CSR

Dodge · NHTSA safety record

2011 Dodge Challenger

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

193

Complaints

5

Crashes

8

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Dodge Challenger have filed 193 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2011 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 103 of them (53%). The typical failure was reported at 55,000 miles, the median across the 145 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 6 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (6)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V018000 · January 15, 2019

Do not drive until repaired

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 1,413,222 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V021000 · January 9, 2018

Do not drive until repaired

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

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 328,177 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

17V435000 · July 10, 2017

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 442,214 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V352000 · May 24, 2016

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
The risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 4,648,270 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

14V634000 · October 8, 2014

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

Chrysler Group LLC · up to 435,081 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS

13V118000 · April 3, 2013

The defect
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

Chrysler Group LLC · up to 119,497 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 193.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 103 53%
AIR BAGS 35 18%
ENGINE 23 12%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 17 9%
STEERING 14 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12 6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 10 5%
POWER TRAIN 8 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 6 3%
STRUCTURE 6 3%
SEAT BELTS 4 2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2015 at 51.

2011 2015 2026
2011 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 injured · crash · 40,000 miles

I WAS TRAVELING IN THE CENTER LANE OF THE HWY,GOING APPROX 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR IN THE LEFT LANE A RED CHEVY IMPALA SIDESWIPED A SUV BEHIND ME, AT THAT TIME THE RED CHEVY LOST CONTROL OF HIS CAR AND HIT ME IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL, THAT SPUN MY CAR, I THEN HIT THE GUARD RAIL WENT BACK ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC HIT THE CAR THAT HIT ME AND STOPPED NEAR THE SHOULDER OF THE HWY.NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, MY WIFE'S HEAD SMACKED THE PASSENGER WINDOW AND ENDED UP WITH A MAJOR CONCUSSION,AND OTHER INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10617758. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

1 injured · crash · 18,000 miles

MY 2011 DODGE CHALLENGER WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT PUSH THE MOTOR UNDER THE DASH, CRACKED THE TRANSMISSION, CRUMBLED THE FRONT OF THE CAR ALMOST TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CHALLENGER HAS AN AIR BAG ON THE SEAT, WELL THAT AIR BAG; NOR THE AIR BAG ON THE WINDSHIELD PILLAR OR THE STEERING WHEEL OR PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOY. NOT ONLY DID THE AIR BAGS FAIL, BUT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK TO RESTRAIN A PERSON FROM AVOIDING INJURY. THIS IS MY SECOND CHALLENGER, MY FIRST CHALLENGER HAD A BAD PAINT JOB AND THIS ONE COULD OF COST ME MY LIFE. I HAVE THE VEHICLE, AWAITING FOR DODGE TO INSPECTION THE DEFECTS. IT HAS BEEN 5 DAYS AND I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM DODGE NOR ARE MY CALLS BEING RETURNED. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10453253. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · 64,000 miles

I WAS RETURNING TO WORK FROM LUNCH AND I WAS DRIVING SOUTH IN THE COMPANY PARKING LOT GOING NO FASTER THAN 5-10 MPH. I STARTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE SO THAT I COULD BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE DIRECTLY BEHIND IT. AS I STARTED TO MAKE THE TURN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND PLACED IT ON THE BRAKE SO I COULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE I BACKED UP INTO THE SPACE BEHIND ME. AS I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND BECAUSE I HAD NO TIME TO REACT THE CAR PLOWED THROUGH A TREE, SOME HEAVY VEGETATION AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT WITH THE TREE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE BUMPER TO

NHTSA complaint 10594493, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 injured · 80,000 miles

ON OCCASION THE TRUNK WILL SUDDENLY FALL DOWN WHEN IT SHOULD REMAIN UP. THE TRUNK HAS FALLEN ON MY HEAD AND INJURED ME MORE THAN ONCE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE IS A 2011 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. VEHICLE IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint 11063810. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
2011 Dodge Challenger RT (5.7L Hemi, <75,000 miles).In 2016, Safety Campaign P01 (Timing Chain and Guide) was performed on my vehicle. On May 28th, while traveling at 70 mph on the highway, the timing chain snapped entirely, leaving me stranded and causing catastrophic internal engine damage.

NHTSA complaint 11751451. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 70,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the timing chain snapped and fractured. All the warning lights illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a similar failure had previously occurred in 2014. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint 11749264. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

168,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was jump-started. The battery was replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) in 2000. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

NHTSA complaint 11724660. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I replaced the factory alternator about 2 years back and have had to replace it twice since then. The replacement alternator were not from the manufacturer but were brand new. The battery warning light comes on when it starts to fail and the hot wire leading to the alternator gets extremely hot. Didn't experience this until I had the aftermarket alternator installed.

NHTSA complaint 11650683. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INTERIOR LAMPS/BULBS
their is a common problem with the dash light panels going out making it unsafe ,unable to see speedomiter at night ,the repair is to have the whole gauge cluster replaced that also fails

NHTSA complaint 11487566. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 62,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a timing chain failure and the contact was informed by the dealer that the part was under warranty. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure was part of a Customer Satisfaction Program: P01 however, the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was informed that due to the timing chain failure, the engine was also damaged and would not be covered under the Customer

NHTSA complaint 11486380, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Dodge Challenger

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 41 2
2022 9 2
2021 19 2
2020 20 1
2019 58 3
2018 74 3
2017 49 3
2016 78 1
2015 126 5
2014 146 4
2013 179 5
2012 253 6
2010 298 7

Other 2011 Dodge models

Every Dodge on this site — 105 vehicles, 431 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst