Most common 2016 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 78 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 →
2016 Dodge Challenger recalls (1)
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 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 2016 Dodge Challenger owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Was taking off from a red light, got to about 15 MPH and there was a loud bang and I felt it from under the car. It then felt like I was dragging something under the car, but that couldn't be as I was behind another car and if there were something in the road, they would have hit it. I managed to pull over to the side of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it off. It wouldn't turn off and the "P" on the shifter was blinking and so was the "Run" light. It was at that point smoke started coming from under the hood. I grabbed my belongings from the passenger compartment, but couldn't open the trunk. It was then that flames started showing. I got away from it and started calling 911. Just then a police car arrived and they radioed for fire. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while her husband was driving 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was confirmed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Electrical system
Uconnect advised me via email that once the 3G bandwidth was no longer functional, that Uconnect would be upgrading to 4G. The list of functions that would be lost would mostly be cellular functions as well as the Assist and 9-1-1 button functions located on the inside rear view mirror. Most of the cellular phone functional loss was partially resolved with a dongle from T-Mobile/Sprint. However, it does not resolve functional loss of the Assist and 9-1-1 buttons on the inside rear view mirror. I believe this to be significant safety concern. I called Uconnect and was told that "we're sorry, but you'll have to use your cell phone in case of an emergency." My experience (law enforcement, EMS, and as an injured driver) dictates that the access and use of a cell phone is not always feasible depending on the structural/electrical damage of the vehicle and/or injuries. …
The wiring to the headlights are getting hot and visibly showing burn Mark's to the wiring and fuses to the headlights (not halo lights). It is causing the headlights to come on intermittently. Sometimes they come on at night and sometimes they don't. Sometimes they are off and suddenly comes on after miles of driving with my flashers. I can spell the burning sometimes. The Dodge dealership in Douglasville Georgia verified the wire and fuse burning. The dealership technicians spoke of relocating the wires to empty fuse box slots. How will that prevent the wires from burning? This could be a fire hazard. Your assistance is appreciated.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters and rocker's arms were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Center bond of crankshaft Damper falling-off front of engines on the highway due to defective bonding material in manufacturing causing failure in rubber bonding. At highways speeds, a 10lb chunk of metal will fall-off HEMI engines & create a flying projectile at other motorists on the road causing damage or death to other vehicles/drivers and/or pedestrians. Owners who are unaware of this safety-issue will be unaware that their crankshaft-damper has fallen off due to not realizing a piece of the engine is now missing, thus creating possibility of engine failure due to No Vibration Dampening any longer attached to the crankshaft pulley.
2016 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 25 / 18 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 23 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 22 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 13 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Challenger rates better than average: 45% 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 2016 Dodge Challenger?
The transmission & drivetrain — 16 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › driveshaft. Next are the electrical system (15) and engine & cooling (12).
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have?
There is 1 recall for the 2016 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from May 17, 2018 (software). 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 2016 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 83% 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.