This page covers 5 recalls, 179 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Dodge Challenger.
18–21 mpg combined
11.2–13.1 L/100km
Midsize 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical complaints dominate what 2013 Dodge Challenger owners report, and the most commonly described pattern involves windows rolling up and down on their own while driving or after the car is shut off, often draining the battery overnight. Owners also report broader electrical gremlins, interior lights flickering or cycling, intermittent power losses, and dim headlights. A recurring ignition complaint involves the key fob getting stuck and refusing to release, sometimes with the car cycling between off and accessory positions on its own. Steering draws the second-highest complaint volume, though the narratives are less concentrated around a single symptom. On the engine side, several owners report evaporative emission system faults triggering check engine lights at relatively low mileage, with the emission system integrity monitor cited as the failing component.
179
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Dodge Challenger has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two recalls address an electrical fire risk on V6 models: the battery positive cable at the starter motor can short circuit and start an underhood fire without warning. A separate electrical concern affects vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering and certain alternators, where the alternator can fail suddenly, causing the engine to stall, or short circuit and catch fire.
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
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
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 alternator may suddenly fail in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your alternator and replace it if necessary at no charge, based on the part number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short circuit between the starter motor cable and solenoid can cause a fire without warning on certain 2013 Dodge Challengers with V6 engines.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the starter motor electrical cable assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery positive cable at the starter motor may short circuit to ground, creating an electrical hazard.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the starter cable assembly under the hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
