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Last updated: 2026-04-20

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
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

2018 Ford Mustang
Reliability: 65/100

2018 Chevrolet Camaro
Reliability: 71/100

2018 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 70/100

2018 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 54/100

2018 Audi A5
Reliability: 77/100
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: 24.9
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
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.
- 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.
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
| 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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners 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.
WHEELS (5 complaints)
WHEELS
5 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)
SUSPENSION
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners 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.
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
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintGOOD 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.
Best & Worst Dodge Challenger Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Dodge Challenger Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
| 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?
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have?
Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Dodge Challenger without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Dodge Challenger.
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