VehicleVerdict

1998 Damon Challenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1998 Damon Challenger carries two red flags at once: 10 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 5.0× the Challenger norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: OMITTED EXHAUST HANGER). It is one of the Challenger years to avoid.

10

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Challenger years?

Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted10 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 4 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 10 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 7 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 0 complaints
Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Challenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Damon Challenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes220%
Body & Structure220%
Lighting110%
Seats110%
Visibility & Wipers110%
Suspension110%
Transmission110%
Engine110%

Does the 1998 Damon Challenger have recalls?

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

07V130000OtherMarch 20, 2007 · 25,128 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAMON WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR DAMON AT 1-800-860-3812.

99V202000Electrical SystemJuly 23, 1999 · 1,767 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES. A GENERATOR MUFFLER STRAP WAS OMITTED DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS.

Consequence

THE MUFFLER AND EXHAUST TAIL PIPE CAN VIBRATE LOOSE, POSSIBLY DETACHING FROM THE UNIT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MUFFLER STRAP.

98V213000Fuel SystemSeptember 4, 1998 · 101 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS A AND C MOTOR HOMES. THE HARDWARE USED TO SECURE THE LIQUID PROPANE (LP) TANK WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THE LP TANK IS NOT SECURED, THE TANK COULD FALL TO THE GROUND WHILE THE MOTOR HOME IS BEING DRIVEN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTOR HOMES TO VERIFY THAT THE PROPER HARDWARE IS BEING USED AND THAT ALL NUTS ARE TIGHTENED PROPERLY.

Open NHTSA investigations

SQ99013

OMITTED EXHAUST HANGER

THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM.HISTORICALLY, PROBLEMS THAT WOULD ALLOW VEHICLE COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY CONDUCTING SAFETY RECALLS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN DRIVING WITH FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR DRIVER CAN RAISE AND CATCH UNDERNEATH THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER CONTACTED AND ADMITTED TO PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 6, 1998

“THE SPRINGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE MOTORHOME COLLASPED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SIZE 16 CHASSIS IS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CARRY A 3500 FOOT MOTORHOME. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“BOTH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS CRACKED . ONE MANIFOLD STUD BROKE OFF AT THE HEAD. WIRING HARNESS STARTED TO MELT DUE TO HOT EXHAUST. THIS IS A 454 CHEV. ENGINE. WE HAD TO INSERT METAL PLATE TO DEFLECT THE EXHAUST UNTIL WE COULD GET IT FIXED. IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW FOR REPAIR ON THE RIGHT EXHAUST MANIFOLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 24, 2004

“BOUGHT UNIT USED ,DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK. AIR CONDITIONER HAS TO BE PUT ON TO GET THE HEAT OUT OF THE VENTS PRIOR TO USING THE VENTS. NONE OF THE DOOR ARE SWITCHING TO DIRECT THE AIR. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 10, 2000

1998 Damon Challenger — common questions

Is the 1998 Damon Challenger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 10 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 21 Challenger years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Challenger years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Challenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (2 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints), seats (1 complaints).

Does the 1998 Damon Challenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Damon Challenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Damon Challenger under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (OMITTED EXHAUST HANGER). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Damon Challenger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Challenger years to avoid are 1998, 1999. The cleanest record among Challenger years belongs to 2012.

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.