CarRecordBook

Model year record

2018 Dodge Challenger recalls & problems

The 2018 Dodge Challenger has 4 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (28 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints75filed by owners
Crashes · fires9 · 2reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2018 Dodge Challenger in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemAug 9, 2018

Wiring › Front underhood

Recall 18V52400012,779 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Power trainJul 12, 2018

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

Recall 18E0530001,930 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 systemMay 17, 2018

Software

Recall 18V3320004,815,661 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

Power trainMay 1, 2018

Automatic transmission

Recall 18V28000071 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

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

2018 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD

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

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2018 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD

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

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 2 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2018 Dodge Challenger NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 Dodge Challenger NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

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 GT

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 8-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/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 SRT

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 SRT

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 SRT

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 SRT

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*
Electrical systemIgnition282105,050 mi
Unknown or other2821025,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission800013,500 mi
WheelsRim710033,535 mi
Steering620114,654 mi
Air bags530518,580 mi
Engine5010—
Service brakes510113,500 mi
Exterior lighting5000—
Visibility/wiper4000—
SuspensionFront › Stabilizer bar410030,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal3100—

*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