NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 17–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Challenger model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2009 | 133 |
| 2010 | 299 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 253 |
| 2013 | 179 |
| 2014 | 149 |
| 2015 | 127 |
| 2016 | 78 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 75 |
| 2019 | 58 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 43 |
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Challenger AWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 415 |
| Challenger Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,900 | 466 |
| Challenger Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 496 |
| Challenger Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Challenger Widebody Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 496 |
| Challenger Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| Challenger Widebody Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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.
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.
The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Challenger at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Dodge Challenger 5 out of 5 stars overall.