Last updated: 2026-04-20

Dodge Challenger

0 Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Dodge Challenger average of 74/100

All Dodge Challenger years score consistently around the model average of 74/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2020 77/100 and the weakest is 2018 72/100.

Verdict

All Dodge Challenger years score consistently around the model average of 74/100 (72–77 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2020 77/100 and the weakest is 2018 72/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Dodge Challenger Problems?

Top reported issues across all Dodge Challenger model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

52 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

14 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

AIR BAGS

13 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

10 complaints

Most reported in 2023

Best Dodge Challenger Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Dodge Challenger

The 2020 Dodge Challenger has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Dodge Challenger. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Power Train (3), Vehicle Speed Control (2).

Score: 77/100 (Good)1 recalls19 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Dodge Challenger year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Dodge Challenger Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2023 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dodge Challenger years should you avoid?
All Dodge Challenger years in our database score consistently around the model average of 74/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Dodge Challenger?
The best year for the Dodge Challenger is 2020, with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 19 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Dodge Challenger have?
Across all years in our database, the Dodge Challenger has a total of 14 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Dodge Challenger worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Dodge Challenger problems?
The most common Dodge Challenger problems are electrical system (52 complaints), unknown or other (31 complaints), power train (17 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Dodge Challenger reliable long-term?
The Dodge Challenger has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Dodge Challenger generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Dodge Challenger generation is the Third generation (2008–2023) with an average score of 74/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Dodge Challenger?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Dodge Challenger is $650 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2020 Dodge Challenger a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Dodge Challenger is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 19 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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