The Lemon Index2016 Dodge Challenger.
The 2016 Dodge Challenger is better than average by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 16 to 23 mpg combined. The best Dodge Challenger year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 78 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Challenger year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 41K miles on the car (47 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 278 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "inspect and replace propeller shaft this bulletin involves inspecting and replacing the…
- Flash: Heated Steering Wheel Temperature Enhancement Depending on vehicle architecture: This…
- Electric Power Steering Gear For LA, LD and LX Models ONLY; Before this part is replaced for:…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The icon came on to tell me service immediately, it's bogging down when it's in gear and the motor is extremely hot
2016 Dodge Challenger owner · NHTSA complaint 11242372
More owner reports
Car sticks in gear when parked or driving. Snychs replaced at 41k now at 49k clutch plate now needs replacing. This vehicle has almost caused accidents as I could not get it in/ out of gear while driving.
NHTSA complaint 11103496
Rear differential makes a grinding noise when I make turns. Dodge issued a star number and fixed it before
NHTSA complaint 11222628
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Dodge Challenger reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Challenger year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Challenger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (22%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Dodge Challenger get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Dodge Challenger safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Challenger problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,000 and 41,000 miles. The middle report was at 16,000 miles, from 47 complaints.
Does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Dodge Challenger cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Challenger year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works