Most common 2018 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 75 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 →
2018 Dodge Challenger recalls (3)
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Challenger owners say
Electrical system all 28 →
I have had an issue like the 30 other complaints on here with my window going up and down and faulty switch!!! Went to dodge and the lady stated no open recalls on the vehicle so I was probably looking at $2500 to fix . How is dodge not being held accountable for this and being liable to create a recall!!! I'm driving and the window started opening and shutting in the middle of a hurricane and I almost crashed, hit a divider & swirled ! Had to pull over and wait 1 hour for it to stop!!! PLEASE HELP before someone seriously is injured by this window faulty switch mechanism distracting apparently since 2011
The vehicle was parked in driveway sat for 10minutes then the headlights started flashing on and off when we got near the car they stopped we move the away lights would go again. So we opened doors to find the front passenger floorboard and edge of front passenger seat begin to burn. At this point we have not been told a cause of the fire. I surance and chrysler corporate are looking into it
Transmission & drivetrain
Driving along and all of a sudden the shifter lights started flashing, wipers turned on, steering became difficult, and finally the transmission locked up. Stalled in the middle of the hiway turn lane and because the transmission was locked up it couldn't even be pushed out of the way. Traffic was backed up and people trying to get around because I was blocking a major hiway intersection. The dodge dealership has had the car 3 times and finally diagnosed it as the rack and pinion plug.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. While the contact's son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to island Chrysler Dodge Ram (located at 1239 hyland blvd, staten island, ny 10305, [phone]). The dealer diagnosed that the transmission and rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After leaving the dealer, while driving, several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle, ignition coil, spark plugs, anti-lock brakes, and stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the vehicle, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to call the national center for dispute settlement for further assistance. …
Steering
I was driving at 35 MPH on cruise control, I tried letting go off the acceleration as I did the car would not slow down and it started to wobble side to side it hit a curb and the front passenger wheel side came off and back side flattened and made a couple of dents into the right side
I was in the city of old san juan, in motion driving down a two lane street. I was in a straight way I had been pressing the brake down to 55 miles approaching a a slight curve ( not even hard, the curve only deviated few feet to a right and then a couple feet to left, in pr traveling to the in the historical area there is a cement like structure no more than 10 inches serving as a barrier between the two car lanes and the bicycle path). At that moment I lost control of the vehicle, brakes felt weird completely pressing them down, in motion. When I slightly pump the brake again going toward a full press the brake and wheels didn't respond. I tried getting control and as I left the last corner and steer I lost control hitting the barrier. My front tire went off!! Rolled down hill. After that my car got scratch at the bottom driving on my brake pad. I bought the car the same day!!!!! …
2018 Dodge Challenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 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 2018 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Challenger rates average: 38% 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 2018 Dodge Challenger?
The electrical system — 28 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (8) and steering (6).
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2018 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from August 9, 2018 (front underhood). 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 2018 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 22,000 miles; 91% 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.