Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT problems

Owners filed 19 complaints about the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT with NHTSA between Aug 2021 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (4).

Complaints
19
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system4
  2. Air bags4
  3. Power train3
  4. Engine3
  5. Steering2
  6. Structure2
  7. Seat belts1
  8. Suspension1
  9. Seats1
  10. Exterior lighting1
  11. Vehicle speed control1
  12. None1
  13. Forward collision avoidance1
  14. Fuel/propulsion system1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20213
20223
20234
20244
20253
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Engine

3 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge SXT. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, it caught on fire without warning. The fire marshals extinguished the flames. A report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2021EngineFire reportedODI 11436031

Steering

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH on a local roadway, the steering suddenly became inoperative, and the steering wheel locked without warning. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle was already drifting. There were no warning lights illuminated, or messages displayed prior to the failure. After restarting the vehicle, a warning message associated with the steering system was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,850.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026SteeringODI 11745702

Structure

2 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2025Suspension, Power train, StructureODI 11666655
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

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