Own a Dodge Challenger in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Dodge Challenger for model years 2008 to 2023. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Challenger owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,694 owner complaints on file for the Challenger and 34 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (619), engine (282), air bags (281).
Most-Reported Dodge Challenger Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Challenger (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 619 | 36% | |
| Engine | 282 | 16% | |
| Air Bags | 281 | 16% | |
| Power Train | 188 | 11% | |
| Steering | 147 | 8% | |
| Service Brakes | 95 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 80 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 59 | 3% |
Electrical System
619 of the 1,694 complaints (36%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
282 of the 1,694 complaints (16%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Air Bags
281 of the 1,694 complaints (16%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Dodge Challenger Complaints by Model Year
The Challenger model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2012, 2011. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 10 | |
| 2009 | 133 | |
| 2010 | 299 | |
| 2011 | 193 | |
| 2012 | 253 | |
| 2013 | 179 | |
| 2014 | 149 | |
| 2015 | 127 | |
| 2016 | 78 | |
| 2017 | 49 | |
| 2018 | 75 | |
| 2019 | 58 | |
| 2020 | 20 | |
| 2021 | 19 | |
| 2022 | 9 | |
| 2023 | 43 |
Most Common Dodge Challenger Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Challenger. The most-cited is P0730 (incorrect gear ratio), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0730 | Incorrect gear ratio Internal transmission wear, low or old fluid, or a solenoid problem. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Dodge Challenger Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns for the Challenger in these model years, most often involving electrical system, air bags, power train. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2024 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 24V112000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away.
- 2024 recall, Seats (campaign 24V573000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position.
- 2022 recall, Tires (campaign 22V504000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative.
- 2022 recall, Tires (campaign 22V808000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative.
- 2021 recall, Visibility (campaign 21V516000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
- 2021 recall, Electrical System (campaign 21V664000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Challenger, 110 involved a crash, 54 involved a fire, 99 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Challenger Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Challenger that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Challenger owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Challenger, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Challenger Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Challenger repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Dodge Challenger FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Challenger?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Challenger are electrical system (619), engine (282), air bags (281). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Challenger model years have the most complaints?
The Challenger model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2012, 2011. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Dodge Challenger?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Dodge Challenger, the codes cited most often are P0730 (incorrect gear ratio). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Dodge Challenger have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns for the Dodge Challenger across model years 2008 to 2023. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Challenger in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Challenger, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Challenger?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Challenger in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.