2016 Dodge Challenger Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Challenger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)1616.3%
- Electrical1515.3%
- Engine1212.2%
- Airbags1111.2%
- Steering99.2%
- Exterior lighting66.1%
- Suspension66.1%
- Brakes55.1%
- Other / unspecified44.1%
- Driver assistance44.1%
- Seat belts44.1%
- Body & structure33.1%
- Fuel system22.0%
- Visibility11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Center bond of crankshaft Damper falling-off front of engines on the highway due to defective bonding material in manufacturing causing failure in rubber bonding. At highways speeds, a 10lb chunk of metal will fall-off HEMI engines & create a flying projectile at other motorists on the road causing damage or death to other vehicles/drivers and/or pedestrians. Owners who are unaware of this safety-issue will be unaware that their crankshaft-damper has fallen off due to not realizing a piece of the engine is now missing, thus creating possibility of engine failure due to No Vibration Dampening any longer attached to the crankshaft pulley.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON APRIL 19TH 2021 MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 30 -35 MPH IN HER 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER SXT ON A MINOR THOROUGHFARE WHEN A CAR TURNED ABRUPTLY IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE DODGE CORPORATION AS WELL AS THE THE DEALERSHIP AT WHICH SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 32,876 MILES ON IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 67 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A PEDESTRIAN WHO WAS JAY WALKING AND SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HIS RIBS FROM THE SEAT BELT AND FACE DUE TO THE WINDSHIELD GLASS SHATTERING WHICH EMBEDDED INTO HIS SKIN BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHERE IT WAS BEING HELD FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB*DT*JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Center LED Tail Lights burned out. No damage or modification done. Fuses checked. Unit failed. 41,000 miles
WHEN BRAKING MY HEADLIGHTS WILL GO ON AND OFF RANDOMLY FOR 5 SECONDS AND COME BACK ON. NOTE THIS ISN'T THE HID HEADLAMPS THIS IS THE HALOGEN HEADLAMPS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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,
CAXMAX SOLD ME A CAR THAT MY MECHANIC DESCRIBED AS FLOOD DAMAGED UP TO THE BODY LINE JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. RUST FROM THE ENGINE TO THE EXHAUST TIPS. ROCKS AND SAND IN ALL BODY CAVITIES ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I CONVEYED THIS INFORMATION TO MY SALESMAN WHO FACILITATED A REFUND. I INCLUDED PHOTOS. A WEEK LATER IT WAS BACK ON THE CARMAX SOUTH SACRAMENTO WEBSITE (WHERE I BOUGHT IT) WITH UPDATED MILEAGE INFORMATION AND NO MENTION OF THE FLOOD DAMAGE. AS IT IS IN 'UNAVAILABLE' STATUS IT IS LIKELY BEING RESOLD TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING CONSUMER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAXMAX SOLD ME A CAR THAT MY MECHANIC DESCRIBED AS FLOOD DAMAGED UP TO THE BODY LINE JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. RUST FROM THE ENGINE TO THE EXHAUST TIPS. ROCKS AND SAND IN ALL BODY CAVITIES ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I CONVEYED THIS INFORMATION TO MY SALESMAN WHO FACILITATED A REFUND. I INCLUDED PHOTOS. A WEEK LATER IT WAS BACK ON THE CARMAX SOUTH SACRAMENTO WEBSITE (WHERE I BOUGHT IT) WITH UPDATED MILEAGE INFORMATION AND NO MENTION OF THE FLOOD DAMAGE. AS IT IS IN 'UNAVAILABLE' STATUS IT IS LIKELY BEING RESOLD TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING CONSUMER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE AS IF THEY WERE PREMATURELY WEARING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AS IF METAL WERE TOUCHING WHENEVER THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND VICE VERSA, AS WELL AS WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO POWAY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (13811 POWAY ROAD, POWAY, CA 92064; 858-218-2213) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: 30285247 AND 31041577. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO VIEW THE BRAKES. THE INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT IN NEED OF REPAIR. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE POWAY DODGE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: 32657810 AND 32920890. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME POWAY DODGE DEALER REGARDING THE AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR, BUT THEY DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sounds as if the front wheels are hitting against something as your accelerating but disappears when you let off the accelerator
I HAVE THE 6Y TYPE WHEEL ON MY CAR AND ONE HAS CRACKED FROM THE INSIDE EDGE INWARD. I SEE ON DODGE FORUMS SEVERAL INSTANCE OF THIS TYPE WHEEL CRACKING. I HAVE SPOKE TO BOTH A DEALERSHIP AND FCA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPLACE IT. STATING ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES ON IT. HERE IS A SEARCH RESULTS IM SPEAKING OF. HTTPS://WWW.BING.COM/SEARCH?Q=DODGE+CHALLENGER+WHEELS+CRACKING&FORM=EDGSPH&REFIG=C6656ACA600E4B56A05D3F675A0ADEB3&MKT=EN-US&MSNEWS=1&PC=LCTS&SP=-1&GHC=2&PQ=DODGE+CHALLENGER+WHEELS+CRACKING&SC=1-32&QS=N&SK=&CVID=C6656ACA600E4B56A05D3F675A0ADEB3
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.
I was driving on the interstate and the ACC/FCW light came on.Then soon after The ABS light came on then the power steering system failed causing the steering wheel to lock while I was driving.I turned my car off in the emergency lane and restarted the car.All of them light when off but then the airbag warning light came on.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.
I HAD A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT HEAD ON COLLISION TO GUARD RAILS. SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRICT ME FROM HITTING WINDSHIELD ALSO MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT IMPACT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear trunk lid struts fail to keep the trunk open causing the trunk to close without warning and has hit me in the head several times while unloading groceries. It is also very hard to open as the trunk is quite heavy. This was noted to the dealer during the warranty period but they said they were unable to duplicate it. The struts need replaced. I feel this should be a recall since it has occurred since the vehicle was new. Someone could be severely hurt or become trapped in the trunk. The struts are under designed for the weight of the trunk.
THE DOOR PANELS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE DOORS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 224,000.
THE ACCERATOR STUCK IN DOWN POSITION, WENT TO DEALERSHIP STATED MY PEDAL WAS DEFECTIVE REPLACED IT, WHEN I TAPPED ON PEDAL IN WENT ALL THE WAY DAY, MY CARE STARTED TO SPEED PAST 100MPH ON HIGHWAY,
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY EOM WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER (EAST HILLS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM SRT, 2300 NORTHERN BLVD, GREENVALE, NY 11548, 1-(866) 386-2702) SERVICED THE VEHICLE, BUT HAD NOT SPECIFIED IF THE REPLACEMENT OEM WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED OEM WINDSHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS TO FOLLOW-UP WITH A RESPONSE TO THE DEALER AND VEHICLE OWNER. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .