Dodge Challenger Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 188 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge Challenger across 14 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (36).

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 144 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles39 · 27%
10k–25k miles24 · 17%
25k–50k miles41 · 28%
50k–75k miles23 · 16%
75k–100k miles4 · 3%
100k–150k miles8 · 6%
150k+ miles5 · 3%

How serious are the reports?

Of 188 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 7 an injury.

Dodge Challenger power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2010, with 36 complaints
2009: 272009272010: 362010362011: 8201182012: 172012172013: 162013162014: 122014122015: 292015292016: 162016162017: 5201752018: 8201882019: 7201972020: 3202032021: 3202132022: 120221

n = 188 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Challenger111%—
2021 Challenger316%—
2020 Challenger315%70
2019 Challenger712%31,000
2018 Challenger811%13,500
2017 Challenger510%25,234
2016 Challenger1621%20,676
2015 Challenger2923%23,000
2014 Challenger128%8,200
2013 Challenger169%41,000
2012 Challenger177%55,605
2011 Challenger84%21,700
2010 Challenger3612%17,522
2009 Challenger2720%30,076

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 20 complaints
2009: 3200932010: 552011: 8201182012: 662013: 112013112014: 15152015: 182015182016: 15152017: 122017122018: 14142019: 202019202020: 13132021: 162021162022: 442023: 102023102024: 772025: 5202552026: 66

n = 188 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Power train:automatic transmissionMay 1, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles

Model years: 2018

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.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Jul 7, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V431000 · 7,802 vehicles

Model years: 2017

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 5.7L V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission may not remain in the PARK position if that gear is selected, the engine is still running, and the driver exits the vehicle exited.

Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission remaining in the PARK position and without the parking brake set, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module software, free of charge. The recall began 28, 2017. Owners may the Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T41.

Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switchSep 10, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V458000 · 6,636 vehicles

Model years: 2008, 2009

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft prevention." if the stop/start button is pressed and held and the engine turns off, the electronic key code is removed from the vehicle. Since this can occur in a transmission or gear selector position other than "park," and the transmission or gear selector does not become locked in "park" as a direct result of key removal, it was determined that a noncompliance may exist.

Risk: This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on september 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Driving along and all of a sudden the shifter lights started flashing, wipers turned on, steering became difficult, and finally the transmission locked up. Stalled in the middle of the hiway turn lane and because the transmission was locked up it couldn't even be pushed out of the way. Traffic was…

Received Jun 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743056

I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue caused by negligent service performed by Tony T’s 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…

Received Apr 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732861

The vehicle's engine has suffered a catastrophic internal failure at approximately 56,000 miles. The engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The issue began with a loud ticking noise from the engine. I brought the vehicle to Stoneridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Pleasanton for diagnosis. At that visit, the…

Received Apr 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11729728

42,000 miles drive shaft failure. Dealer stated drive shaft is ready to fall off. Completely stock vehicle, 1 owner.

Received Apr 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11729344

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics and was advised that there were…

Received Feb 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11719969
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenger RT (LC) Hemi at the 5th US-Car meeting in Gut Leimershof near Bamberg. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge Challengers have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 188 owner complaints about power train for the Dodge Challenger. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge Challenger power train?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

Other Dodge Challenger problems

See all Dodge Challenger problems.