Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Dodge Challenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire sensor, battery, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as a powertrain control module failure, which caused the battery and alternator to fail. The mechanic informed the contact that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
The Gen III hemi has an inherent design flaw in which the rollers making contact with the camshaft will fail, causing damage to the camshaft and causing the engine to misfire. This is due to the camshaft being moved away from the crankshaft as it causes oil starvation. After extensive research it appears to affect cars of various miles and workload. There is no single cause that makes this happen other than a grievous design flaw. The main complaint is that you experience total power loss at higher revs, making it dangerous to drive on the interstate or attempting to merge into traffics as the engine begins to shudder and lose most power. Whether it's 40K miles or 110K miles, the flaw does not discriminate. After numerous attempts to reach Chrysler technical service on how to prevent this, I've been ignored and case numbers deleted. Now this is very important. …
Hello! Hard shifting 6speed manual: I have been having shifting problems with my manual trans for a couple of months. It started back in nov 11 when traveling out of town,got stuck in traffic and clutch started to not disingauge all the way (would creep) had to hold foot on brake or put in neutral even after pulling off the road. Latter when coming home baked into parking space turn key off wanted to put in other gear was very hard to pull out of reverse. Has gotten worse, it is getting harder to shift while driving. My wife went to get on the highway and had very hard time going into lower gear almost getting hit in the rear.Dodge says worn clutch,but it doesn't slip, but they have a notice about grease being on input spline thats the clutch slides on getting dirty from to much grease and dirt, making the disc stick not fully disengaging. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact experienced difficulty with shifting to and from second gear, and the vehicle overheated and stalled several times without warning. An independent mechanic replaced the transmission seals, but was unable to determine a remedy to provide a permanent solution. The failure continued to progress and the vehicle was towed to martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram (2209 scottsville rd, bowling green, ky 42104-4105, [phone]) to be diagnosed. The contact mentioned that the dealer replaced the computer once, but the computer failed again and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that further diagnostic testing was required and the part May no longer be available to replace the computer again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that the second gear shift would pop out of gear, causing sudden acceleration. The contact crashed into storage unit as a result of the failure. The contact sustained a fractured toe and leg injuries, and was transported to the hospital. The front and left side of the vehicle was damaged and the vehicle was towed to a body shop. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted and an inspector was sent to inspect the failure of the vehicle. The claim was denied after inspection. The failure mileage was 13,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. While driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled while trying to accelerate and the transmission warning signal illuminated. When the vehicle was restarted, the warning signal light was not illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The result was a p0730-improper gearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,500.
When shifting into 2nd gear sometimes wont let the gear go into slot and have to force it in and out. Dodge has a star case #k38556860 but is not recalling this issue and forcing the buyer to pay for it out of pocket. The powertrain warrenty is out of date however there are so many of this issue online when you search for it that it seems Dodge should have already made this a recall since it seems the made the correct fix the year after.
Shifting issue with manual 2010 Challenger r/t. Experiencing a nibble when shifting and sometimes it won't shift into 3rd when cold. Matches the description from other 2009-2010 drivers in on-line Challenger forums under star case # k38556860 & s1021000004 (bad grease used on tr-6060. My local dealer and Chrysler warranty hotline claim to know nothing about it.
The 6 speed transmission at 47,000 miles is having a very hard time shifting into and out of gear at idle. With clutch pedal all the way to floor it will not go into or out of first gear or reverse. After getting it into gear and driving the transmission shifts fine. There is a known issue with the clutch and grease used on this year model
2014 timing belt was recalled and apparently repaired. Car shut off in the middle of the highway and then engine seized. Had it towed and service said it was timing belt again and now engine needed to be replaced. Called Dodge, they said there is nothing they can or want to do.
Transmission complaints in other Challenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Dodge Challenger?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Dodge Challenger, 12% of the model year's 299 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Challenger transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 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 2010 Dodge Challenger transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.