Dodge Challenger Power Train Problems
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).
- 188power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 144 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
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
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Challenger | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2021 Challenger | 3 | 16% | — |
| 2020 Challenger | 3 | 15% | 70 |
| 2019 Challenger | 7 | 12% | 31,000 |
| 2018 Challenger | 8 | 11% | 13,500 |
| 2017 Challenger | 5 | 10% | 25,234 |
| 2016 Challenger | 16 | 21% | 20,676 |
| 2015 Challenger | 29 | 23% | 23,000 |
| 2014 Challenger | 12 | 8% | 8,200 |
| 2013 Challenger | 16 | 9% | 41,000 |
| 2012 Challenger | 17 | 7% | 55,605 |
| 2011 Challenger | 8 | 4% | 21,700 |
| 2010 Challenger | 36 | 12% | 17,522 |
| 2009 Challenger | 27 | 20% | 30,076 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:automatic transmission
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)
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 switch
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…
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…
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…
42,000 miles drive shaft failure. Dealer stated drive shaft is ready to fall off. Completely stock vehicle, 1 owner.
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…

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
- Electrical System problems (620)
- Engine problems (283)
- Air Bags problems (281)
- Steering problems (147)
See all Dodge Challenger problems.