2019 Dodge Challenger Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2019 Dodge Challenger has a complaint index of 40, ranking 10th worst out of 16 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 59 complaints, 3 recalls, and 5 crashes tied to this year, with Electrical System issues the top problem area at 32% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #10 of 16 Challenger years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 59
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 15 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2019 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System19 (32%)
- Other14 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (22%)
- Engine10 (17%)
- Steering8 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (12%)
- Airbags5 (8%)
- Brakes4 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (5%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in crashes, including one T-bone collision and a rear-end collision, resulting in injuries.
- Steering wheel locked up unexpectedly while driving on the highway or during lane changes, sometimes displaying a 'steering wheel motion off' message.
- Front tires scraped against the vehicle body when turning to full lock, linked to a steering knuckle and wheel/tire mismatch.
- Transmission stopped engaging in traffic shortly after purchase, taking several minutes and multiple attempts to restore power.
- A lower control arm and lower ball joint broke while driving, causing a crash and requiring the vehicle to be towed.
- Abnormal steering noise accompanied by an overheating instrument panel and uneven tire wear from steering knuckle contact.
2019 Dodge Challenger recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V191000Sep 10, 2020Collision Avoidance & Cameras319,610 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
- NHTSA 19V758000Oct 24, 2019Brakes173 vehicles
Service brakes
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Risk: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
- NHTSA 19V203000Mar 14, 2019Electrical System7,929 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk: Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
2019 Dodge Challenger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Challenger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Dodge Challenger reliable?
- Compared to other Challenger years, 2019 rates Good with a complaint index of 40, ranking 10th worst out of 16 years. It has fewer reported problems than most earlier Challenger model years.
- What problems does the 2019 Dodge Challenger have?
- NHTSA complaints point to Electrical System issues (32% of complaints), followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires (22%) and Engine (17%). Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 5,750 miles.
- Does the 2019 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Challenger, covering an instrument cluster illumination issue, an incompatible front wheel and brake package, and a radio display software update. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2019 Challenger compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 40, the 2019 Challenger performs better than years like 2010 (index 100) and 2012 (index 93), which carry Avoid verdicts. Years 2020-2023 score lower and are rated Best or Good.
- Were there airbag deployment problems in the 2019 Challenger?
- NHTSA lists 5 airbag complaints for 2019, including reports of airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with 3 of those complaints tied to crashes and a median mileage at failure of 4,018 miles.