Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Dodge Challenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Dodge Challenger. While driving 15 MPH, all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, the gauges displayed incorrect readings and the radio failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an auto part center, but was not diagnosed or repaired. Also, while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine compartment caught fire. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a salvage yard where it was completely destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Challenger. While driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the timing chain tensioner fractured, which caused the connecting rod and piston to exit the oil pan and the side of the engine block. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be repaired; however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was included under FCA recall p01 (engine, timing chain and chain guide). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. .....updated 03/15/16 updated 05/24/18
The vehicle caught on fire while driving. The fire started in the right front side of the engine compartment and quickly consumed the vehicle completely. The vehicle was not presenting any problems before the incident and no warning lights came on. The vehicle stalled and caught on fire. It was extremely difficult to come out of the vehicle. The estimated travel time before the accident was approximately 45 minutes. One important fact is that the vehicle received a service at the local dealership flagship Chrysler of toa baja pr 00949 under service order # 129395. The service included a 20 point inspection, the change of fluids to include transmission, differential, power steering, service the injectors, and efi throttle system. The dealership released the vehicle from the service department on 4 nov 2013 and caught on fire on 10 nov 2013.
While driving, my 2009 Dodge Challenger randomly cuts off. I can barely turn my steering wheel. The engine was off. My stereo, lights were all still on and never cut off. I never had any kind of warning that anything was wrong. My car at least once a week does this at any given time. My car never indicates anything is wrong. I have taken my car to auto zone and had a diagnostic ran to see if it would tell me what could be wrong with my car. Nothing turned up.
Sudden engine stall at stop sign, at idle and also while on highway at speed. Oil light comes on intermittent no codes , oil level checked , gas was good . Many on every Challenger forums are having this issue "stalling" , even brand new cars right off the lot. Dodge rejects there's an issue, from dealers to the top. Please help! We don't trust our cars!
Vehicle stalls randomly while coming to a stop. Oil light illuminates car losses all power steering and breaking. This happens while driving straight or turning as well. Primarily while turning. This has happened to me on a city intersection and in my residential neighborhood. I am scared that I am going to wreck because of this and hurt myself or others.
When driving and slowing to make a right turn apply pressure to the break the car just stalls I have all dash lights put the car in park and it restarts back up this has happened six times now that I owned the car has 65.0000 miles on it need info on what to do the dealer said they never heard of this going on this takes place at any speed slow or fast turns
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Challenger. While driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 80,250. Updated 11/29/16 the consumer also stated the vehicle would shut off in the midst of a turn and at start up. Updated 12/13/16.
Engine complaints in other Challenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Dodge Challenger?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Dodge Challenger, 29% of the model year's 133 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Challenger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Challenger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.