VehicleVerdict

2002 Champion Challenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 Champion Challenger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Challenger years?

Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted2 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Challenger years to avoid →

Does the 2002 Champion Challenger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V521000OtherNovember 2, 2004 · 231 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Remedy

SURE-LOK IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR CHAMPION AT 810-724-6474.

04V519000Body & StructureOctober 28, 2004 · 1,552 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, A LIGHT GAUGE STEEL WAS USED FOR THE FLOOR FRAME CROSSMEMBER LOCATED IN THE FLOOR SUB-FRAME.

Consequence

DRIVING THE BUS ON SOME ROAD CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE THE SUB-FLOOR CROSSMEMBER FRAME TO CRACK. THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKS AND IF CRACKS ARE PRESENT OWNERS ARE TO CONTACT CHAMPION FOR REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHAMPION AT 1-800-788-1976.

03V458000Body & StructureOctober 24, 2003 · 61 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, A LIGHT GAUGE STEEL WAS USED FOR THE FLOOR FRAME CROSSMEMBER LOCATED IN THE FLOOR SUB-FRAME.

Consequence

DRIVING THE BUS ON SOME ROAD CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE THE SUB-FLOOR CROSSMEMBER FRAME TO CRACK. THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKS AND IF CRACKS ARE PRESENT OWNERS ARE TO CONTACT CHAMPION FOR REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHAMPION AT 1-800-788-1976.

2002 Champion Challenger — common questions

Is the 2002 Champion Challenger reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Champion Challenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Champion Challenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Champion Challenger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.