Dodge Challenger Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Dodge Challenger options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Dodge Challenger you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Challenger has 261 owner complaints and 17 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Challenger
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 261
- Safety recall campaigns
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Fire-related complaints
- 8
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (73 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (8 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Dodge Challenger: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe DODGE CHALLENGER has 261 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. 27 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 261 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 17 federal recall campaigns
- 27 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
17 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 261 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
261 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
My steering was locked up when I started my car in the cold then on my first turn, it completely locked up and it did this several times and it makes a grinding noise. I am assuming one of the bearings has failed in it, but it failing on me the rack locking up is something different I believe.
I have an urgent and safety issue with my 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. I was driving on road from work. When I was approaching a red light coming to a complete stop. I pressed the clutch to engage the gear into neutral. Suddenly I heard a loud snapping sound, I lost all pressure to the clutch and almost hitting the vehicle in front of me because I couldn’t get it out of gear. Nearly causing multiple car accident with all the cars infront and behind me on the road. I had to shut off the engine so the vehicle would come to a complete stop. Vehicle was towing into the closest Dodge dealership (Sahara CDJR in Las Vegas). After 2 days in the shop, the service advisor just called me and stated that it’s the clutch pedal push rod that snapped and the entire pedal assembly need to be replaced, which would not be covered. I asked him and he confirmed it’s not a common thing to break at the low miles (14741 miles on the vehicle) but I need to reach out to Dodge Customer Service to see if it would fall under “defective parts” claim. Please help me open a case and take care of this issue. It is a very serious safety issue if the rod would just snap like that during normal vehicle operation. This could have needed very badly. Thank you!
In your own words, tell us what happened. Cro I have an urgent and safety issue with my 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. I was driving on road from work. When I was approaching a red light coming to a complete stop. I pressed the clutch to engage the gear into neutral. Suddenly I heard a loud snapping sound, I lost all pressure to the clutch and almost hitting the vehicle in front of me because I couldn't get it out of gear. Nearly causing multiple car accident with all the cars infront and behind me on the road. I had to shut off the engine so the vehicle would come to a complete stop. Vehicle was towing into the closest Dodge dealership (Sahara CDJR in Las Vegas). After 2 days in the shop, the service advisor just called me and stated that it's the clutch pedal push rod that snapped and the entire pedal assembly need to be replaced, which would not be covered. I asked him and he confirmed it's not a common thing to break at the low miles (14741 miles on the vehicle) but I need to reach out to Dodge Customer Service to see if it would fall under "defective parts" claim. Please help me open a case and take care of this issue. It is a very serious safety issue if the rod would just snap like that during normal vehicle operation. This could have needed very badly. Thank you!
Air conditioning system failed. Stopped blowing cool air. Leak developed in system and it was traced to the evaporator core
Cooling fans exploded an went through radiator, making the car inoperable!
Good afternoon, my right headlight wiring harness had rubbed on the frame down to the wires, actually meta l to metal and caused my head light to blow out and my turn signal to malfunction and there is no warning light for the headlight being out, I called the dealership and they said there's no recall and they want a lot of money to fix this problem, I'm afraid it may cause a fire, I've noticed this for about a week, I ordered a new light on 8/22 and that's when I noticed the bare wires
Seat belt starting to unlock on its own-Driver Airbag malfunction-Passenger seat Reverse gear malfunction -code. Tsb 21-039-24
On 11-Jul-24 about 3:45 pm I was driving on the highway appox 70 mph and my sunroof exploded. There was only one car near me and not in a position to throw up any rocks.
Trunk is opening automatically while driving
While driving the air conditioning control’s stopped working. It required restarting the vehicle, to get it to work again . The air also started blowing out the defrost vents without being changed to blow through them.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle momentarily powered off; while coasting to the side of the road, the vehicle suddenly powered back on and continued to drive as needed. The contact stated that during the failure, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle independently restarted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,800.
Windshield is becoming unglued starting to separate
My car was in a collision yesterday. I was rear-ended and pushed into another vehicle, resulting in both front and rear impacts. The air bag did not deploy, even though I could smell it, as if it did deploy. Also, my car app notified me that the airbag had been deployed and needed to be taken to a service provider to be serviced. The problem is that no airbags actually deployed. So if I had been in a situation that required the airbags to save my life, I would not have had them. I feel like this could really be a problem if it happened in another situation & I wanted to let someone know so they can look into it.
Car completely shut off while driving on the freeway at 75mph. Car completely shut off another incident on the street and another incident in a parking lot.
UPON RECEIVING A PHONE CALL WHILE MY DEVICE IS CONNECTED TO THE UCONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, THE INCOMING RINGER VOLUME IS SET TO MAXIMUM LOUDNESS. THIS CANNOT BE CHANGED. THE RINGER IS SO LOUD, IT IS STARTLING TO ANYONE WHO IS IN THE CAR. EVERY TIME I GET A CALL WHILE IN MY CAR (THROUGH UCONNECT), I JUMP. I THOUGHT A FRIEND OF MINE WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK. I HAVE TRIED CHANGING THE VOLUME ON THE RINGER AND IT CANNOT BE DONE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I CONTACTED DODGE DIRECTLY AND I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO CHECK FOR UPDATES TO MY UCONNECT SYSTEM. I DID THAT AND THERE ARE NO UPDATES AVAILABLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE CHECKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE GOING BACK A FEW YEARS. DODGE HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY NEGLECTFUL WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY.
I BOUGHT A DODGE CHALLENGER. THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT IS HUNTINGTON BEACH DODGE RAM JEEP DEALER. I GOT OUT OF THE DEALER AND THE SHAFT OF THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE WAY, I WAS ALMOST HAVING AN ACCIDENT.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THEY TOLD ME TO GIVE THE CAR TO THE SERVICE. I SAID I DID NOT WANT TO SERVICE THE CAR AT 50 MILES. I ASKED THEM TO GIVE ME A NEW ONE OF THE SAME CAR. NO, WE CAN'T GIVE YOU A CAR BECAUSE THEY SAID YOU BOUGHT CASH AND GOT A DISCOUNT. I LEFT THE CAR TO THE SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. STILL NOBODY INFORMED ME. WHEN THEY REPAIRED MY VEHICLE, I DON'T WANT TO GET ON THAT VEHICLE, I HAVE A CHILD, I'M AFRAID. I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME A NEW ONE OF THE SAME CAR
I BOUGHT A DODGE CHALLENGER. THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT IS HUNTINGTON BEACH DODGE RAM JEEP DEALER. I GOT OUT OF THE DEALER AND THE SHAFT OF THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE WAY, I WAS ALMOST HAVING AN ACCIDENT.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THEY TOLD ME TO GIVE THE CAR TO THE SERVICE. I SAID I DID NOT WANT TO SERVICE THE CAR AT 50 MILES. I ASKED THEM TO GIVE ME A NEW ONE OF THE SAME CAR. NO, WE CAN'T GIVE YOU A CAR BECAUSE THEY SAID YOU BOUGHT CASH AND GOT A DISCOUNT. I LEFT THE CAR TO THE SERVICE 4 DAYS AGO. STILL NOBODY INFORMED ME. WHEN THEY REPAIRED MY VEHICLE, I DON'T WANT TO GET ON THAT VEHICLE, I HAVE A CHILD, I'M AFRAID. I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME A NEW ONE OF THE SAME CAR
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE OPERATIONAL, IN SECOND THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITH NO WARNINGS.*DT*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB
I HAD A FLAT TIRE ONE WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT THE $ 60.000 CAR. THEN I LEARNED THE CAR DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE. INSTEAD THERE IS A MACHINE, AFTER READING THE MANUAL I GOT THE TIRE TO INFLATE. IMMEDIATELY I WENT TO A TIRE STORE TO GET THE NAIL OUT OF THE TIRE. THEY SAID I WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW TIRE BECAUSE I USED THE MACHINE THAT DODGE PROVIDES. I REACHED OUT TO DODGE AND HERE IS THEIR REPLY ELLO PAULO; THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING DODGE CUSTOMER CARE. WE ARE SO SORRY TO LEARN OF YOUR CONCERN WITH NOT HAVING A SPARE TIRE IN YOUR 2020 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T SCAT PACK AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU THAT I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO HELP YOU OUT. BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE PROVIDED, THE BEST PLAN OF ACTION WOULD BE FOR YOU TO CONTACT YOUR TIRE MANUFACTURING COMPANY FOR ADVISE AND POSSIBLE RESOLUTION. I HAVE ATTACHED THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TIRE MANUFACTURER HERE: PIRELLI TIRE NA, LLC 100 PIRELLI DRIVE ROME GA 30161-7000. 800-747-3554 SELECT OPTION 2 TO FIND A RETAILER. WWW.US.PIRELLI.COM ( RETAILER LOCATOR) IF IT IS MORE CONVENIENT FOR YOU, CALL US ANYTIME AT DODGE CUSTOMER CARE: 1-800-992-1997 AND JUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CASE NUMBER 77661914; ANYONE YOU SPEAK WITH WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR EMAIL . HAVE A GREAT DAY. BEST REGARDS, MONICA DODGE CUSTOMER CARE --------------- ORIGINAL MESSAGE ---------------
THE SCREEN FOR THE STEREO CONTINUOUSLY FLASHES LIKE IT IS SHORTING AND THE TOGGLE BUTTONS CONTINUOUSLY FREEZE. WHEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THERE IS NO ISSUE THAT CHRYSLER SAID I NEEDED TO MAKE SURE MY CHARGER HAD NO DUST IN IT AND MAKE SURE THE SLOT HAD NONE EITHER. THE VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW AND I WENT DIRECTLY TO MY PHONE MANUFACTURER AND PURCHASED A BRAND NEW DUST FREE CHARGER. ISSUE HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME ANOTHER CHRYSLER MADE CAR WHILE THEY HAD MINE, NOT ONE ISSUE OF THIS. MY OLD CAR WAS CHRYSLER MADE, NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AND THE FACT THAT NO ONE WILL FIX IT IS CRAZY WHEN MY CAR HAD 18 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT LESS THAN A MONTH AGO.
Showing 20 of 261 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Dodge Challenger
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Challenger has 261 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Challenger has 17 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 27 of the Dodge Challenger's 261 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Challenger vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Challenger vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Challenger has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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