Summary
The Dodge Challenger has 26 recalls spanning the 2008-2023 production run, with the most serious being a driver-side frontal airbag inflator defect on 2008-2010 models where moisture intrusion over time can cause the inflator to rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The final model years, 2023, carry two related issues: the parking brake may be improperly adjusted and fail to hold the vehicle, allowing it to roll away, and the left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position, which can let it move in a crash and allow cargo to shift into the cabin. There is also a 2020-2021 windshield bonding issue where the glass was not properly secured during manufacturing and can detach in a crash. On 2021 models specifically, dashboard safety system indicators may not illuminate brightly enough in daylight or at night, leaving the driver without warning of an active safety issue.
The 2017 model year has a pair of concerns: on Hellcat-equipped vehicles, the engine oil cooler line can separate at the crimp joint, spraying oil on the windshield, seizing the engine, or starting a fire; and on 5.7L V8 models with the eight-speed automatic, the transmission may not hold in Park with the engine running, allowing the car to roll after the driver exits. The 2015 model has a fuel rail crossover hose on the 6.2L supercharged engine that can leak inside the engine compartment and risk a fire, a side curtain airbag mounting bolt that may be loose or missing and cause the curtain to deploy incorrectly in a side impact or rollover, and an instrument cluster that can go dark and leave the driver without speed, fuel, or warning readouts.
Going further back, 2013 V6-equipped models have a battery positive cable near the starter motor that can short to ground and start a fire. On 2011 models with the 3.6L engine and standard or electro-hydraulic power steering variants, the alternator can fail suddenly, stalling the engine and disabling safety systems. The 2010 model has a power steering pressure hose that can split at the crimped end, leaking fluid onto hot components and risking fire, along with a wireless ignition module that can allow the key to be removed before the shifter reaches Park. The 2009 model has a front wheel spindle nut that may have been omitted during assembly, which can allow the wheel assembly to detach while driving, and a tire pressure monitoring system that may not accurately report actual tire pressure. The 2008 model has a separate airbag inflator recall where the driver frontal inflator can generate excessive pressure during deployment and rupture, and keyless-go-equipped vehicles from that year can shut off the engine and release the electronic key code without the transmission in Park, raising the risk of rollaway.
