Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year Challenger should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2008 Dodge Challenger has the most documented problems with a problem score of 0 — driven primarily by 0 recalls, 0 complaints, and issues with No complaints on record.

Q: What is the best year Challenger to buy?

The 2008 Dodge Challenger is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 0, meaning 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which Challenger has the fewest problems?

The 2008, 2009, 2010 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Dodge Challenger model year (2008–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Dodge Challenger Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2008

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

#2 WORST

2009

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

#3 WORST

2010

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

Best Dodge Challenger Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2008

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#2 BEST

2009

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#3 BEST

2010

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

Found the right year? Verify that specific Challenger with a free VIN report.

Dodge Challenger — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2022	0	0	0	Excellent
2021	0	0	0	Excellent
2020	0	0	0	Excellent
2019	0	0	0	Excellent
2018	0	0	0	Excellent
2017	0	0	0	Excellent
2016	0	0	0	Excellent
2015	0	0	0	Excellent
2014	0	0	0	Excellent
2013	0	0	0	Excellent
2012	0	0	0	Excellent
2011	0	0	0	Excellent
2010	0	0	0	Excellent
2009	0	0	0	Excellent
2008	0	0	0	Excellent

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Dodge Challenger Shopping Guide by Era

2018–Present

Best: 2022

Recent Challenger models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2022 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.

2013–2017

Best: 2017

Mid-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 Caution

Older 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Challenger should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2008 Dodge Challenger if possible. It has 0 recalls, 0 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is No complaints on record. The overall problem score is 0 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year Challenger to buy?+

The 2008 Dodge Challenger is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which Challenger has the fewest problems?+

The 2008, 2009, 2010 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Dodge Challenger Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Dodge Challenger.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Dodge Challenger.

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.

Run a Free VIN Report →