Quick take
The 2019 Charger is the newest of the five years we cover, with the fewest complaints at 120. It is also the year where one issue dominates the data: the curtain airbag inflator recall, which accounts for most of the airbag complaints. If you are shopping a 2019, that recall status is the first thing to settle.
Three things to verify. Whether the airbag recall is done, scheduled or waiting on parts. Whether the headlights work reliably, since several owners describe overheated connectors and burned fuses. And whether the brakes and front end are healthy, which matters most on a Scat Pack or other V8 car that may have been driven hard.
What changed for 2019
The 2019 car kept the body, interior and eight-speed automatic from the 2015 refresh. No manual transmission was offered. The lineup still ran from V6 cars up through R/T, Scat Pack, SRT and Hellcat versions, with a GT trim showing up in the NHTSA complaints, plus police pursuit cars.
The safety data for the AWD four-door shows five stars overall, four stars frontal, five stars side and five stars for rollover. That is one tested version.
Because the later years share so much, read the 2018 report too. Several issues repeat across both.
Known trouble spots to check
NHTSA has 120 complaints for the 2019, with 7 crashes, 3 fires and 11 injuries tied to the reports and no deaths. These are owner reports, not failure rates, and they cover V6, V8, AWD and police cars.
Air bags (49 complaints). Most are not about airbags failing. Owners describe getting notice of the inflator recall and then waiting for parts, hearing nothing, or buying a car without being told it was open. A few describe problems after the repair: a warning light that stayed on, or damage they blame on the shop. One reports a curtain bag showing after a storm. Run the VIN before you visit. Ask the seller for written proof that the repair was done, and look at the headliner edges and the airbag light on the test drive.
Electrical system (22 complaints). The reports include steering assist and ABS dropping out at highway speed, an instrument cluster that shows wrong information, and a headlight fuse that blackens and gets hot. A few connect cluster failures to a software recall. Check that the cluster shows all lights at startup, and that steering feels normal.
Exterior lighting (13 complaints). Headlights fail, bulbs are replaced repeatedly, and connectors melt. One report involves an electrical fire behind a headlight. Check both low and high beams, and ask whether connectors, fuses or housings have been replaced.
Service brakes (12 complaints). Owners describe shaking under braking, including on a lightly used Scat Pack, brake pads that contact only part of the rotor, a missing caliper bolt found during a pad job, and a car whose automatic braking engaged on its own. On a test drive, brake from highway speed and feel for shake. Ask what pads and rotors are on it and if it was tracked.
Engine (10 complaints). Reports include lifter noise, a failed engine after internal repair, a leaking oil cooler assembly, overheating and an engine bay fire on a police car. Start cold and listen. Ask for service records and check coolant level and condition.
General checks for this kind of car:
- Steering and front end. Steering (9) and wheel (7) complaints include a suspension arm failing, rubbing at full lock and shake at highway speed. Look for uneven tire wear and play.
- Fuel smell. A few reports mention fuel odor and a cracked filler tube base. Sniff the car.
- Door panels. Warping door trim shows up here too, though less often than on earlier years.
- Anti-theft. One owner describes a break-in that defeated the alarm. Test the locks and alarm.
- Camera. Check the backup camera on every start.
Recalls on a car this age
Five recalls appear for the 2019 Charger. Check the version details.
- Curtain airbag inflators (2024). Covers certain 2018 to 2021 Chargers and Chrysler 300s. The inflators may rupture. Owners report long waits for parts, so a car may still be open.
- Wheel and brake package mismatch (2019). Certain 2019 Challengers and Chargers got a front wheel and brake combination that is not compatible, so the tire could touch the steering knuckle. A dealer can tell you by VIN whether yours is affected. On a modified car, ask what wheels and brakes are on it and whether they are original.
- Sun visor labels (2019). Certain 2019 Chargers lack required airbag warning text on the visors. A paperwork-level fix, but confirm it.
- Instrument cluster warnings (2019). Certain 2019 Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles may not light the right warnings. A software update addresses it.
- Pursuit stealth mode (2020). Only 2018 to 2020 pursuit cars with stealth mode, where the backup camera may not show.
Recall repairs are free. Look up the VIN with NHTSA's free recall lookup before you go any further.
Test-drive checklist
- Before the drive, ask for written proof of the airbag recall repair, or a scheduled appointment.
- Start the car and watch the cluster. Every warning light should light up briefly and then clear.
- Run low and high beams and look for flicker or a hot connector smell.
- Drive at city speed, then brake firmly. Feel for steering shake or pulsing.
- Drive at highway speed and listen for vibration or a hum from the front end.
- At full lock in a parking lot, listen for rubbing or clicking.
- Check the backup camera and the screen for glitches.
- On a V8, ask about launches, track days and the age of the tires and brake pads.
Before you hand over money
Get a VIN recall check, a vehicle history report and an independent pre-purchase inspection. Ask the shop to look at the brakes, front suspension, headlight wiring and the cooling system. If the airbag recall is open, ask for a written promise or a lower deal, and do not assume the dealer will supply parts quickly.
For a modified car, ask what was changed and who did it. Ask for the shop receipts and original parts. Ask whether the engine or transmission has been tuned and whether the stock calibration is saved. A willing seller will answer. Then use the payment calculator to size up a monthly payment.
Is it the right car for you?
The 2019 suits buyers who want the latest version of this body and will deal with the airbag recall. V6 AWD cars suit daily drivers. Scat Pack and Hellcat cars suit buyers who can verify care.
Look elsewhere if you can't tolerate an open safety recall, or if the idea of verifying modifications and track use does not appeal.
Bottom line
The 2019 Charger has the lowest complaint count of the five years, but the airbag recall and the headlight electrical complaints need real attention. Get proof of the repair, inspect the brakes and front end and ask direct questions about modifications.