The Lemon Index2018 Dodge Challenger.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger is better than average by owner complaints: 45 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 67, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 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 75 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Challenger year. 2018 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 4K to 38K miles on the car (35 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- electrical 2018
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.
- 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.
Show all 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
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 255 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Transfer case seal, Transmission Output Seal If vehicle has a fluid leak between the transfer…
- Transmission Oil Pan, Heater (TMU), Tube or O-ring Applies to vehicles equipped with 8 speed…
- Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or…
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 2 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 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
My screen doesnt come on often and you cant change the ac or radio. It get stuck.
2018 Dodge Challenger owner · NHTSA complaint 11408424
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 67; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Challenger year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Challenger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (31%), transmission & drivetrain (16%) and steering (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Challenger get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Challenger problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,000 and 38,000 miles. The middle report was at 22,000 miles, from 35 complaints.
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Dodge Challenger cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 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 2018?
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