Research · Midsize Cars

2017 Dodge ChallengerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 49 owner complaints for the 2017 Dodge Challenger. Most complaints involve electrical system (16) and suspension (6). The EPA rates it 17–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest May 2018
Owner complaints
49
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

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

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.

Engine and engine coolingReported Aug 8, 2017NHTSA 17V496000

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 5.7L V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission may not remain in the PARK position if that gear is selected, the engine is still running, and the driver exits the vehicle exited.

Power trainReported Jul 7, 2017NHTSA 17V431000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

49 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2017 – Sep 2025
  1. Electrical system16
  2. Suspension6
  3. Steering5
  4. Engine5
  5. Power train5
  6. Air bags4
  7. Vehicle speed control3
  8. Structure2
  9. Forward collision avoidance1

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
7
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

16 reports
“The 8.4 Uconnect radio controls many aspects of the vehicle including hands free communications. When a communication device is paired to the system, at a random time, the device becomes unpaired and hands free communication becomes unusable. Additionally, at a random time, when the steering wheel communication button is pressed, the voice prompt announces "SIRI not connected". At that point, hands-free communication is not possible. It should be noted that SIRI is an Apple device feature. I have never used nor connected an Apple device to the system. The radio was dealership replaced in 2021 under partial goodwill coverage and partial cost to me. During my last dealership visit, I noted the issues and asked the service department to check the system software for updates. They verified that the software was already up to date. Additionally which is a minor safety issue, when communication device pairings are lost, other system settings are lost including all of the radio presets. At that point, communication pairings and system settings must be re-done. These issues are noted on several Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Ram and Jeep forums. To view the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2025Electrical systemODI 11689737

Suspension

6 reports1 crash1 fire
“Dear [NHTSA / Indiana Attorney General], I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my vehicle, a 2017 Dodge Challenger, purchased on [XXX] from Wetzel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Richmond, Indiana). Six months after purchase, the steering column failed, leaving the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealership confirmed the repair cost at $4,500 but refused assistance, and Stellantis has also declined support despite the fact that this is a critical safety component necessary to control the vehicle. This defect poses a significant risk of sudden steering loss while driving, endangering both myself and others on the road. I respectfully request that your office review this matter for potential manufacturer accountability, safety recall investigation, or consumer protection enforcement. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2025Steering, SuspensionODI 11684151

Steering

5 reports
“8.4" touchscreen delaminating, causing ghost touches, which is changing my steering , timing, wipers, headlights, and suspension. The radio is going through stations, inputs, i can not use my android auto or use gps, all of my settings. It is very much a safety concern!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2025Steering, Suspension, Electrical systemODI 11674937
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 6.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-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 30, 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$2,800389
Challenger GT
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
182721$3,050415
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$4,400494
Challenger
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$4,700523
  • Challenger
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 30 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Challenger GT
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    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
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.1%
Overall
5 / 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 30, 2026Vehicle 11822Vehicle 11323
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

2017 Challenger questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Dodge Challenger have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 2017 Dodge Challenger problems?

Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (16), suspension (6), steering (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Dodge Challenger get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Dodge Challenger at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Dodge Challenger?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Dodge Challenger 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026