Most common 2009 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 133 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Challenger complaints by model year
Best Challenger years: 2008, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →
2009 Dodge Challenger recalls (7)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2010 passenger vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive. These vehicles May have been built without a front wheel spindle nut.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire and wheel assembly and if found without a spindle nut it will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Chrysler is recalling 175 my 2009 Dodge charger, challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The tire pressure monitor (tpm) sensors May not transmit the actual tire pressure. This could result in the driver not being aware of low tire pressure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tpm sensors. The recall is expected to begin on February 9, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Show 1 more recall
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 Dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on September 15, 2008.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Dodge Challenger:
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.
What 2009 Dodge Challenger owners say
Air bags all 41 →
During an auto accident the ram emblem on my steering wheel shot off of the steering wheel when the air bags deployed and becoming a projectile and hitting me in the neck leaving a deep bruise and abrasions to the area the ram emblem hit. Its been nearly 3 weeks and the bruising is still present and the skin is still red from the injury. Attached and you can even see the ram horns in in neck. This photo taken later that day. If this can happen in my with my accident I was just lucky it didn't hit my eye or worse. The contact stated that they now have a permanent scar on their neck from the steering wheel projectile. They have not contacted the manufacturer and the vehicle is no longer in their possession.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the "check air bag" warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local parts store where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side and passenger's side air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V021000 (Air Bags) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V444000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine & cooling all 39 →
I took my car to the dealer for recalls they didn't fix anything they left my car out in the rain the hood up and Choppa had my car for a whole month did any nothing they were very courteous no customer assistance nothing
The engine failed on the highway while driving at 65pmh due to the timing chain failing. This caused the piston and/or connecting rod to come out through the oil pan and side of the engine block. The engine failing caused the power steering to go out and the vehicle to hit a snow pile with the front causing damage while trying to get off the road. The unit had to be towed from the location and looked at later to find the cause. I have contacted Chrysler about the issue and found they have a "customer satisfaction campaign" for the timing chain issue on this vehicle. They called it recall p01. The vehicle will be going to my local dealer for the engine repairs which Chrysler is alleging they will pay for, but that is unknown at this time. The front end damage caused by this engine failure and loss of steering is undetermined at this time also. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 27 →
Faulty TCM After purchasing my car it would hard shift in the 3rd and 4th gear And I realize that shortly after purchasing it chant and then one night I was on the freeway and between 2 semi trucks when it's just neutral and then tried shifting into 2nd gear Which almost caused me to wreck in between 2 semi trucks which was not cool and Now my car only shifts into 1st and 2nd gear and when it gets to 3rd it neutrals , It won't go into 3rd or 4th gear . I took it into the dealership to get new software Uploaded on my TCM they said it was fine so I drove it out the parking lot and still doing the sa.e thing won't shift into 3rd gear so I took it to another shop to have it looked at because I didn't want to risk my life driving the car. …
I took my car to the dealer for recalls they didn't fix anything they left my car out in the rain the hood up and Choppa had my car for a whole month did any nothing they were very courteous no customer assistance nothing
2009 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 6.1L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 22 / 16 |
| 6.1L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Challenger rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Challenger at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Challenger?
The air bags — 41 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the engine & cooling (39) and transmission & drivetrain (27).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Challenger have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from January 9, 2018 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Challenger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2022 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2011. See the full Dodge Challenger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 65% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.