Most common 2013 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 179 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 →
2013 Dodge Challenger recalls (5)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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
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.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
Remedy: Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 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 2013 Dodge Challenger owners say
Electrical system all 104 →
On Saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 DRIVING 27 MILES FROM DISTANCE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY WITH INTERNAL LIGHTS QUICKLY POWER OUTAGES ON AND OFF INTERIOR LIGHTIN. dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event within the battery system, rapidly escalating into a fire that engulfed the vehicle. Further analysis is underway to determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.NO WARNING ADVISORY ON THE PRELIMINARY OCCURRENCE IT ESCALATED FROM FLASHING ON AND OFF LIGHTS AND STEREO TO A STIFF STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN AND RAPIDLY SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND FIRE STARTED CONSUMING THE REAR END OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE. …
The vehicle is available for inspection. The issue caused a fire under my carport and within 30 feet of a neighbor's house. The car is immobile and still at the location of the incident, it has not been reproduced or inspected. there were no warning lamps at the time of the incident. The electrical system seemed to have several issues over the past years. The passenger side tail light would burn out at least twice a year. The driver's side window would go up and down when the car was off and ran out of battery. The vehicle would allow the key fob to be locked in the car. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause. Most recently what a mechanic thought was the starter failed twice in less than six months. Last month, I went to start the car, and it started and then turned off. I heard a pop and crackling sound, and the trunk battery was on fire.
Engine & cooling all 27 →
When I start the car, it shuts off if I pushed the button to restart it, sounds like it's double starting itself the only way that I can make it stop is by continuously hitting the button. The only way that I can restart. The car is if I open the driver's door, then hit the button to completely cut off the car shut the door hit the button again then the car will start. It's like I have to reset it. it does it often has been for years when I take it to the mechanics or dealership they tell me to bring it up there when it's doing it. That's the only way that they can find out what the issue is, after this happens I'll take it to the dealership and they find nothing they request for me to bring it when is doing that, but I never know when it's going to happen until it does, but it doesn't happen at the dealership. …
* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. …
Air bags
Airbag light stays on and bells. I put in for the recall but records show even on here that its repaired but it never has. I'm afraid it may explode and metal may come out and and harm me or passenger. Why does system show repair but it hasnt been and can it be repaired? It's a part of recall.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Dodge Challenger. While driving 45 MPH to approach an intersection, another vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed into the front of the contact's vehicle. None of the air bags deployed and the vehicle was damaged extensively. The driver sustained bruising from the seat belt restraint, as well as head, neck, back, and bodily pains. The contact was transported via ambulance to receive medical attention. A police report was filed. Five star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of warner robins (2817 watson blvd, warner robins, ga 31088, [phone]) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a facility. The contact was waiting on the manufacturer and insurance company to determine if they would inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer issued NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V018000 (air bags) and 18V021000 (air bags). …
2013 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 23 / 17 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 23 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Challenger rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as 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 2013 Dodge Challenger?
The electrical system — 104 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (27) and air bags (19).
How many recalls does the 2013 Dodge Challenger have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 49% 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.