2010 Dodge Challenger Problems & Complaints

Avoid2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Challenger at the same age

Owners have filed 299 complaints about the 2010 Dodge Challenger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 2.3× as many as a typical Challenger model year at the same age, which makes the 2010 one of the Challenger years to avoid. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (106 complaints, typically around 34,000 miles). 7 recalls cover this model year, including 4 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

299complaints
7recalls
10crashes
4fires
13injuries
0deaths

Most common 2010 Dodge Challenger problems

  • Engine & cooling~34,000 miles
    10635%
  • Air bags~51,000 miles
    7525%
  • Electrical system~48,000 miles
    6823%
  • 3612%
  • Steering~36,000 miles
    3311%
  • Brakes~37,000 miles
    3010%
  • Other / not specified~77,000 miles
    227%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~67,000 miles
    165%
  • Speed control & acceleration~29,000 miles
    72%
  • Suspension~45,000 miles
    72%
  • Wheels & tires~50,000 miles
    62%
  • Body & structure~23,000 miles
    62%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~40,000 miles
    52%
  • Stability & traction control~98,000 miles
    52%
  • Lights~40,000 miles
    31%
  • Equipment & accessories
    21%
  • Seat belts~17,000 miles
    10%
  • Seats
    10%

Share of the 299 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Dodge Challenger complaints by model year

’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’2310133299193253179149126784975592019943
Owner complaints per model year, Dodge Challenger. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Challenger years: 2008, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →

2010 Dodge Challenger recalls (7)

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 19V-018 · Jan 15, 2019 · 1,413,222 vehiclesDo not drive

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

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.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 18V-021 · Jan 9, 2018 · 328,177 vehiclesDo not drive

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.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V-352 · May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehiclesDo not drive

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

NHTSA recall 15V-444 · Jul 10, 2015 · 88,460 vehiclesDo not drive

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.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 10V-475 · Oct 7, 2010 · 23,237 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and Dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles May experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on December 20, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system › Ignition › Module

NHTSA recall 10V-200 · May 11, 2010 · 37,335 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler 300, Dodge challenger, charger, Jeep commander, grand cherokee and Dodge Ram vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 23, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Show 1 more recall

Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA recall 09V-420 · Oct 29, 2009 · 12,656 vehicles

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 Dodge Challenger:

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

NHTSA investigation EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open

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 2010 Dodge Challenger owners say

Engine & cooling all 106 →

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, the low engine oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred approximately three or four times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

40,000 miles · Dec 2023

I experienced a catastrophic timing chain failure despite prior recall work being performed by Dodge that supposedly resolved their known timing chain issues with the 5.7L hemi with automatic transmission. This failure occurred without any prior warning at a cruising speed of about 65 MPH rendering the car undrivable. There were no warning lights, drivability issues, or signs of the impending failure. This is a well-maintained car with only 80,000 miles, never missing a required oil change and other maintenance tasks. Timing chains should not fail at such low milage - indeed, timing belts will last longer before they fail. This failure occurred on a major highway placing me and other motorists in danger from the car being unmovable and potentially causing a high-speed collision on a 70 MPH highway. …

Dec 2023

Air bags all 75 →

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the battery was replaced. The contact had received notification on NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 185,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

185,000 miles · Aug 2021

I need to address a serious issue regarding the car I purchased in 2020 from a private vendor. Upon taking the car to Crown Dodge Dealership in Ventura County for repair, I had to pay roughly $700 out of pocket for the service and rented a car from Hertz for the days I was without my car. However, upon receiving the car back, it still had unresolved issues with the electrical components and dashboard noise. It is unacceptable that the manager at the dealership did not prioritize my safety or the quality of the car I purchased. Since this car is my sole mode of transportation, I demand a prompt resolution to this matter. I expect immediate assistance in addressing these concerns. Thank you.

Jun 2024

Electrical system all 68 →

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the battery was replaced. The contact had received notification on NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 185,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Instrument cluster/panel · 185,000 miles · Aug 2021

The car has an intermittent issue where at highway speeds it will go into almost a limp mode. Basically the check engine light comes on and car loses power and won't go over 45 mph. I have to pull over and shut car off. It will restart and operate normally for a random period of time. Very dangerous when on the highway and have to pull over to the side of the road. From the forums I belong to, this is a very common problem. There are even members that have bought a brand new Challenger and had this happen to them after a few months. The code that usually appears from this is misfire on cylinder 1 and even the dealerships don't know what causes it and hard to diagnose since it happens randomly. Love the car but very annoyed that this keeps happening and no one can figure out the fix

Jun 2021

2010 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD17 / 25 / 20
5.7L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 25 / 19
5.7L 8-cyl6-speed manualRWD15 / 24 / 18
6.1L 8-cyl6-speed manualRWD14 / 22 / 16
6.1L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD13 / 19 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Challenger a good car?

Based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Challenger rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Challenger at the same age. It is one of the Challenger years we suggest avoiding. 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 2010 Dodge Challenger?

The engine & cooling — 106 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (75) and electrical system (68).

How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Challenger have?

There are 7 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from January 15, 2019 (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 2010 Dodge Challenger problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 62% 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.