The Lemon Index

All cars · Dodge Challenger · 2018

2018 Dodge Challenger. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index67100 = average car
Complaints45NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold66,716U.S. model year
Per 100K sold67complaints
Year rank#7 of 14#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 8

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spdRWD19 / 30 / 23Regular$2,700
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spdAWD18 / 27 / 21Regular$2,950
5.7L 8-cylAuto 8-spdRWD16 / 25 / 19Midgrade$3,750
5.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRWD15 / 23 / 18Premium$4,300
6.2L 8-cyl superchargedAuto 8-spdRWD13 / 22 / 16Premium$4,850
6.2L 8-cyl superchargedManual 6-spdRWD13 / 21 / 16Premium$4,850
6.4L 8-cylAuto 8-spdRWD15 / 25 / 18Premium$4,300
6.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRWD14 / 23 / 17Premium$4,550

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,000 and 38,000 miles. Median 22,000, from 35 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Electrical5,0001,800–25,50010
Transmission & drivetrain13,5001,600–25,0006
Wheels27,10018,200–57,5005

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Electrical31%
Transmission & drivetrain16%
Steering13%
Wheels11%
Suspension9%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
7592508

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 18V524000 Aug 2018 Electrical System / Wiring / Front Underhood

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 18E053000 Jul 2018 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs 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 curren

    Risk. 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 either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

  • 18V332000 May 2018 Electrical System / Wiring

    Defect. 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 with

    Risk. 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 d

  • 18V280000 May 2018 Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021–

Manufacturer communications 255

Dodge filed 255 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2015905866,365Engine
2016573764,478Airbags
2017312164,537Electrical
2018674566,716Electrical
2019493160,997Wheels
2020241252,955Electrical
2021271454,314Airbags

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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