POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
2016 Dodge Challenger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 78 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Dodge Challenger, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 278 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2016 | 3 | 3 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 5 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 6 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 7 |
| Feb 2017 | 2 | 9 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 12 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 13 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 15 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Sep 2017 | 2 | 18 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 20 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 24 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 25 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 26 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 27 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 28 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 29 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 30 |
| Jun 2019 | 2 | 32 |
| Aug 2019 | 2 | 34 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 35 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 36 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 37 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 39 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 41 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 42 |
| Jun 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 45 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 46 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 47 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 49 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 50 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 51 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 52 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 54 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 55 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 56 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 57 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 58 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 60 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 63 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 65 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 66 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 | 68 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 69 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 70 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 71 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 72 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 73 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 74 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 76 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 78 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)1616.3%
- Electrical1515.3%
- Engine1212.2%
- Airbags1111.2%
- Steering99.2%
- Exterior lighting66.1%
- Suspension66.1%
- Brakes55.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Good morning my (eps) Electronic steering system isn't working I have the light on my dashboard and while driving it went on and couldn't steer it needs force to turn and its difficult to keep it straight this is the second time im replacing this part last time I had this same problem was 2 yrs ago and I've noticed online people having the same issue with not only challengers but other dodge vehicles that use the Electronic steering system that fails while the car is in motion very dangerous if your driving on the freeway. I seen there was a recall for this but on certain cars but I don't understand why only certain cars this isn't supposed to happen so often and having to be paid off by the owner this is a malfunction or electrical connection thats causing the motor to stop working.
- NHTSA ID
- 11734016
- Incident
- Apr 21, 2026
I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue caused by negligent service performed by Tony T’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017. The dealership performed a borescope inspection of the rear differential on my 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as documented on my invoice. After this service, it was discovered that critical differential plugs were removed and not reinstalled, multiple fasteners were missing, and the differential assembly was left loose to the point it could be physically moved by hand. This condition created a significant safety hazard, including risk of fluid loss, overheating, drivetrain failure, and potential loss of vehicle control while driving. The issue was confirmed by another repair facility. I have photo and video evidence, as well as the service invoice. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and out of service for an extended period, resulting in financial loss and safety risk. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this incident as a potential safety issue related to improper service practices.
- NHTSA ID
- 11732861
- Incident
- Apr 7, 2026
I see a possible rollback on MY vehicle, the dealer sold it to me around 13,500 miles, carfax shows a possible rollback. Vehicle sold by Moritz Chevrolet Fort Worth, TexasFort Worth, TX Fort Worth, Texas817-696-2000 moritzchevrolet.com
- NHTSA ID
- 11673389
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2016
When making a sharp turn where you need to turn the wheel fully to the left or right, the car steering would lock up and a power steering indicator light would appear on the dashboard. I would have to shut the vehicle off and restart it for the light to turn off and resume steering functionality. The car was inspected by the dealership and the indicated that it showed the error code happened one time, however we recently purchased the vehicle with 19,000 miles, so not sure if the happened before we purchased the car and the used car dealer reset the codes. This issue has happened many times over the last 3 months.
- NHTSA ID
- 11673009
- Incident
- May 9, 2025
My 2016 Dodge Challenger has less then 38,000 miles. I don’t even drive it in the rain to keep it spotless. I have taken great care of it. It started making a knocking noise from underneath the car. Took it to the dodge dealership & found out the drive shaft is bad.If you google 2016 Dodge challenger sxt drive shaft issue you will see that this is a nation wide problem starting from 2015 to 2018. I think Dodge should be responsible for fixing this issue. Its not right,
- NHTSA ID
- 11664047
- Incident
- May 16, 2025
Hemi Tick. The problem is so bad there is a common name for Stelantis 5.7 Hemi engine. Nothing else needs to be said the problem is well documented.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639234
- Incident
- Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11627298
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2024
- Mileage
- 102,000 mi
I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.
- NHTSA ID
- 11607381
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
SERVICE BRAKES
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
SERVICE BRAKES
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
STRUCTURE:BODY
Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2022 | 9 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2020 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 53.5 |
| 2019 | 58 | 3 | 1 | 59.2 |
| 2018 | 74 | 4 | 1 | 61.8 |
| 2017 | 49 | 3 | 1 | 60.3 |
| 2016Viewing | 78 | 2 | 1 | 57.8 |
| 2015 | 126 | 6 | 2 | 64.2 |
| 2014 | 146 | 5 | 1 | 60.8 |
| 2013 | 179 | 5 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 2012 | 253 | 6 | 1 | 57.0 |
| 2011 | 193 | 6 | 1 | 57.4 |
| 2010 | 298 | 7 | 1 | 53.5 |
| 2009 | 132 | 7 | 1 | 56.2 |
| 2008 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 55.3 |
| 1981 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 1 | 5 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.