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-12
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.38; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-12

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure4.0 minimum psi @ Curb idle speed. psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM25.0-110.0 psi @ 3,000 rpm's rpm
Engine Oil Pressure5.0 minimum psi @ curb idle speed psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM5.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 44.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 23.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 120.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 87.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.4
Minimum Pad Thickness.040 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.040; Rear: 17
Maximum Rotor RunoutMeasure on Vehicle: .0008"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°.15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts3.66 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts3.66 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 96,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 18,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 90,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
Every 96,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Intercooler (drain & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record for the Dodge Charger reveals a dramatic downward trend in complaints, falling from a peak of 1,293 in 2006 to just 32 for the 2021 model year. This placement puts 2021 near the bottom of the generation's complaint arc, showing a marked improvement over the 2020 model's 57 complaints and 3 recalls. Within the 2021 data, air bags represent the most frequent complaint area with 12 entries, although the provided data does not specify the root cause. The 2021 model's 2 recalls and 0 investigations are consistent with the low-volume pattern seen in subsequent years, such as 2022 and 2023. While technical service bulletins remain high at 302, the overall volume of federal complaints is minimal compared to the vehicle's earlier history. Because this year sits within a period of peak stability and minimal federal complaints, it is a good year to buy.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
302
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
32
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 32 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags12
Unknown Or Other4
Power Train2
Visibility,Air Bags1
Structure1
Seat Belts1
Exterior Lighting1
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V516000Visibility:WindshieldReported 08/07/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to… Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC…

24V198000Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:InflatorReported 14/03/2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 302 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
18-044-262026-03-21EngineFlash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction…
S2208000045 REV.C2026-03-18Unknown Or OtherBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2621000003 REV.A2026-03-09Power TrainThe vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the…
S26080000102026-03-05Electrical SystemActive Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Charger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Charger take?

7.0 qt of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 Full Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Charger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.