NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
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 exploding airbag inflators that can send metal fragments into the cabin, and an alternator that can fail suddenly and cause the vehicle to stall or catch fire.
Two separate recalls cover the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, and both point to the same dangerous outcome: when the airbag deploys in a crash, excessive pressure inside the inflator can cause it to burst, scattering metal fragments that can strike anyone in the vehicle. One of these recalls is geographically scoped to high-humidity states and territories where heat and moisture accelerate the problem.
On the electrical side, there are two concerns that can each lead to a fire under the hood. V6 models have a recall covering the battery positive cable at the starter motor, where a short circuit can ignite a fire without any warning to the driver. The alternator is a separate issue affecting vehicles with the 5.7L or 3.6L engine: the alternator can fail abruptly, either stalling the vehicle without warning or shorting internally and starting a fire. Because the power steering on these vehicles is electrically driven by the alternator, a sudden failure also means the steering becomes significantly harder to turn at low speeds, compounding the risk when the engine cuts out.
At a glance
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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 →
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.
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.
