Makes›Dodge›Charger›2013

2013 Dodge Charger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Dodge Charger
Pictured: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona RT, front 4.14.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan R/T AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD R/T/R/T Road And Track/, 4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt/Sxt Plus, 4dr Sedan Srt
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
Horsepower
292–370 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 19 city / 30 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
3,962–4,449 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 370 hp, versus about 170 hp for similar 2013 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,449 lb (4dr Sedan R/T AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 14% better than the 2013 large car average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 326 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Charger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Charger →

Trims, performance & features

Engine292 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine370 hp5.7L 8-cyl
DriveRWD · AWD/4WD

Trims

SESXTR/T

Built in: Brampton, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Charger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan R/T AWD200 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,449 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD R/T/R/T Road And Track/200 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,253 lb56/44
4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt/Sxt Plus200 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,962 lb56/44
4dr Sedan Srt200 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,365 lb56/44
4dr Sedan Sxt AWD/Sxt Plus AWD200 in75.2 in58.3 in120.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,151 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Charger3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23+14%$2,900389
Charger FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23+14%$2,900389
Charger3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+4%$3,200426
Charger AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+4%$3,200415
Charger FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+4%$3,200426
Charger AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+4%$3,200415
Charger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-6%$4,000477
Charger AWD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-11%$4,200503
Charger SRT86.4L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-16%$4,850520
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.2 MPG2013 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Dodge Charger.

Similar 2013 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Dodge Charger (this car)23 MPGNot rated9
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3
2013 Dodge Challenger21 MPGNot rated5
2013 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated9
2013 Chrysler 30023 MPGNot rated6
2013 Nissan Altima31 MPGNot rated12

Recalls (9)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 13, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V739000 · 74,811 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Apr 25, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V240000 · 811,290 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Risk
Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Structure · Jan 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V043000 · 441,578 vehicles

Problem
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Risk
A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 27, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V467000 · 284,095 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Risk
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 8, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V610000 · 4,194 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Risk
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

326Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
20Involved a fire
15Injuries reported
63,520 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System140
Engine46
Power Train39
Air Bags36
Steering29
Unknown Or Other28
Vehicle Speed Control19
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/04: 121/06: 121/07: 321/09: 121/10: 321/11: 121/12: 222/02: 122/06: 222/07: 122/09: 122/11: 123/01: 123/06: 123/08: 123/10: 124/01: 124/03: 124/04: 124/07: 325/01: 125/07: 226/06: 126/08: 221/0421/0921/1222/0723/0123/1024/0425/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 140 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 63,520 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Dodge Charger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Charger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Charger267 mi206.7 inNot rated10
2026 Charger20206.7 inNot rated15
2025 Charger308 mi206.7 inNot rated339
2024 Charger308 mi198.4 inNot rated324
2023 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★226
2022 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★316
2021 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★235
2020 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★358
2019 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★5120
2018 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★6122
2017 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★4128
2016 Charger23198.4 in★★★★★5182

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →