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Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2016 Dodge ChallengerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Challenger. Most complaints involve power train (16) and electrical system (15). The EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
16–23mpg
EPA · 9 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 2018
Owner complaints
78
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Power trainReported Jul 12, 2018NHTSA 18E053000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Electrical systemReported May 17, 2018NHTSA 18V332000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

78 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2016 – Apr 2026
  1. Power train16
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Engine12
  4. Air bags11
  5. Steering9
  6. Suspension6
  7. Exterior lighting6
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Seat belts4

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200810
2009133
2010299
2011193
2012253
2013179
2014149
2015127
201678
201749
201875
201958
202020
202119
20229
202343
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

16 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Power trainODI 11732861

Electrical system

15 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2024Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11607381

Engine

12 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 8, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11593203
All 2016 Challenger problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

9 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 6.4L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline · 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 29, 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
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
193023$2,800392
Challenger
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162519$3,900466
Challenger
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152518$4,400486
Challenger
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152318$4,400495
Challenger SRT8
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152518$4,400486
Challenger
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$4,700523
Challenger SRT8
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$4,700523
Challenger SRT8
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132216$5,000546
Challenger SRT8
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132116$5,000568
  • Challenger
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 30 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    16 city · 25 hwy · $3,900/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L
    15 city · 25 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 23 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT8
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L
    15 city · 25 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT8
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT8
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 22 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger SRT8
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 21 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 10144Vehicle 10403
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

2016 Challenger questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Challenger problems?

Owners filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (16), electrical system (15), engine (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Dodge Challenger get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Dodge Challenger at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Challenger?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Dodge Challenger 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026