2013 Dodge Challenger

Do not drive

Owners filed 179 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

110 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System87
081
Air Bags17
402
Engine11
010
Steering10
000
Power Train9
000
Service Brakes7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System6
000
Structure › Body5
010
Unknown or Other4
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)4
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 20191,413,222 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V021000Do not drive
Filed Jan 9, 2018328,177 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator17V435000
Filed Jul 10, 2017442,214 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator14V634000
Filed Oct 8, 2014435,081 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood13V103000Do not drive
Filed Mar 21, 20134,051 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.

Risk. A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.

Remedy. Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 16, 2026MD

I am reporting a defect condition in a 2013 Dodge Challenger that appears materially identical to the condition described in FCA Emissions Recall UB4 involving the evaporative emissions canister system. See: [XXX] . The vehicle experiences severe difficulty during refueling. Fuel pump nozzles repeatedly and continuously auto-shutoff during normal fueling attempts, preventing normal refueling operation. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as related to the evaporative emissions canister / EVAP system. After disconnecting the affected component/system, the vehicle immediately resumed normal fueling operation without repeated pump shutoff. The symptoms and apparent defect mechanism appear materially consistent with those described in Recall UB4 and NHTSA bulletin MC-10174189-9999; however, this VIN is currently excluded from the recall population. I am submitting this complaint because the defect appears to exist outside the currently identified VIN population. The manufacturer (Dodge) is refusing to investigate further, citing there is no recall coverage and NHTSA is responsible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 1, 2026FL

See attached document for complaint.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 2026TX

Driver & passenger door windows on many 2010-2017 Dodge Challengers activate repeatedly on their own during driving and after ignition is turned off causing the battery to completely drain overnight & sometimes after only one or two hours after the ignition is turned off. There was a TSB#23-039-11. This TSB does not apply to my 2013 Challenger. Parts are extremely expensive and the car leaves me stranded if parked only a couple of hours. During driving the cycling down and up causes danger as it appears the door wants to open on its own and making us have to pull over several times until we figured out it was doing it on its own as if it was haunted. No warning lights on my 2013 Challenger. Mechanics checked it after having 2 brand new batteries drain overnight. Batteries are approximately $200.00. Dealer will only say the door latch mechanism needs replacing at approximately $480.00. Parts cost approx. $190.00.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 17, 2025CA

On Saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 DRIVING 27 MILES FROM DISTANCE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY WITH INTERNAL LIGHTS QUICKLY POWER OUTAGES ON AND OFF INTERIOR LIGHTIN. dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event within the battery system, rapidly escalating into a fire that engulfed the vehicle. Further analysis is underway to determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.NO WARNING ADVISORY ON THE PRELIMINARY OCCURRENCE IT ESCALATED FROM FLASHING ON AND OFF LIGHTS AND STEREO TO A STIFF STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN AND RAPIDLY SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND FIRE STARTED CONSUMING THE REAR END OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE. THIS WAS A VERY DEVASTATING AND OVERWHELMING TRAGEDY IT HAPPENED WITHIN 15 MINUTES TIMEFRAME AND FIREDEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN FIVE MINUTES INTO THE CONCERNING FIRE IT ALSO TOOK AROUND AROUND A HOUR FOR THE FIREMAN TO PUT OUT THE FIRE FROM THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 2025IL

* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. The shop did inform me later in the day that they forced the fob to the left and was able to extract it from the ignition switch. * YES, inspected and review by my trusted mechanics shop. * No signs prior to the attempted removal of the key bof at the finish of returning to my home.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 3, 2025ID

At only 68,000 miles, my check engine light came on with code "P0456", which indicates that my Evaporative Emission System has a leak. These leaks lead to increased emissions and fuel loss. The solution is to replace the Emission System Integrity Monitor (ESIM). The life expectancy of this part is 150,000 miles. It should not leak at less than half its life expectancy. I contacted the local dealership and they reported that there isn't a recall on this part yet.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2025TX

When I start the car, it shuts off if I pushed the button to restart it, sounds like it’s double starting itself the only way that I can make it stop is by continuously hitting the button. The only way that I can restart. The car is if I open the driver‘s door, then hit the button to completely cut off the car shut the door hit the button again then the car will start. It’s like I have to reset it. it does it often has been for years when I take it to the mechanics or dealership they tell me to bring it up there when it’s doing it. That’s the only way that they can find out what the issue is, after this happens I’ll take it to the dealership and they find nothing they request for me to bring it when is doing that, but I never know when it’s going to happen until it does, but it doesn’t happen at the dealership. I have Google this issue other challengers are having this issue but again it can never be resolved because it doesn’t happen when you take it to the dealership I believe eventually this will mess up the engine or starter below is asking for a date this incident occurred it started in 2015 when I purchased the car this will happen here or there not that often but it is continuously a problem, over the years and getting worse

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 26, 2024FL

The vehicle is available for inspection. The issue caused a fire under my carport and within 30 feet of a neighbor's house. The car is immobile and still at the location of the incident, it has not been reproduced or inspected. there were no warning lamps at the time of the incident. The electrical system seemed to have several issues over the past years. The passenger side tail light would burn out at least twice a year. The driver's side window would go up and down when the car was off and ran out of battery. The vehicle would allow the key fob to be locked in the car. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause. Most recently what a mechanic thought was the starter failed twice in less than six months. Last month, I went to start the car, and it started and then turned off. I heard a pop and crackling sound, and the trunk battery was on fire.

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2023IN

While turning onto another street transmisson went into neutral. car would`nt accelerate, almost reared by another car. Car is at dealership now, they say it needs new transmission. only has 70,000 miles on it.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 2023AR

Taillights aren’t staying on. The break and signal lights work however, after driving the vehicle for a few minutes the taillights go out. I can turn the switch from auto to on but after about 5 minutes each time they are going off

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 2023IL

Car has had intermittent electrical issues, head lights flashing, dash board losing power, car alarms in and out. Most recently it stalled while driving on a country road. Was able to restart after a while. It stalled again while driving on highway. Took car to dealership but they stated my alternater was not a part of safety recall T36, even though I was having those exact same issues.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jan 27, 2023105,904 milesTN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected, and then the vehicle lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuse box was burned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse panel was burned, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V103000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,904.

Wheels
Filed Dec 6, 2022TX

Skid control not engaged but lamp is illuminated. Available for inspection. Risk of skid/lose of control of vehicle. No confirmation by dealer or service center. No inspection performed. No other symptoms prior to failure. First incident approx. 3 months ago.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 17, 2022OK

When starting my vehicle, I would push the push start button and it will continue to turn over and over and over but not start, it will do it for a minute or more and there is not way to turn it off.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2022OK

My car only has 70.000 mi and the engine blew up

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2022FL

NHTSA Recall Number17V-435 Suffered failure of alternator as described in recall. Purchased part and fixed myself. Filed reimbursement request, file number 83533254 for part only. Claim denied alleging vehicle not fixed at dealership.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 4, 2022TX

Driving at speeds faster then speed limit cutting people off. Must be problem with vehicle or driver [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2022126 milesAL

Last week i face a serious issue with my Dodge Challenger v6 2013 steering, while im taking a U turn (20klm /25klm) without any warning lamp or message the steering becomes hard that I couldn’t turn it and i used both hands to turn and caused my car to go on the side walk with the front right wheel. Starting from that time every time i take u turn its hard and i need two hands to turn but right turn so smooth, i went to dealership they said probably you need to change steering rack and pinion. I refused as it’s expensive and it happen by it self.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2021IL

Airbag light stays on and bells. I put in for the recall but records show even on here that its repaired but it never has. I'm afraid it may explode and metal may come out and and harm me or passenger. Why does system show repair but it hasnt been and can it be repaired? It's a part of recall.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 28, 2021OH

ABS light is on airbag light is on traction control won't come back on

20 of 179 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202341200Routine
20229200Routine
202119210Routine
202020110Routine
201959330Routine
201875420Routine
201749320Routine
201678220Routine
2015126630Routine
2014149550Do not drive
2013 — this page1795100Do not drive
2012253680Do not drive
2011193680Do not drive
2010299740Do not drive
2009133740Do not drive
200810310Do not drive

Compare every Challenger year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.