Dodge Challenger 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Challenger 2018 and 75 complaints filed by owners. It has 71% more complaints than the average Dodge Challenger from 2016–2023 (44 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Dodge Challenger 2018

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 2018-08-09

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V524000

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018-05-17

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V332000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 2018-05-01

What happens

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

Consequence

If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V280000

There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.

Complaints from other owners

75 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

9 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 8 injuries

Most reported problems on the Dodge Challenger 2018

• Electrical system: 27 (36% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 8 (11% of complaints)
• Wheels: 6 (8% of complaints)
• Steering: 6 (8% of complaints)
• Engine: 5 (7% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Dodge Challenger 2018

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Check for bent wheels and missing lug nuts.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Dodge Challenger recalls by year

• 2016 : 1 recall · 78 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 49 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 75 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 58 complaints
• 2020 : 1 recall · 20 complaints
• 2021 : 2 recalls · 19 complaints
• 2022 : 2 recalls · 9 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 43 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Dodge Challenger 2018 have?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Challenger 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Challenger 2018?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (27 of 75 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.