Most common 2021 Dodge Challenger problems
Share of the 19 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 →
2021 Dodge Challenger recalls (2)
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140.
Visibility › Windshield › Critical fasteners
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2021 Dodge Challenger owners say
Electrical system
The cars light notifications on instrument cluster panel turned on all of them at the same time while accelerating jerking the car on freeway I have video of that happening and can provide it upon request it did caused a minor accident but I settled the accident with other driver with cash with out involving insurance or police but the car is not being driven that much ever since accident it was nothing serious just a little damage to front bumper but it was really scary when it happened again on freeway thats why i recorded the problem live and can provide the video at request havent went to get the car checked out or repaired yet but definately need to it's a safety issue and dangerous one if happens at the wrong time or place I haven't received no calls from dealers or mail but will wait for further instructions from nhtsa the car is parked at the moment and will tow to the selling …
My seatbelt seemed a bit faulty when I purchased the car. It was slow to retract and at some points wouldn't retract unless I played with the seatbelt. Three years in to owning the car it still won't retract fully and is at the point where it won't come out to a safe distance that allows me to wear my seatbelt. As for the electrical defaults, there are times when I am driving and the display, between my speedometer and rpm dials, turned off. So would my center display, yet my radio continued to play. There were no warning signs or signals when that would happen. It is always random.
Air bags
The contact owned a 2021 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 55-65 MPH when the vehicle hydroplaned, as a result, the vehicle struck a guard rail head-on and spun out of control. The contact stated that the frontal air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
The contact was driving a rental vehicle from Enterprise which was a 2021 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated there was debris in the high way and the vehicle was pulled into the wall and the air bag did not deploy. The contact stated a police report was filed. The contact was transported to the hospital where he was diagnosed with dislocated left shoulder and head injury. The vehicle was towed to the Airport Enterprise Lot. mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,415.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge SXT. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, it caught on fire without warning. The fire marshals extinguished the flames. A report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Challenger less than a week from the dealership and less than 1,000 miles. Catastrophic fuel pump failure while driving, unable to recover. Rear view back up camera freezes and stutters causing safety issues. Radio volume constantly changes while driving and leads to distraction safety issues. Door locks are consistently unreliable, roughly 25% chance of door lock failure. Key fob not detected and electronic security lock down issues. Uconnect freezing and stuttering causing delays in back up camera and other functions causing safety concerns.
2021 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 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 24 / 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 2021 Dodge Challenger a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Challenger rates better than average: 67% 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 2021 Dodge Challenger?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Challenger have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 Dodge Challenger, the most recent from August 26, 2021 (instrument cluster/panel). 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 2021 Dodge Challenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 17,000 miles; 100% 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.