Quick take
The 2015 Charger is the first year of the refreshed current generation. It looks newer than the 2014 car, it uses an automatic transmission with more gears, and it brought the supercharged SRT Hellcat to the lineup. That makes it the cheapest way into a Charger with the updated styling. It also makes it the oldest of the five years we cover, so age and mileage matter more here than they do on a 2019.
Three things to verify. First, the driveline: owners of this year report a lot of noise and wear from the front driveshaft and its carrier bearing on all-wheel-drive cars. Second, the recall list is long and some recalls cover only certain versions, so a VIN check is not optional. Third, if it is an SRT or a modified car, find out how it was driven and what was changed.
What changed for 2015
For 2015 the Charger got a front and rear facelift, an updated interior and an eight-speed automatic across the range. There was no manual transmission offered. Engine choices ran from the V6 up through the Hemi V8s, and the SRT versions sat at the top. The Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, was new for the year, and the V8 R/T line gained a Scat Pack version.
The 2015 car is also the start of the facelifted look, so a 2014 Charger looks different. The structure underneath carried over from the earlier cars in this generation. That is useful when you read forum threads: some problems seen on 2011 to 2014 cars can show up here as well.
Safety data is thin. The AWD version in the NHTSA data has a five-star rollover rating and no overall, frontal or side scores on file. Don't read that as a bad result. It means the ratings were not published for this test configuration.
Known trouble spots to check
NHTSA has 136 complaints on file for the 2015 Charger, with 10 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries tied to those reports and no deaths. These are owner reports, not failure rates, and they mix V6, V8, AWD and police cars. Here are the top areas.
Power train (32 complaints). The most common story is the front driveshaft on AWD cars. Owners describe a rumble, whine or clunk that changes as the car turns or speeds up, and shops finding a failed carrier bearing or a loose shaft. Several describe repeat repairs. A second group describes the transmission failing to shift, stalling at low speed with a "place in park" message, or vibration from the driveline. On a test drive, listen for a rhythmic drone from under the middle of the car. Feel for a clean shift from first to second when you pull away from a stop.
Engine (24 complaints). Owners describe ticking at idle, rough running and misfires on the V6, and overheating on higher-mileage cars. A ticking noise is worth taking seriously on a car with a Hemi or a Pentastar V6, so don't wave it off. Start the car cold and listen for ticking in the first minute. Ask for the oil change history and look for fresh oil around the engine.
Electrical system (22 complaints). The radio and touchscreen dominate: random shutoffs, volume changes and a screen that draws the battery down when the car is parked. A few describe the start button not returning to off, and some report lane-assist features that don't work. A couple report odometer discrepancies found after purchase, which is a reason to check history and service records carefully.
Service brakes (15 complaints). Owners report a soft pedal, ABS and stability warning lights, and a rear brake line rubbing on the frame. Warning lights that come on and go away deserve a scan, not a shrug.
Steering (13 complaints). The electric power steering is the issue: sudden loss of assist, a warning icon, and in some cases a stiff wheel while moving. Test it at low speed in a parking lot.
General checks for this kind of car:
- Driveshaft area. On AWD cars, look under the car for play in the shaft and a worn center bearing. Ask if the front driveshaft has ever been replaced.
- Fuel smell. The 11 fuel-system complaints describe fuel pump or connector problems, with a gas smell in the cabin or fuel seeping near the pump under the rear seat. Sniff the cabin, and look in the trunk and the rear seat area.
- Headlights. Eleven complaints cover bulbs and fuses that fail repeatedly. Check both low beams and high beams at night if you can.
- Tires and brakes. Look for uneven tire wear and rotors with deep grooves or lips.
- Cooling. Watch the temperature gauge in traffic and look for coolant residue at the radiator.
Recalls on a car this age
NHTSA lists several recalls tied to the 2015 Charger, and they do not all apply to every car. Read them as a menu to check by VIN.
- Airbag inflator (2019). The text names several Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models and does not clearly list the Charger. Owners of 2015 Chargers have reported getting notices for it, so check your VIN.
- Cruise control (2018). A wiring short could keep cruise control from switching off. This one lists Charger model years 2014 to 2018.
- Aftermarket performance PCM (2018). This covers certain performance-kit engine computers sold as parts, not the factory car. It matters if a seller says the car has a factory-branded tune kit.
- Police AWD V8 front driveshaft (2018). Only pursuit vehicles with AWD and a V8.
- AWD front driveshaft bolts (2017). Charger and Chrysler 300 AWD cars from 2014 to 2017. The bolts could loosen and the shaft could disconnect.
- Jack and body sill (2016). Covers certain Chargers built in a set window ending January 7, 2016. The sill could give way and drop the car when the supplied jack is used.
- Radio software (2015). The radio could allow outside access to vehicle systems.
- Supercharged fuel rail (2015). Only SRT cars with the 6.2-liter supercharged engine built in a narrow window from September 2014 to early February 2015. Fuel could leak at a hose connection.
Recall repairs are free at a Dodge dealer, whoever owns the car. Run the VIN at NHTSA's free recall lookup and do not buy a car with an open airbag, fuel or driveshaft recall unless the repair is booked.
Test-drive checklist
- Start the car cold. Listen for ticking, rattles or a rough first minute.
- Pull away gently from a stop. The eight-speed should shift smoothly. Hesitation, flares or a harsh bang into gear are red flags.
- Drive at moderate city and highway speeds with the radio off. Listen for a drone or whine from under the car that changes with speed.
- In a parking lot, turn the wheel lock to lock. Check for noise, stiffness or a steering warning.
- Brake hard from moderate speed in a safe place. The car should stay straight, with no pulsing and no soft pedal.
- Run the climate control, heated seats and screen for ten minutes. Watch for screen glitches and warning lights.
- Ask to see under the rear seat for signs of fuel odor or staining.
- If it is a V8 or an SRT, ask about burnouts, launches and track days, and look at the rear tires for patchy wear.
Before you hand over money
Do three things. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and keep a printout. Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents, title branding and odometer issues. Pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection, and ask the shop to check the driveshaft and its bearing, the cooling system and the transmission fluid condition.
If the car has aftermarket parts or a tune, ask the seller what was changed, who did the work and whether the factory parts are included. Ask whether the engine and transmission computers were flashed, and by whom. A shop can check the computers for signs of changes. Then use the payment calculator to see what a monthly payment looks like with tax and fees before you negotiate.
Is it the right car for you?
This is a fit for someone who wants a roomy, rear-drive-based sedan with a good-looking refresh and is willing to spend time checking history. The V6 is for commuting and road trips. The V8 R/T and Scat Pack suit people who want power without paying for a Hellcat. An SRT is for people who understand the extra wear and extra scrutiny that comes with it.
Look elsewhere if you want a low-maintenance appliance, if you cannot get an inspection, or if you are not comfortable with a car that may have had hard use or aftermarket changes.
Bottom line
A 2015 Charger can be a satisfying and practical used performance sedan, but its complaint record points at the driveline, electrical systems and the engine, so inspect those first. Close every recall by VIN and be direct with a seller about driving habits and modifications. Let a good inspection decide.