Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Dodge Challenger Reliability Report
The 2018 Dodge Challenger rates good for reliability, but touchscreen glitches and sudden steering assist loss are the problems owners report most.
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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
The weakest of the six scored Challenger years, with the most owner complaints and recalls among the years compared, led by Uconnect touchscreen failures.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
- STEERING (6)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
Good, with a catch. This is the weakest of the six scored Challenger years, though it still rates above average against other 2018 sedans and earns 5 of 5 stars in the federal crash test. The 2019 model rates about the same, with fewer complaints (55 versus 73) and one fewer recall.
The touchscreen causes the most trouble. Owners say the Uconnect 8.4 screen delaminates and bubbles, then starts ghost touching. It turns the heat and volume all the way up, places calls, and switches screens while the car is moving. Other electrical reports include power windows that quit, a battery that drains while parked, and one fire on the passenger floorboard of a parked car. Power steering assist can cut out suddenly and leave the wheel very hard to turn. Manual cars have had clutches fail with a bang at around 25,000 miles. Some owners found cracked rims behind slow tire leaks.
Ask for proof that all four recalls were completed. They cover the electrical system, the power train, and vehicle speed control. Test every screen function, and have the wheels inspected for cracks. Compare a 2019 before you commit. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep above the class figure.
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: Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen delaminates (25 complaints)
Compare 2018 Dodge Challenger With
2018 Ford Mustang
Reliability: 65/100
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
Reliability: 71/100
2018 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 70/100
2018 Audi A5
Reliability: 77/100
2018 BMW 4 Series
Reliability: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
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 soldSegment avg: 25.7
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2018 Dodge Challenger? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Dodge Challenger, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Dodge Challenger NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.1%
Safety Technologies
Dodge ChallengerRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Dodge Challenger Resale Value
The Dodge Challenger is estimated to retain about 71.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Dodge Challenger model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.
- Value Retained
- 71.9%
- Depreciation
- 28.1%
- Listings Analyzed
- 267
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Dodge Challenger depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Challenger GT 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Challenger 6.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 15 | 25 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Challenger 5.7L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Challenger SRT 6.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 15 | 25 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Challenger 5.7L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,950 |
| Challenger 6.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Challenger SRT 6.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 13 | 22 | 16 | $4,300 |
| Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 13 | 21 | 16 | $4,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Dodge Challenger.
Check the Uconnect screen edges for bubbles and watch for menu changes nobody touched during the drive.
Tap every screen function, then shift to reverse and confirm the backup camera image is clear.
Run each power window up and down several times, listening for slow travel or windows moving on their own.
Inspect the inside edges of all four rims for cracks and ask whether any tire keeps losing air.
On manual cars, shift through every gear and reject one with a sticking shifter or a chattering clutch.
On automatics, shift into Park on a slope, release the brake, and confirm the car does not roll.
Turn the wheel lock to lock at parking speed and watch for a power steering warning message.
Look for condensation inside the taillights and confirm the headlights are bright and evenly aimed.
2018 Dodge Challenger Common Problems by Component
73 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25 complaintsSafety-relatedThe Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen delaminates. Bubbles form, then the screen starts "ghost touching" itself. It turns the heat and volume all the way up, places calls, and switches screens while the car is moving. Other reports describe a frozen screen that only works again after a restart, USB and CarPlay dropouts, and power windows that cycle up and down or quit. Some owners report the battery draining while the car sits, and an idle that hangs so the car won't slow down. Two reports involve crashes. One describes a fire on the passenger floorboard of a parked car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsMost of these reports describe the same Uconnect screen delamination. Bubbles appear at the corners, then phantom presses change the climate settings, toggle the heated seats and steering wheel, and place calls, including attempts to dial 911. Owners describe the distraction as a safety hazard. Some report that dealers had replacement screens on back order. A few unrelated complaints describe a broken sway bar that clanked, a car that rolled while in Park and shifted hard, and weather alerts on the radio screen that can't be turned off.
STEERING
6 complaintsSafety-relatedPower steering assist cuts out suddenly. A "Power Steering Assist" service message appears, and the wheel becomes very hard to turn. In one case, at 20,000 miles, the dealer traced it to a failed power steering module. Other reports describe the steering wheel and accelerator pedal vibrating at low speed, and the vibration came back after wheel balancing and new tires. One owner reports a loose intermediate shaft after a front-end collision repair, followed by a spin-out. Two complaints are crash-related, with one injury, and describe loss of control.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOn manual cars, the clutch can fail. The shifter sticks in gear at first. Then the clutch breaks apart with a loud bang and constant chattering, leaving only neutral, at around 25,000 miles. Owners say the dealer called it normal wear. On automatics, owners report the car rolling while in Park, the shifter slipping into neutral by itself, and hard bangs when shifting between gears. In one report the car stalled at a stoplight and could not be shifted out of gear, so it had to be towed.
WHEELS (5 complaints)
WHEELS
5 complaintsThe rims crack along their inside edges, and the tires slowly lose air. Owners first notice it as a tire that keeps going flat. Reports come at about 40,000 and 75,000 miles, and one owner found a crack on a car less than two years old. One owner says the cracks formed after driving over bumps and rough pavement. One complaint describes the driver's side wheel coming off while driving, and the cause was never diagnosed. Owners report little help from the dealer or manufacturer.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedThe airbags fail to deploy in serious collisions. There are three crash reports and five injuries, covering front, side, and rear impacts, including a crash that ended against a utility pole. One of these failures came at about 16,000 miles. In a separate complaint, the side airbag was visible through a seam when the driver's door was opened. The dealer said the repair was not covered under warranty. None of these reports includes a confirmed cause.
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)
SUSPENSION
3 complaintsSafety-relatedThere are only three reports here, and they don't share a pattern. One new car had rusted front control arms at a few thousand miles, and the dealer said other Chargers and Challengers on the lot looked the same. In another report, a front axle broke during a slow left turn, and that complaint is crash-related. A third car stalled and later needed a new transmission, rear differential, axle, and stabilizer bar.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsMoisture collects inside the inner taillight assembly. Owners say the dealer would not cover it under warranty, and that other owners report the lights quitting afterward. One report describes headlights that keep dimming even after the bulbs were replaced 5 times, making night driving hard. Another owner found the headlights aimed unevenly, and the dealer traced it to earlier accident damage. With only three complaints, there is no strong pattern.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintFUEL 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
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintSafety-relatedI got the car on 4/13/2025 from a Toyota dealership with about 31000 miles they told me the car fax showed the car had 2 owners a regular customer and another dealership, they also told me they change the battery but they failed to disclosed that they took the car to a body shop to fix a dent and to be repainted, by mistake they offered me the Toyota warranty 5 years or 60000 miles , on 8/10/25 while driving the car it caught on fire luckily nobody got injured , after putting the fire off the fire department told us the cause of it was an engine malfunction only after 4 months and with about 39000 miles ,from the pictures we suspect the fire started by the fuse box and now I'm looking for answers and who's responsible, the dealership, the previous owner or the manufacturer, the car got totaled.
Best & Worst Dodge Challenger Years
Best Dodge Challenger Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreDodge Challenger Years to Avoid
No Dodge Challenger years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 72 and 77 across 6 scored model years.
Dodge Challenger Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
Dodge Challenger Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have touchscreen problems?
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have recalls?
Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger more reliable than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2018 Dodge Challenger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Dodge Challenger
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Dodge Challenger does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on complaint severity (68/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Dodge Challenger.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Dodge Models
Dodge Charger
Score: 82/100
Dodge Durango
Score: 82/100
Dodge Grand Caravan
Score: 83/100
Dodge Hornet
Score: 64/100
Dodge Journey
Score: 77/100
Browse More 2018 Vehicles
2018 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100
2018 Nissan Murano
Score: 82/100
2018 Lexus IS
Score: 81/100
2018 Lexus ES
Score: 80/100
2018 Toyota Corolla
Score: 80/100
2018 Buick Encore
Score: 80/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue