The 2016 Dodge Challenger has 2 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (16 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints78filed by owners
Crashes · fires10 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints
2016 Dodge Challenger in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.
Electrical system › Software
NHTSA recall 18V332000 · May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Components: Electrical system › Software; Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Electrical system › Wiring
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2016 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
11.1%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Challenger
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Challenger
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Midgrade Gasoline
5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel
Challenger
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
Challenger
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
Challenger SRT8
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
Challenger
17mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel
Challenger SRT8
17mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.4 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel
Challenger SRT8
16mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
Challenger SRT8
16mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Power train Driveline › Driveshaft
16
0
1
0
20,676 mi
Electrical system
15
0
1
0
14,500 mi
Engine
12
0
0
1
16,000 mi
Unknown or other
11
0
0
0
17,650 mi
Air bags
11
9
0
6
6,011 mi
Steering
9
0
0
0
19,250 mi
Suspension
6
2
0
2
2,007 mi
Exterior lighting
6
0
0
0
48,663 mi
Service brakes
5
1
0
1
8,750 mi
Wheels Rim
4
0
0
0
4,000 mi
Seat belts
4
3
0
3
6,022 mi
Structure Body
3
0
0
1
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 21, 2026Steering Good morning my (eps) Electronic steering system isn't working I have the light on my dashboard and while driving it went on and couldn't steer it needs force to turn and its difficult to keep it straight this is the second time im replacing this part last time I had this same problem was 2 yrs ago and I've noticed online people having the same issue with not only challengers but other dodge vehicles that use the Electronic steering system that fails while the car is in motion very dangerous if your driving on the freeway. I seen there was a recall for this but on certain cars but I don't understand why only certain cars this isn't supposed to happen so often and having to be paid off by…
Apr 7, 2026Power train I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue caused by negligent service performed by Tony Tâs Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017. The dealership performed a borescope inspection of the rear differential on my 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as documented on my invoice. After this service, it was discovered that critical differential plugs were removed and not reinstalled, multiple fasteners were missing, and the differential assembly was left loose to the point it could be physically moved by hand. This condition created a significant safety hazard, including risk of fluid loss, overheating, drivetrain failure, and potential loss of vehicle…
Jun 16, 2016Unknown or other I see a possible rollback on MY vehicle, the dealer sold it to me around 13,500 miles, carfax shows a possible rollback. Vehicle sold by Moritz Chevrolet Fort Worth, TexasFort Worth, TX Fort Worth, Texas817-696-2000 moritzchevrolet.com
May 9, 2025Steering When making a sharp turn where you need to turn the wheel fully to the left or right, the car steering would lock up and a power steering indicator light would appear on the dashboard. I would have to shut the vehicle off and restart it for the light to turn off and resume steering functionality. The car was inspected by the dealership and the indicated that it showed the error code happened one time, however we recently purchased the vehicle with 19,000 miles, so not sure if the happened before we purchased the car and the used car dealer reset the codes. This issue has happened many times over the last 3 months.
May 16, 2025Suspension My 2016 Dodge Challenger has less then 38,000 miles. I donât even drive it in the rain to keep it spotless. I have taken great care of it. It started making a knocking noise from underneath the car. Took it to the dodge dealership & found out the drive shaft is bad.If you google 2016 Dodge challenger sxt drive shaft issue you will see that this is a nation wide problem starting from 2015 to 2018. I think Dodge should be responsible for fixing this issue. Its not right,
Dec 25, 2024Engine Hemi Tick. The problem is so bad there is a common name for Stelantis 5.7 Hemi engine. Nothing else needs to be said the problem is well documented.
Nov 25, 2024 · 102,000 milesSteering The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Mar 1, 2023Steering I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…