Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Dodge Challenger model year (2008–2023) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 233 complaints
16 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 280
6 recalls · 154 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 190
5 recalls · 114 complaints
12 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 153
Best Dodge Challenger Years to Buy
2 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 9
0 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 15
3 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 18
Found the right year? Verify that specific Challenger with a free VIN report.
Dodge Challenger — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 35 | — | — | 35 | Good |
| 2022 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 9 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 13 | 1 | — | 15 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 23 | — | — | 23 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 58 | — | — | 61 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 61 | 4 | — | 75 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 32 | 2 | — | 45 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 56 | 9 | — | 80 | Good |
| 2015 | 5 | 102 | 9 | — | 135 | Caution |
| 2014 | 5 | 114 | 12 | — | 153 | Caution |
| 2013 | 5 | 118 | 6 | — | 145 | Caution |
| 2012 | 6 | 154 | 9 | — | 190 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 6 | 125 | — | — | 143 | Caution |
| 2010 | 5 | 233 | 16 | — | 280 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 6 | 69 | 4 | — | 95 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 9 | — | — | 18 | Excellent |
All 16 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Dodge Challenger Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2022Recent Challenger models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2022 stands out with just 9 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Challenger units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Challenger models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Challenger should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2010 Dodge Challenger if possible. It has 5 recalls, 233 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 280 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Challenger to buy?+
The 2022 Dodge Challenger is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 9. It has only 2 recalls and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Challenger has the fewest problems?+
The 2022, 2021, 2008 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Dodge Challenger Research
Check a Specific Dodge Challenger VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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