Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2023The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2010–2015, 2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 2.0× usual, mostly air bags and engine Extended coverage
127 serious complaints of 253, the most about air bags (47) and engine (25); per car on the road, 2.0× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.
What owners report
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 dodge challenger. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v352000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Mar 2017
“The contact owns a 2012 dodge challenger. While driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine timing needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Apr 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. (09-002-14, Jun 2014)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
253 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 17–21 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Every Challenger year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl; 5.7L 8-cyl; 6.4L 8-cyl · Drive: RWD
2012 Challenger trims
| Base | R/T | SRT8 |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Dodge reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Dodge aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.6L 6-cyl, 303 hp 5.7L 8-cyl, 375 hp 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged, 717 hp 6.4L 8-cyl, 485 hp manual available | AWD, RWD | 13–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 43 | Visibility/wiper (13) | Yes |
| 2022 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 15–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 9 | Seat belts (2) | Yes |
| 2021 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 15–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 19 | Electrical system (4) | Yes |
| 2020 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 15–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 20 | Electrical system (7) | Yes |
| 2019 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 16–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 58 | Electrical system (16) | Yes |
| 2018 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 16–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 75 | Electrical system (28) | Yes |
| 2017 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 16–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 49 | Electrical system (16) | Yes |
| 2016 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 16–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 78 | Power train (16) | No |
| 2015 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 16–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 126 | Power train (29) | No |
| 2014 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 17–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 149 | Electrical system (62) | No |
| 2013 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 17–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 179 | Electrical system (104) | No |
| 2012 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 17–21 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 253 | Electrical system (138) | No |
| 2011 | 3.6L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.4L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 193 | Electrical system (103) | No |
| 2010 | 3.5L 6-cyl 5.7L 8-cyl 6.1L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 15–20 mpg | Not rated | 7 | 299 | Engine (75) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Challenger 2017–2023 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger (Driver) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger (Front Seat) 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger AWD 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger SRT (Driver) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2023 | Dodge Challenger SRT (Front Seat) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Not Available | 2 | 43 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger (Driver) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger (Front Seat) 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2022 | Dodge Challenger SRT (Front Seat) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 19 |
| 2021 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 19 |
| 2021 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 19 |
| 2021 | Dodge Challenger(Driver only) 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | Dodge Challenger(Front Seat only) 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 19 |
| 2020 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 1 | 20 |
| 2020 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 1 | 20 |
| 2020 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 3 | 58 |
| 2019 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 3 | 58 |
| 2019 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 51 |
| 2019 | DODGE CHALLENGER SRT Scatpack 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 51 |
| 2018 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 4 | 75 |
| 2018 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 4 | 75 |
| 2018 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 4 | 61 |
| 2018 | Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 4 | 61 |
| 2017 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | No | 3 | 49 |
| 2017 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 3 | 49 |
| 2017 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 3 | 45 |
| 2016 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 2 | 78 |
| 2016 | Dodge Challenger SRT 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 76 |
| 2015 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 6 | 126 |
| 2015 | SRT Challenger 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 149 |
| 2014 | SRT Challenger 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 0 | 3 |
| 2013 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 179 |
| 2012 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 253 |
| 2011 | Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 193 |
| 2010 | Dodge Challenger 2-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 299 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2023 | Challenger AWD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2023 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16 |
| 2023 | Challenger SRT Demon 170 | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg | 13 |
| 2023 | Challenger SRT Widebody | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
15–16 |
| 2023 | Challenger Widebody | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–18 |
| 2022 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2022 | Challenger AWD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2022 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16 |
| 2022 | Challenger SRT Widebody | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
15–16 |
| 2022 | Challenger Widebody | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–18 |
| 2021 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2021 | Challenger AWD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2021 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16 |
| 2021 | Challenger SRT Widebody | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
15–16 |
| 2021 | Challenger Widebody | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–18 |
| 2020 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2020 | Challenger AWD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2020 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16 |
| 2020 | Challenger SRT Widebody | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
15–16 |
| 2020 | Challenger Widebody | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–18 |
| 2019 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2019 | Challenger GT | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2019 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16 |
| 2018 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2018 | Challenger GT | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2018 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16–18 |
| 2017 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2017 | Challenger GT | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2017 | Challenger SRT | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16–18 |
| 2016 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2016 | Challenger SRT8 | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16–18 |
| 2015 | Challenger | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17–23 |
| 2015 | Challenger SRT8 | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
16–18 |
| 2014 | Challenger | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L |
18–21 |
| 2014 | Challenger SRT8 | Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17 |
| 2013 | Challenger | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L |
18–21 |
| 2013 | Challenger SRT8 | Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17 |
| 2012 | Challenger | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L |
18–21 |
| 2012 | Challenger SRT8 | Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
17 |
| 2011 | Challenger | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L |
18–21 |
| 2011 | Challenger SRT8 | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L |
16–17 |
| 2010 | Challenger | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.1 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 6.1 L |
15–20 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.