NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 298 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Dodge Challenger.
15–20 mpg combined
11.8–15.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints filed on the 2010 Dodge Challenger are led by airbag and engine concerns, with the electrical system close behind. Airbag complaints are the single largest category, though the representative reports available don't point to one specific symptom pattern, the volume itself is notable. On the engine side, owners describe overheating, coolant loss, and ticking noises, occasionally requiring a roadside stop to let the engine cool before the car is drivable again. Electrical system complaints include instrument panel malfunctions, with at least one owner describing unusual sounds traced to a damaged cluster. A handful of reports mention smoke appearing near the steering column or dashboard area without accompanying warning lights or apparent engine trouble, which owners found difficult to diagnose.
298
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Dodge Challenger has 6 recalls, the most serious being a widespread airbag inflator defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal airbags, where the inflators can rupture or explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The driver-side inflator is vulnerable to moisture intrusion over time, which can cause it to burst during deployment. The passenger-side inflator carries the same risk of explosion, with prior repair attempts not fully resolving the issue across all affected vehicles, resulting in multiple rounds of recalls covering this side. On the steering side, the power steering pressure hose can split at its crimped end, leaking fluid onto hot engine components and raising the risk of a fire. There is also an ignition module concern: a binding condition in the wireless ignition node can allow the key to be removed before the shifter is placed in park, potentially leaving the vehicle free to roll.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may fail or deploy unexpectedly, potentially injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the driver's dual-stage frontal air bag inflator, which over time may cause it to rupture when deployed.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pressure hose may separate at its crimped end, causing power steering fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the power steering pressure hoses and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wireless ignition node module may have a solenoid latch that binds, potentially preventing the ignition system from operating properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the wireless ignition node module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
