Buyer Research

2016 Dodge Charger R/T — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $16,000–$24,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

A four-door muscle car — the 5.7L HEMI V8 makes a proper 370 hp and a proper noise, in a roomy rear-drive body. Great cruiser, real straight-line pace. The HEMI's cylinder-deactivation lifter tick is the thing to listen for, and it drinks fuel. Buy a maintained, un-abused one and enjoy a lot of V8 sedan for the money.

Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

HEMI MDS lifter / camshaft wear ("HEMI tick")High — wallet impact

The cylinder-deactivation system can wear lifters and the cam, causing a tick and eventual misfire. Listen carefully at idle; a repair is a big job.

Repair cost range: $1,500-$4,000 if affected

Electrical (TIPM / modules)Medium

The power module and electronics can throw odd faults; verify everything works.

Repair cost range: $300-$1,000

Fuel economy and tire costLow

It drinks fuel and eats rear tires, especially if driven hard.

Repair cost range: Ongoing

Abuse / modification riskMedium

Many were driven hard or modified; inspect for tune, clutch/driveline wear, and accident history.

Repair cost range: Varies

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Lifter tick or misfire
✗Signs of hard use, burnouts, or a tune
✗Random electrical faults
✗Mismatched or worn rear tires

Good Signs

✓Quiet HEMI, no tick
✓Documented service, stock condition
✓Clean history, adult-owned

Found a specific Dodge Charger R/T?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.