2016 Dodge Challenger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. New, the 2016 Dodge Challenger ranged from $26,995 to $62,495 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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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.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger
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
- Comfortable, composed highway and grand-touring ride.
- Wide range of potent HEMI V8s (R/T, Scat Pack 392, Hellcat) deliver standout straight-line performance.
- Most usable cabin in the muscle-coupe class, a genuinely usable rear seat and a large trunk.
- Bold retro styling that owners consistently rate as the car’s strongest feature.
Cons
- Expensive to insure as a high-power muscle car.
- Thirsty, even the V6 manages only around 19 mpg and the V8s far less.
- Heavy and large with soft handling, limited rear visibility and tricky to park.
- Aging LX platform dating to 2006; the gasoline Challenger was discontinued after 2023.
- Below-average predicted reliability (RepairPal 3.5 of 5, near the bottom of its class) with recurring electrical gremlins.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXT | $26,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| R/T | $31,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| R/T Scat Pack | $37,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| SRT 392 | $49,195 | discontinued | — | — |
| SRT Hellcat | $62,495 | 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/2016-dodge-challenger-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $4,000–4,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-challenger-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Challenger reliable?
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.
How much did the 2016 Dodge Challenger cost new?
Between $26,995 and $62,495 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.