The 2021 Charger is part of the LD generation (2011-2023), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.
Service schedule
10 of these 11 items come from Dodge's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Dodge's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.
| Service | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter Or dictated by Oil Life Monitor | 10,000 mi / 1 year | Manufacturer |
| Engine air filter Replace filter | 30,000 mi / 2 years | Manufacturer |
| Cabin air filter Replace filter | 20,000 mi / 2 years | Manufacturer |
| Tire rotation Excludes staggered wheel setups | 10,000 mi / 1 year | Manufacturer |
| Brake fluid Inspect/flush | 2 years | Manufacturer |
| Engine coolant | 150,000 mi / 10 years | Manufacturer |
| Transmission fluid (8-Speed) Recommended replacement (fluid/pan filter) | 60,000 mi / 8 years | Independent |
| Spark plugs Dual plugs per cylinder on V8s | 100,000 mi | Manufacturer |
| Serpentine belt Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark) | Inspect, replace as needed | Manufacturer |
| Differential and transfer case fluid Police, Taxi, Fleet, or Severe Duty | 40,000 mi | Manufacturer |
| PCV valve Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark) | Inspect, replace as needed | Manufacturer |
Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.
Fluids and engines
Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.
Known problems
Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.
50,000-100,000 mi · $400-$800 to fix
Oil pooling in engine valley, burning oil smell, coolant mix
Source: au7o.io
70,000-120,000 mi · $3,000-$4,500 to fix
Misfire codes, loud rhythmic valvetrain ticking
Source: au7o.io
40,000-90,000 mi · $122-$179 to fix
Check engine light, intermittent accessory failures
Source: repairpal.com
30,000-80,000 mi · $300-$600 to fix
Upper door trim separates and peels away near windows
Source: repairpal.com
Safety recalls
From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Dodge dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
March 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 service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
July 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 detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
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 customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.
Running costs
Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.
Shopping new? The Dodge Charger guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.
Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.
Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Charger earns before you buy it.
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