2010 Dodge Challenger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Highest-complaint modern Challenger year: heavy Takata airbag, HEMI engine (tick/timing) and steering issues. Characterful but a higher-risk used buy. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2010 Dodge Challenger ranged from $23,245 to $41,230 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

Highest-complaint modern Challenger year: heavy Takata airbag, HEMI engine (tick/timing) and steering issues. Characterful but a higher-risk used buy.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Known issues

Takata passenger-airbag inflator and airbag wiring-harness/connector faults (recalls N9C07 and 13V-118); many owners report the airbag warning light staying on.

commonly reported · 106 NHTSA complaints · other
Electrical faults including instrument-cluster glitches and door-lock actuators/windows cycling on their own and draining the battery overnight.

commonly reported · 67 NHTSA complaints · electrical
5.7L HEMI V8 ticking noise ("HEMI tick"), with some owners reporting overheating and timing-chain or internal engine failure.

occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
Power-steering and steering-column noise, stiffness or looseness while driving.

occasional · 41 NHTSA complaints · steering

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Muscular HEMI V8 power (5.7L R/T and 6.1L SRT8).
Usable rear seat and large trunk for a two-door.
Iconic launch styling, the debut of the modern Challenger.

Cons

Thirsty V8s; the 2008 SRT8 requires premium fuel.
Heavy with limited rear visibility.
Dated interior materials.
Takata airbag recalls and a high early-model complaint volume.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SE	$23,245	discontinued	—	—
R/T	$30,860	discontinued	—	—
SRT8	$41,230	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2010-dodge-challenger-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $650–700/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2010 Dodge Challenger have?

Documented issue patterns include: 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; Power-steering and steering-column noise, stiffness or looseness while driving. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2010 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Highest-complaint modern Challenger year: heavy Takata airbag, HEMI engine (tick/timing) and steering issues. Characterful but a higher-risk used buy.

How much did the 2010 Dodge Challenger cost new?

Between $23,245 and $41,230 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.