Dodge Challenger Best and Worst Years (2008–2023)
Dodge Challenger model years 2009 through 2012 rank worst, with complaint indexes from 80 to 100 and multiple Do Not Drive airbag recalls. The 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years rank Best with complaint indexes of 13, 20, and 7.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2009Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Best 2020Best 2021Best 2022
- Model years
- 16
- 2008–2023
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,693
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Crashes reported
- 110
- Fires reported
- 54
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Challenger Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Dodge Challenger problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Caution | 0 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 ! | Airbags | 15 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 87 | 133 | 8 | 4 | 7 ! | Engine | 19 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 299 | 10 | 4 | 7 ! | Engine | 18 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 80 | 193 | 5 | 8 | 6 ! | Electrical System | 18 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 93 | 253 | 11 | 8 | 6 ! | Electrical System | 18 | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 67 | 179 | 6 | 10 | 5 ! | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 149 | 16 | 5 | 4 ! | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 60 | 126 | 16 | 3 | 5 | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 78 | 10 | 2 | 1 | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 33 | 49 | 7 | 2 | 3 | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 47 | 75 | 9 | 2 | 3 | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 40 | 59 | 5 | 3 | 3 | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 13 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 20 | 19 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 7 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Seat Belts | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 27 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 17 | 5★ |
Challenger years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Dodge Challenger Index 100 · 299 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2010 model year ranks worst overall with a complaint index of 100. Engine issues are the top problem area at 37% of complaints, with a median failure mileage near 31,000 miles, including reports of vehicles catching fire. Airbags follow at 25% of complaints, with owners reporting non-deployment during crashes at low mileage. Electrical system complaints, at 23%, include a case of a vehicle shutting off completely at 400 miles. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for 2010, including 4 Do Not Drive campaigns for airbag inflators.
2010 engine problems →2010 airbags problems →2010 electrical system problems →
2012 Dodge Challenger Index 93 · 253 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2012 model year has a complaint index of 93, the second worst tracked. Electrical system problems are the leading concern at 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage around 55,000 miles, including a reported alternator recall. Airbags account for 19% of complaints, with reports of non-deployment during crashes and seat belt failures occurring together in some incidents. Engine complaints, at 12%, include reports of sudden unintended acceleration. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for 2012, including 3 Do Not Drive airbag campaigns.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 airbags problems →2012 engine problems →
2009 Dodge Challenger Index 87 · 133 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2009 Challenger has a complaint index of 87, the third worst of all years covered. Engine problems make up 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage around 31,673 miles, and owners describe stalling and fires. Airbags account for 31% of complaints, including cases where airbags failed to deploy in crashes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this year, including 3 Do Not Drive campaigns tied to airbag inflators. Electrical system complaints also appear, including a reported fire while the vehicle was parked.
2009 engine problems →2009 airbags problems →2009 transmission & powertrain problems →
2011 Dodge Challenger Index 80 · 193 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2011 Challenger carries a complaint index of 80. Electrical system complaints dominate at 53% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage around 54,000 miles, including a reported alternator-related recall affecting steering assist. Airbags make up 18% of complaints, with owners reporting failure to deploy in crashes at varying mileage. Engine complaints, at 14%, include a reported fire at low mileage. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for 2011, including 3 Do Not Drive airbag campaigns.
2011 electrical system problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 engine problems →
Most common Dodge Challenger problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System640 (38%)
- Engine382 (23%)
- Airbags281 (17%)
- Other191 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain188 (11%)
- Steering147 (9%)
- Brakes142 (8%)
- Fuel System88 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires82 (5%)
- Structure & Body77 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What Dodge Challenger years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes ranging from 80 to 100, the highest of any Challenger years covered. All four carry multiple Do Not Drive airbag recalls.
- What are the best Dodge Challenger years?
- 2020, 2021, and 2022 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13, 20, and 7 respectively, the lowest among all 16 model years with data.
- Why is the 2008 Dodge Challenger rated Caution instead of Good despite low complaints?
- The 2008 model has a complaint index of 0, but its verdict is capped at Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall, specifically 2 do-not-drive recall campaigns tied to airbags.
- What is the most common problem area across all Dodge Challenger years?
- Electrical system issues are the top problem area overall, accounting for 640 complaints, or 38% of all 1,693 complaints filed across the 2008-2023 model years.
- Does the Dodge Challenger have airbag recalls?
- Yes. Several years, including 2009 through 2012, carry Do Not Drive recall campaigns related to airbag inflators, and airbags account for 281 complaints, or 17% of the total across all years.