188 of the
2,382 complaints filed about the Dodge Challenger
are about the transmission —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
188
Complaints
8%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
4
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Driving along and all of a sudden the shifter lights started flashing, wipers turned on, steering became difficult, and finally the transmission locked up. Stalled in the middle of the hiway turn lane and because the transmission was locked up it couldn't even be pushed out of the way. Traffic was backed up and people trying to get around because I was blocking a major hiway intersection. The dodge dealership has had the car 3 times and finally diagnosed it as the rack and pinion plug.
NHTSA complaint #11743056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue caused by negligent service performed by Tony T’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017. The dealership performed a borescope inspection of the rear differential on my 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as documented on my invoice. After this service, it was discovered that critical differential plugs were removed and not reinstalled, multiple fasteners were missing, and the differential assembly was left loose to the point it could be physically moved by hand. This condition created a significant safety hazard, including risk of fluid loss, overheating, drivetrain failure, and potential loss of vehicle control while driving. The issue was confirmed by another repair facility. I have photo and video evidence, as well as the service invoice. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and out of service for an extended period, resulting in financial loss and safety risk. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this incident as a potential safety issue related to improper service practices.
NHTSA complaint #11732861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle's engine has suffered a catastrophic internal failure at approximately 56,000 miles. The engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The issue began with a loud ticking noise from the engine. I brought the vehicle to Stoneridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Pleasanton for diagnosis. At that visit, the dealership lubricated an unspecified component and instructed me to continue driving. The ticking noise temporarily subsided. Shortly after, the check engine light illuminated. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership, where the technician retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Upon further inspection, the technician found scoring on the cylinder 3 wall, a persistent loud ticking noise from the engine, and metal contamination in the engine oil sample. The dealership diagnosed the failure as requiring a complete engine long block replacement at a quoted cost exceeding $23,000. The powertrain warranty has expired based on the 3-year time limit; however, the vehicle has fewer than 56,000 miles, which is well below the warranty's mileage threshold and exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. The vehicle has been properly maintained throughout ownership with regular oil changes and scheduled service intervals. No aftermarket modifications have been made; the engine and all related components remain factory stock. I contacted Stellantis customer care to request assistance. They stated that because the vehicle is no longer under warranty, there is nothing they can do, and that the dealership should have submitted a goodwill assistance request on my behalf. The dealership said they would look into it. A complete engine failure at this mileage on an engine marketed as a high-performance powerplant suggests a manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear.
NHTSA complaint #11729728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter, throttle body, and transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.
NHTSA complaint #11719962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics and was advised that there were known issues associated with the transmission valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.
NHTSA complaint #11719969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. The shop did inform me later in the day that they forced the fob to the left and was able to extract it from the ignition switch. * YES, inspected and review by my trusted mechanics shop. * No signs prior to the attempted removal of the key bof at the finish of returning to my home.
NHTSA complaint #11698630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
mileage 61113 . car moves forward 15 feet an goes into neutral .When pulling into traffic this is a serious safety problem . A major accident which could be loss of life might occur . Enterprise car sales will not acknowledge o show any concern . They offered a 12 month or 12000 mile limited warranty free and implied i should have paid for an expensive warranty. their carfax report showed that they did not comply with service information from the manufacturer for the transmission . As such i have been taken advantage of . I will now have to pay about $1000 to have the service completed . This problem also is happening on their Dodge pick up trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11671071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle from Vroom, who is also my lender under United Auto Credit. The car was sold with a washed title and undisclosed prior structural and mechanical damage. I have documentation confirming the vehicle had serious pre-existing issues and should never have been sold as a clean-title car. The differential has failed three times in under 6 months, and I’ve experienced full drivetrain failure following multiple service visits to Dodge. I had requested inspection of the transmission, but after every visit, the issues worsened. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The car exhibits violent vibrations, power loss, and unpredictable handling, making it unsafe to drive at highway speeds. The differential is on the verge of catastrophic failure again. These issues risk loss of vehicle control, wheel lock up, and potential collisions. Has the issue been confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Dodge dealerships have confirmed repeated differential failure and ongoing drivetrain problems. Independent shops have also verified signs of prior impact and poor repairs. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? It has been brought to authorized Dodge service centers at least six times and is the subject of an open Dodge customer care case (7+ months). No police or insurance inspections at this time. This vehicle was fraudulently sold with hidden damage and has presented major, repeated safety hazards. I am asking the NHTSA to investigate not only this vehicle, but the broader pattern of dangerous sales by Vroom/United Auto Credit and Dodge, including title washing and stalling tactics to run out factory warranties before resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11666655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
One day after driving home from work there was a message that says low battery voltage on the instrument panel, then it went away. No other warning lights or problems. Ten more miles down the road the message says battery saver mode, reduced functions and then the car started to smoke, I am freaked out at this point praying to make it home safely. I arrive home and pull into driveway and then turn engine off and let it cool. Lift the hood and coolant has sprayed and spewed all over the engine compartment and is significantly reduced. Now parked, engine off the shift lights are still on and navigation panel and radio won't turn off. I had to unplug the battery completely and manually lock the car. The next day I replace the battery, check coolant, and allow car to warm up. No warning lights or messages. Then I start to drive and less than ten min, battery saver mode again, reduced function and power then engine smoking again, coolant spraying under hood and I have no idea what's wrong. Could it be the alternator, everything is still factory parts. Never happened when I changed the battery in 2022. This is scary.
NHTSA complaint #11640391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While backing into my driveway garage I heard a loud bang and my car's transmission lost its linkage to the drive shaft. The car rolled forward regardless of shifting the car in park, reverse, neutral, drive, etc. I had to stop the car with my brakes and then park the car with my emergency brake enabled to stop the car from rolling on its own. A driver could easily be killed by not reacting right to the car when it loses its driving shaft. The driver yoke looks like it could be part of the problem. The car is currently at the transmission repair shop for repair and a safety investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11615645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.
NHTSA complaint #11607381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center bond of crankshaft Damper falling-off front of engines on the highway due to defective bonding material in manufacturing causing failure in rubber bonding. At highways speeds, a 10lb chunk of metal will fall-off HEMI engines & create a flying projectile at other motorists on the road causing damage or death to other vehicles/drivers and/or pedestrians. Owners who are unaware of this safety-issue will be unaware that their crankshaft-damper has fallen off due to not realizing a piece of the engine is now missing, thus creating possibility of engine failure due to No Vibration Dampening any longer attached to the crankshaft pulley.
NHTSA complaint #11593203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WINE NOISE FROM REAR AXLE AT 45 MPH TO 65 MPH BOUGHT CAR [XXX] RETURNED WITH CAR [XXX] ... DEAN IN THE SERVICE DEPT AT EAST HILLS DODGE SAID THEY HEARD THE NOISE...BUT THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT ...I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE RESALE VALUE OF THIS CAR . WITH THIS NOISE..ALSO I KNOW THAT A CAR WITH A BAD RING AND PINION WILL GET WORSE AND COULD LOCK UP ON THE ROAD WHILE I AM DRIVING AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11573310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11568612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On my way to work on 9/28/23 my 2019 dodge challenger hellcat Redeye engine just shut off at 65mph. I was in the left lane by the wall on I45 heading northbound. I instantly had a loss of power steering and braking. The engine just shut off. A check engine light came on and the dash said shift I to park to start. I was successfully able to get across 4 lanes of traffic to stop on the apron between o ram and side of freeway. When I shifted to park and to try to restart it would not start. Had to be towed to dealership where upon inspection they said the motor was locked. When broken down a valve just dropped into the cylinder and jammed into the piston and cylinder wall. Pieces also damaged the head and the supercharger and dealer says starter is fried. Mopar is digging in and acting like this isn’t an issue but online there are several class actions and forums about defective valve system in these engines. Had I been a novice driver or my wife with children jn the car she would likely not been able to get off to a safe place and stalled dead in the fast lane of a very busy Houston roadway.
NHTSA complaint #11548547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.