The Dodge Charger has a long history going back more than five decades, and today’s version is a four-door sedan that retains some of its muscle-car style. The car first appeared in 1966 as a fastback and was later featured in The Dukes of Hazzard. It evolved from a muscle car to a luxury car before Dodge retired the name in the 1980s.

A new Charger returned for the 2006 model year. The new Charger has been well received since then, but the 2016 Charger did not receive the best reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.

The 2016 Dodge Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger had what Consumer Reports calls a “macho image.” A number of packages and options allowed buyers to customize, and the sedan also provided plenty of performance. It offered four different engine options all with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smallest was the 3.6-liter V6, generating 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

There were three V8 engine options. The 5.7-liter V8 produced 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The 6.4-liter V8 engine produced 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful was the 6.2-liter V8, generating 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The 2016 Charger came with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The roomy sedan had plenty of space for adults in the front or rear seats. It was also heavy, weighing nearly two tons.

Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings

Consumer Reports provides one way to get information about the 2016 Charger’s reliability. The organization sends out surveys to collect information on vehicle’s reliability from its members. Owners share any problems they’ve experienced with their vehicle over the past 12 months in 17 different categories. While Consumer Reports hasn’t provided a reliability rating for most of the Charger’s model years, there is one for 2016.

Body integrity and paint/trim problems

On its five-point scale, Consumer Reports gave the 2016 Dodge Charger just three for overall reliability. Out of the 17 categories that Consumer Reports looks at, the 2016 Charger received four or five in 13 of the categories. The other four, though, only received threes, pulling down the overall reliability rating.

Body integrity was one trouble spot, with squeaks and noises from loose or cracked seals or weather stripping. One owner wrote, “Minor occasional rattle right of the shifter where two different materials meet – rubber and plastic. Most prevalent on rougher roads. Our Mazda CX-5 has same issue.” Paint and trim also received a three. The category includes issues with paint, interior or exterior trim and moldings, or rust.

An owner mentioned, “Clearcoat was peeling the edge of the hood from the heat of the engine underneath.” The other two low-rated categories were the suspension and the power equipment.

Recalls for the 2016 Dodge Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger also has six recalls on it. Two recalls involve an inability to cancel the cruise control, which could increase the risk for a crash. Two recalls also increase the risk of a crash: the front drive shaft may separate from the vehicle and the front driveshaft bolts may loosen and disconnect.

In addition, the fire extinguisher with the car may be clogged or inoperable. The final recall affects repairing the Charger. The car’s body-side sill may give way when the car is being jacked, causing the jack to fail and drop the car.

Interestingly, while the 2016 Dodge Charger only received a three out of five for reliability from Consumer Reports, owner satisfaction was high at five out of five. In addition, 89 percent of owners said they would buy their car again. Buyers considering a used car should be aware of the potential body and paint issues.