Dodge Challenger years to avoid
The Dodge Challenger years to avoid are 2010, 2012, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2008 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1980 is the cleanest year on record.
2,376
Total complaints
46
Recall campaigns
1970–2023
Years covered
13
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Challenger years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | High complaints + open investigation | 433 | |
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 338 | |
| 2011 | High complaints + open investigation | 255 | |
| 2013 | High complaints + open investigation | 251 | |
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 213 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 185 | |
| 2009 | High complaints + open investigation | 171 | |
| 2018 | High complaints + open investigation | 115 | |
| 2016 | High complaints + open investigation | 109 | |
| 2019 | High complaints + open investigation | 93 | |
| 2017 | Open safety investigation | 70 | |
| 2020 | Open safety investigation | 33 | |
| 2008 | Open safety investigation | 17 |
Every Challenger year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 51 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 11 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 27 | 2 | |
| 2020avoid | 33 | 1 | |
| 2019avoid | 93 | 3 | |
| 2018avoid | 115 | 4 | |
| 2017avoid | 70 | 3 | |
| 2016avoid | 109 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 185 | 6 | |
| 2014avoid | 213 | 5 | |
| 2013avoid | 251 | 5 | |
| 2012avoid | 338 | 6 | |
| 2011avoid | 255 | 6 | |
| 2010avoid | 433 | 7 | |
| 2009avoid | 171 | 7 | |
| 2008avoid | 17 | 3 | |
| 1981 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1980 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1979 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1978 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1971 | 0 | 3 | |
| 1970 | 1 | 5 |
Common questions
What are the worst Dodge Challenger years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Challenger years to avoid are 2010, 2012, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2008. The cleanest year on record is 1980.
What is the best year for the Dodge Challenger?
By complaint volume, 1980 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Challenger years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Dodge Challenger have?
Across all model years, the Challenger has 46 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,376 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.