Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Dodge Challenger years to approach with the most caution are 2010 and 2012. Below is every model year we cover (2008–2023), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.
Dodge Challenger problems by year
Final-year gas Challenger on a now-very-old platform. Mechanically the most sorted V8 muscle coupe, but owners report spontaneous windshield stress cracks and insurance runs high on the Hellcat-heavy final-year pool. A characterful caution buy.
- Crankshaft-damper (harmonic balancer) rubber bond fails and the pulley can separate from the engine at speed.
- UConnect 8.4-inch touchscreen delaminates and produces "ghost touches" that change wipers, lights, climate and audio on their own; general electrical faults (alternator, gauges) also reported.
- Driveline complaints including driveshaft failure and harsh powertrain behavior.
One of the most refined, lowest-complaint Challenger years. A mature, mostly sorted muscle coupe with strong V8s and a roomy cabin; main drawbacks are thirst and insurance cost. The best of the modern run.
Mature late-platform Challenger with few reported problems. Comfortable, practical muscle coupe; watch only for the usual thirst, insurance and minor electrical niggles.
Low-complaint, well-developed model year. Strong engines and an everyday-usable cabin, offset by poor fuel economy and aging tech.
Solid late-platform year, though electrical (UConnect, alternator) and occasional steering complaints persist. Thirsty but practical and quick.
Refined muscle coupe, but the 8.4-inch UConnect screen delamination and window/door-actuator battery-drain gremlins are common. Fun and roomy, costly to fuel and insure.
First year of optional V6 all-wheel drive. Generally dependable, but UConnect touchscreen delamination is widely reported and the HEMI tick affects V8s. Thirsty, practical, characterful.
Post-facelift Challenger with the well-documented HEMI tick and a crankshaft-damper bond failure among V8 complaints. Comfortable GT-muscle cruiser, heavy on fuel and insurance.
Major refresh year (new interior, 8-speed auto, Hellcat added). V8 ticking, driveline and electrical complaints appear and running costs are high. Quick and roomy with caveats.
Late first-generation styling with persistent TIPM electrical faults (stalling, no-starts) and steering-column lock complaints. Strong V8s but real reliability asterisks.
- Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years.
- Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affecting these model years.
- Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn.
Heavy TIPM-related electrical and stalling complaints define this year, alongside Takata-era airbag recalls. Fun and practical, but a reliability risk.
- Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years.
- Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn.
- Door windows and lock actuators cycle up and down on their own (reported across 2010-2017 cars), draining the battery overnight.
The worst year for the modern Challenger’s TIPM electrical failures, random stalling and no-starts are widespread, plus Takata airbag recalls. Approach with caution.
- Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years.
- Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn.
- Door windows and lock actuators cycle up and down on their own (reported across 2010-2017 cars), draining the battery overnight.
First Pentastar V6 / SRT8 392 year, but TIPM electrical faults and Takata airbag recalls drag reliability down. Capable and roomy with significant caveats.
- Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years.
- Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn.
- Door windows and lock actuators cycle up and down on their own (reported across 2010-2017 cars), draining the battery overnight.
Highest-complaint modern Challenger year: heavy Takata airbag, HEMI engine (tick/timing) and steering issues. Characterful but a higher-risk used buy.
- Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on.
- Electrical faults including instrument-cluster glitches and door-lock actuators/windows cycling on their own and draining the battery overnight.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 ticking noise ("HEMI tick"), with some owners reporting overheating and timing-chain or internal engine failure.
First full-lineup year. Takata airbag recalls and engine/powertrain complaints are notable; aging cabin and thirsty V8s. A cautious enthusiast pick.
- Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on.
- Electrical faults including instrument-cluster glitches and door-lock actuators/windows cycling on their own and draining the battery overnight.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 ticking noise ("HEMI tick"), with some owners reporting overheating and timing-chain or internal engine failure.
Launch year, SRT8-only with the premium-fuel 6.1L HEMI. Low complaint volume, but Takata airbag exposure and age apply; a collectible first-year muscle coupe to buy carefully.
- Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on.