Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Dodge Challenger SRTRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
19
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2021 – Jul 2026
  1. Electrical system4
  2. Air bags4
  3. Power train3
  4. Engine3
  5. Steering2
  6. Structure2
  7. Seat belts1
  8. Suspension1
  9. Seats1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Challenger SRT model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201745
201861
201951
202119
20229
202343
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

4 reports1 crash
“While operating my vehicle at road speed the electric steering rack failed. This rendered the steering inoperative. It was impossible to steer the vehicle. Not only is this situation extremely dangerous and deadly, there was no advanced warning. I received no prompts or warning lights before the incident happened. I researched and found that certain 2021 Dodge Challengers were involved in a warning system recall. My specific vehicle was not included in the recall. This is what Dodge and the dealership who did the repair kept telling me while they ignored any responsibility. This situation is completely unacceptable. I have no idea why my vehicle was not included in the recall for the warning system, but fortunately I am still alive to complain that it should’ve been. This situation, where this part fails and renders the steering inoperable is ridiculous and extremely dangerous. The repairs for this cost me over $5800. It’s very convenient that Dodge and their dealership that did the repair can hang their hat on the fact that I was not seriously injured and completely. Ignore the fact that this incident is unacceptable. Both Dodge Customer Care and the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11750829

Air bags

4 reports3 crashes
“On [XXX] I was involved in car accident on [XXX] around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. When the impact happened the airbags deployed and cut my wrist (left) and burned my left forearm.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 14, 2024Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11588705

Power train

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2025Power trainODI 11671071
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
6.2L 8-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Challenger SRT
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132216$5,000546
Challenger SRT
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132116$5,000567
Challenger SRT Widebody
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132116$5,000567
Challenger SRT Widebody
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132115$5,300575
  • Challenger SRT
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 22 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 21 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT Widebody
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 21 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT Widebody
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 21 hwy · $5,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 15464
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 Challenger SRT questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT problems?

Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), air bags (4), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026