Last updated: 2026-04-20

2018 Dodge Challenger
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2018 Dodge Challenger Reliability Report

The 2018 Dodge Challenger scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 73 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

4

Complaints

73

Complaint Rate

10.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$650

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity68/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
  • STEERING (6)
  • POWER TRAIN (6)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.

  • Year 11 in the Third generation (2008–2023) (2008–2023).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 3rd generation Challenger (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2008: Third generation (2008–2023) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2015: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Dodge Challenger?

At 72/100, the 2018 Dodge Challenger lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is 3 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.

Owners log 73 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (25). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Dodge Challenger, which scored 1 points higher.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (14%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Moderate recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (25 complaints)

Compare 2018 Dodge Challenger With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2018 Dodge Challenger. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 24.9

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

9

Crashes

2

Fires

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Dodge Challenger Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Challenger. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V5240002018-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

18E0530002018-07-12

POWER TRAIN

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

18V3320002018-05-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Dodge Challenger? Check its history first

Every 2018 Dodge Challenger has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Dodge Challenger NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 11.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvic/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Dodge ChallengerRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$650

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

14%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Challenger
$650
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$4,950/yr

Fuel + repair

13–19 city / 21–30 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Challenger 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd193023$2,600
Challenger GT 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd182721$2,850
Challenger 6.4L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152518$3,850
Challenger 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd152318$3,850
Challenger SRT 6.4L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152518$3,850
Challenger 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd162519$3,950
Challenger 6.4L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd142317$4,050
Challenger SRT 6.4L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd142317$4,050
Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd132216$4,300
Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd132116$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Dodge Challenger.

  • Inspect UConnect screen for delamination or ghost touching

  • Test manual transmission for shifting issues and clutch integrity

  • Check rims for cracks or air leaks

  • Verify power steering functionality and check for warning messages

  • Inspect control arms for rust and axle integrity

  • Test all exterior lights for dimming and moisture issues

  • Ensure airbags deploy correctly during a diagnostic test

2018 Dodge Challenger Common Problems by Component

73 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

25
14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)STEERING (6)POWER TRAIN (6)WHEELS (5)AIR BAGS (4)SUSPENSION (3)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)Other (7)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the UConnect infotainment system, particularly involving screen delamination and "ghost touching," where the screen behaves as if being touched without input, affecting climate control, audio, and navigation functions. Complaints often describe problems with the backup camera displaying distorted or black images, and turn signals or windows malfunctioning intermittently. These issues are reported to occur soon after purchase, with some owners experiencing them from day two of ownership. Safety implications are noted, with two complaints involving crashes and one involving a fire, highlighting potential risks associated with these electrical system failures. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, which appear to persist across different mileage ranges.

25 complaints total2 crashes1 fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system, particularly screen delamination. Symptoms include the screen registering phantom touches, causing random activation of features such as emergency calls, climate controls, and audio settings, which many describe as distracting and potentially hazardous. This problem often arises outside of warranty periods, typically after 36,000 miles. Additionally, one report mentions a vehicle rollaway issue when the gear shifter is in park, and another describes a broken sway bar with unclear cause. Given these reports, prospective buyers should be aware of potential infotainment system malfunctions and ensure these components are thoroughly checked before purchase.

14 complaints total

STEERING

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the power steering system, with multiple complaints mentioning a "Power Steering Assist Off" warning message and subsequent loss of power steering, often around 20,000 miles. Symptoms include difficulty steering and vibration in the steering wheel, with some cases leading to crashes. Two crashes are reported, one resulting in an injury. Additionally, some owners describe vibrations in the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, persisting even after multiple dealer visits and component replacements. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning steering control and vehicle stability.

6 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report power train issues, with several complaints highlighting clutch and transmission failures. Typical symptoms include the car stalling and being unable to shift gears, as well as loud banging noises and vibrations, often occurring around 25,000 miles. Some owners describe the vehicle rolling unexpectedly or shifting into neutral independently, raising potential safety concerns. These issues often lead to situations where the vehicle cannot be moved, necessitating towing or urgent roadside maneuvers. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially in manual transmission models, and consider the reported mileage at which these issues tend to arise.

6 complaints total
WHEELS (5 complaints)

WHEELS

5 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with cracked rims, often leading to air leaks in the tires. Multiple complaints describe cracks forming on the inside edges of the rims, commonly attributed to driving over bumps or uneven road surfaces. These problems typically appear at mileages ranging from approximately 27,000 to 75,000 miles. One report mentions a wheel detaching while driving, posing a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these recurring rim issues, as they may require costly replacements.

5 complaints total
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with air bags not deploying during crashes. Three out of four complaints involve crashes where the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in five injuries. These incidents typically occur during significant impacts, such as being struck on the front driver's side or rear-ended at high speeds, with mileage around 16,000 to 21,161. One complaint also mentions a non-crash-related issue where the side air bag is visible through the seam when the driver's door is opened. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers, particularly concerning air bag reliability during collisions.

4 complaints total3 crashes5 injuries
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)

SUSPENSION

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger report issues with the suspension, particularly involving rusted control arms in the front, even on vehicles with as little as 2000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of axle failure, with one incident leading to a crash when the front passenger side axle broke during a low-speed turn. Another complaint details multiple component failures, including the stabilizer bar, at approximately 24,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety risks, particularly concerning the structural integrity of the suspension system. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially given the early onset of rust and the reported crash involving the axle.

3 complaints total1 crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

Owners report several issues with the exterior lighting of the 2018 Dodge Challenger. A common problem involves moisture or condensation accumulating within the inner taillight assembly, which some owners say leads to the lights failing completely. Another issue frequently mentioned is headlights that dim over time, with one owner stating they have replaced them five times within a year. There are also complaints about headlights not being level, with one owner attributing this to a possible prior accident despite no visible damage. These lighting issues can impact nighttime visibility, posing potential safety risks for drivers.

3 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2018-01-16

FUEL PUMP WERE CRACKED DIDNT HAVE CAR 1 FULL YEAR,... I FEEL LIKE THIS CAR WAS MADE POORLY AND NOT DEPENDABLE I LMAO GOING TO TRADE IT IN FOR A CHEVY CAMARO

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint
2021-02-01

GOOD MORNING THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING IS THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS PUT IN BY THE MANUFACTURING COMPANY WHICH IS CHRYSLER THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS INSTALLED HAS BEEN SEAL IMPROPERLY WHICH IS CAUSING A LEAK THAT ONLY HAPPENS IF IT RAINS OR TOOK TO A CAR WASH AND IT'S LEAKING BEHIND THE SEAL OF THE WINDOW AND THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD HAS TO COME OUT AND BE REPLACE BECAUSE IT'S LEAKING INTO THE DRIVERS FLOOR AND BEHIND THE DASH BOARD AS IT RUNS DOWN THE TOP SIDE PANEL OF THE DRIVERS SIDE THESE IS DEFINITELY A ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOK INTO AND ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE THIS CAN REALLY MESS UP A LOT OF ELECTRICAL STUFF IN YOUR CAR.

When Do 2018 Dodge Challenger Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

19,000–25,000 milesTransmission failures
28,000–38,000 milesUConnect screen delamination
20,000 milesPower steering failures

Best & Worst Dodge Challenger Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Dodge Challenger Years to Buy

The best Dodge Challenger year is 2020 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (75/100) and 2021 (75/100).

Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid

No Dodge Challenger years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Dodge Challenger maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

Dodge Challenger Reliability Score Trend

Dodge Challenger reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Dodge Challenger reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201872/100Good
201973/100Good
202077/100Good
202175/100Good
202274/100Good
202375/100Good

Dodge Challenger Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202375/100+1Good238
202274/100-1Good28
202175/100-2Good217
202077/100+4Good119
201973/100+1Good355
2018(selected)72/100Good473

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger reliable?
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 73 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Dodge Challenger include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), STEERING (6 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), WHEELS (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have?
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has estimated annual repair costs of $650/year, which is $124 more than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Dodge Challenger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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