Car Record Book

2016 Dodge Challenger recalls & problems

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
2016 Dodge Challenger in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA recall 18E053000 · Jul 12, 2018 · 1,930 vehicles

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

2016 Dodge Challenger NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2016 Dodge Challenger NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2016 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.1%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot 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 / highway19 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Challenger

19mpg combined
City / highway16 / 25 mpg
FuelMidgrade Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel

Challenger

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

Challenger

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

Challenger SRT8

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

Challenger

17mpg combined
City / highway14 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6.4 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

Challenger SRT8

17mpg combined
City / highway14 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6.4 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

Challenger SRT8

16mpg combined
City / highway13 / 22 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Challenger SRT8

16mpg combined
City / highway13 / 21 mpg
FuelPremium 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 areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power train
Driveline › Driveshaft
1601020,676 mi
Electrical system
1501014,500 mi
Engine
1200116,000 mi
Unknown or other
1100017,650 mi
Air bags
119066,011 mi
Steering
900019,250 mi
Suspension
62022,007 mi
Exterior lighting
600048,663 mi
Service brakes
51018,750 mi
Wheels
Rim
40004,000 mi
Seat belts
43036,022 mi
Structure
Body
3001—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

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