VehicleVerdict

2021 Dodge Challenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2021 Dodge Challenger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

27

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Challenger years?

Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted433 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 171 complaints2010: 433 complaints2011: 255 complaints2012: 338 complaints2013: 251 complaints2014: 213 complaints2015: 185 complaints2016: 109 complaints2017: 70 complaints2018: 115 complaints2019: 93 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 27 complaints2022: 11 complaints2023: 51 complaints
Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Challenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Dodge Challenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags415%
Electrical System311%
Engine311%
Transmission311%
Other311%
Driver Assistance27%
Body & Structure27%
Seats14%
Speed Control14%
Steering14%
Suspension14%
Lighting14%
Fuel System14%
Seat Belts14%

Does the 2021 Dodge Challenger have recalls?

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

21V664000Electrical SystemAugust 26, 2021 · 135 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y58.

21V516000Visibility & WipersJuly 8, 2021 · 21,258 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Left frontal Collision between drivers side head assembly and center front of car- with white tail deer about 100-120 lbs. , causing extensive damage to car. $19,000. Payout from progressive for those extensive repairs. And airbags never deployed. This seems highly alarming to me. The abrupt stop,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 15, 2022 · crash

“The reverse camera screen is not adjustable and blinds the entire cab including looking into the mirrors. You must cover the screen to even look into the mirrors.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 14, 2023

“The cars light notifications on instrument cluster panel turned on all of them at the same time while accelerating jerking the car on freeway I have video of that happening and can provide it upon request it did caused a minor accident but I settled the accident with other driver with cash with out…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 8, 2023 · crash

“The transmission/drive shaft thumps and the car "lurches" upon start-up. This is somehow related to the push button start. My car is also equipped with a factory remote start and no noise is heard, nor does the car lurch on start-up. Please refer to video link: https://youtu.be/SRQJcjpl4mA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 27, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge SXT. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, it caught on fire without warning. The fire marshals extinguished the flames. A report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 28, 2021 · fire

2021 Dodge Challenger — common questions

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Challenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2021 Dodge Challenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Challenger years should you avoid?

Based on 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 record among Challenger years belongs to 1980.

How safe is the 2021 Dodge Challenger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Dodge Challenger earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.