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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Dodge Challenger Reliability Report
The 2019 Dodge Challenger scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 55 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
55
Complaint Rate
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 (13)
- STEERING (8)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 4 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.
- Year 12 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.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 4 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
At 73/100, the 2019 Dodge Challenger lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 4 years after the 2015 facelift refresh.
Owners log 55 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 (13). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Dodge Challenger, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Dodge Challenger for an earlier comparison.
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 (13 complaints)
Compare 2019 Dodge Challenger With

2019 Ford Mustang
Reliability: 67/100

2019 Chevrolet Camaro
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 63/100

2019 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 55/100

2019 Audi A5
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- STEERING (8)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 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
9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Dodge Challenger Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Dodge Challenger. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, TIRES, WHEELS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Consequence
A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence
Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
Buying a used 2019 Dodge Challenger? Check its history first
Every 2019 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
2019 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 2019 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 | 24 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Challenger 5.7L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 15 | 23 | 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 6.2L 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 2019 Dodge Challenger.
Test Uconnect system for screen freezing or staying on after shifting out of reverse
Inspect steering for erratic behavior or locking during turns
Check for abnormal tire wear and ensure tires do not rub against the vehicle body
Verify airbag functionality and inspect for any non-illuminating airbag indicators
Listen for unusual engine noises, such as knocking or metal-on-metal sounds
Inspect brake lines for proximity to exhaust manifold and signs of melted insulation
2019 Dodge Challenger Common Problems by Component
55 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the Uconnect infotainment system in the 2019 Dodge Challenger, including the rearview camera display remaining active after shifting out of reverse, and the screen going black or becoming unresponsive. Symptoms often involve distraction due to the persistent rearview image while driving forward and loss of access to necessary controls. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's gear shifting, where the car can get stuck in reverse or park, requiring a restart to resolve. Some issues are reported at low mileages, such as 5,750 miles, and one complaint involves a crash and fire. Safety implications are noted due to potential driver distraction and loss of vehicle control.
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving the electronic power steering and rack and pinion components. Common symptoms described include erratic steering behavior, steering wheel locking, and the steering getting stuck in a notch during turns. These issues often occur without warning lights and have been reported shortly after purchase or over a period of months. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involved a crash due to a lower control arm and ball joint failure, and multiple reports mention a loss of steering control while driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues and consider thorough inspection and testing before purchase.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger report several power train issues, with complaints frequently mentioning transmission malfunctions and gear shifting problems. One common issue involves the vehicle popping out of first gear intermittently, often leading to near rear-end collisions. Another pattern includes unexpected gear shifts while driving, such as shifting from 8th to 3rd gear on the freeway, which poses a significant safety risk. Additionally, some owners describe the vehicle getting stuck in gear when parked or experiencing transmission failures with warning lights, sometimes after driving less than 300 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as these issues can lead to loss of control or stalling in traffic, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues related to unusual noises and component failures. Multiple complaints describe a persistent metal-on-metal noise while driving, with one owner noting it feels unsafe and constant. Another common problem involves the evaporator, which has reportedly failed in vehicles around 34,000 miles, with similar issues noted by other owners of 2018-2020 models. Additionally, there are reports of backup cameras malfunctioning by turning gray or staying on when the vehicle is in drive. Some owners also mention engine-related problems, such as knocking sounds and exhaust manifold issues, often occurring under 30,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, these issues could impact the vehicle's reliability and performance.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Dodge Challenger experiences issues with airbag deployment failures during crashes, with three incidents involving crashes and four injuries. Complaints frequently mention airbags not deploying despite significant collisions, such as a rear-end impact and a T-bone accident, with no prior warning lights or error messages. Some owners also describe non-deployment indicators like the steering wheel airbag emblem not illuminating, suggesting potential pre-existing faults. These issues arise at various mileages, with one vehicle having only 4,018 miles at the time of failure. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag-related safety concerns, particularly in crash scenarios.
WHEELS (4 complaints)
WHEELS
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues related to wheel wobbling and rubbing. Common symptoms include uneven drive with wobbly wheels and tires scraping against the vehicle body when the steering wheel is turned fully in either direction. Some complaints also note the replacement of tires and rims without resolution of the issue. These problems often occur without triggering the tire pressure warning lamp, and owners express concern about potential safety risks, particularly on highways. No specific mileage range is consistently mentioned, but the persistence of these issues suggests potential ongoing concerns for used car buyers.
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)
SUSPENSION
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the suspension in the 2019 Dodge Challenger, including problems with shocks and struts, and a failure of the rear/front suspension. These issues are frequently described alongside electrical problems, which include non-functional USB ports, repeated radio and amplifier failures, and door lock malfunctions that sometimes trap occupants inside or outside the vehicle. Complaints often mention significant electrical failures occurring as early as 2020, with some issues persisting through 2024 and 2025. Additionally, one owner describes a severe incident where a tire snapped off, leading to a total loss of the vehicle, suggesting potential safety implications. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring suspension and electrical issues when considering this model.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger report issues related to the engine, specifically with the oil cooler and catastrophic engine failure. One complaint describes recurrent oil cooler problems, with oil accumulating in the valley of the oil cooler, potentially linked to over-torquing the oil filter cap. Another owner details a severe engine failure occurring at approximately 1,626 miles, where the engine blew up during highway driving, resulting in oil and metal debris on the roadway and a connecting rod protruding from the oil pan. These issues are reported at relatively low mileages and can lead to significant safety hazards, including loss of vehicle control.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger report issues with tire wear, specifically on the front tires. Complaints frequently mention abnormal sounds when turning and the illumination of the air pressure warning light. These issues often occur around the 40,000 to 46,000-mile range. In one instance, a tire-related problem is linked to a fire due to an overheated instrument panel and burnt wires, indicating potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of recurring tire wear and related symptoms such as unusual noises and dashboard overheating.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Dodge Challenger report two distinct issues related to the service brakes. One complaint describes brake lines in the engine bay on the passenger side being routed too close to the exhaust manifold, leading to melted insulation, which could potentially cause brake fluid to boil. Another issue involves the rear brake pad surface area being substantially narrower than the rotor diameter, resulting in improper wear patterns and reduced stopping force. These issues could affect brake system performance and pose safety risks, such as compromised braking capability. No specific mileage ranges are noted in the complaints, but the issues are identified during routine inspections and could be of concern to used car buyers assessing potential brake system reliability.
When Do 2019 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 2019 Dodge Challenger reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
How many recalls does the 2019 Dodge Challenger have?
Is the 2019 Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 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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