What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Challenger?

NHTSA has 78 complaints. The largest groups are power train with 16, electrical system with 15 and engine with 12. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall for 2016. Recall 18V332 covers a wiring short circuit that could stop cruise control from turning off. Dealers fix it with a free software update.

What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Dodge Challenger?

EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG for the 6.2L versions to 23 MPG for the 3.6L automatic.

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Challenger?

NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 stars for side crash.

Is the 2016 Challenger a better year than earlier ones?

It has fewer complaints than 2009 to 2015 and more than 2017 to 2023 in NHTSA's counts, which are not adjusted for sales.

2016 Dodge Challenger Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Dodge Challenger^[1]. One recall covers a cruise control software defect, and the fix is a free software update from a dealer^[2].

78owner complaints^[1]

1recalls^[3]

16–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 78 owner complaints for the 2016 Challenger^[1]. Ten mention a crash, 2 a fire and 10 an injury^[1]. No deaths are reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Power train^[6]	16	0	1	0
Electrical system^[7]	15	0	1	0
Engine^[8]	12	0	0	1
Unknown or other^[9]	11	0	0	0
Air bags^[10]	11	9	0	6
Steering^[11]	9	0	0	0
Suspension^[12]	6	2	0	2
Exterior lighting^[13]	6	0	0	0

Here is what owners describe in the small samples of complaint texts we read for each group.

Power train. Median mileage at failure is 20,676^[6]. Some owners describe driveshaft, driveline or rear differential noise or failure. Others describe trouble with gear changes, such as the car downshifting on its own or sticking in gear. One text describes smoke and then flames from under the car^[6].
Electrical system. Median mileage at failure is 14,500^[7]. Some owners describe the car shutting off or losing systems while driving, such as steering lock-up and lost lights. Others describe headlights cutting out with burnt fuses or wiring. Some describe problems with the Uconnect phone and radio system^[7].
Engine. Median mileage at failure is 16,000^[8]. Owners describe ticking or lifter noise and, in a couple of texts, an oil filter housing leak^[8].
Air bags. Median mileage at failure is 6,011, and 9 of the 11 complaints mention a crash^[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe air bags that did not deploy during a crash. Some also say the seat belt did not hold them^[10].

The other groups are smaller. Suspension has 6 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 2,007^[12]. With groups this small, we do not treat them as common problems.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 model year^[3].

Cruise control software (18V332). Filed May 17, 2018^[2]. A short circuit in the wiring could keep the driver from turning cruise control off, either with the brake pedal or the switch. The car could then hold its speed or speed up, which raises the risk of a crash^[2]. The fix is free. Dealers check the software and update the engine or powertrain control module^[2]. Chrysler advises owners to stop using cruise control until the update is done. If cruise control will not turn off while driving, press the brakes firmly and steadily, shift to neutral, and put the car in park once stopped^[2]. The recall covers 2015 to 2018 Dodge Challengers, along with many other models and years^[2].

Fuel economy

EPA lists these ratings for the 2016 Challenger. The annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate using its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Engine	Transmission	Fuel	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cyl^[4]	Automatic 8-spd	Regular	19 / 30 / 23	$2,900
5.7L 8-cyl^[14]	Automatic 8-spd	Midgrade	16 / 25 / 19	$4,000
5.7L 8-cyl^[15]	Manual 6-spd	Premium	15 / 23 / 18	$4,550
6.4L 8-cyl^[16]	Automatic 8-spd	Premium	15 / 25 / 18	$4,550
6.4L 8-cyl^[17]	Manual 6-spd	Premium	14 / 23 / 17	$4,850
6.4L 8-cyl (listed as Challenger SRT8)^[18]	Automatic 8-spd	Premium	15 / 25 / 18	$4,550
6.4L 8-cyl (listed as Challenger SRT8)^[19]	Manual 6-spd	Premium	14 / 23 / 17	$4,850
6.2L 8-cyl (listed as Challenger SRT8)^[20]	Automatic 8-spd	Premium	13 / 22 / 16	$5,150
6.2L 8-cyl (listed as Challenger SRT8)^[21]	Manual 6-spd	Premium	13 / 21 / 16	$5,150

The 3.6L automatic is the most economical at 23 MPG combined^[4]. The two 6.2L versions are the thirstiest at 16 MPG combined^[20]^[21]. That gap is about $2,250 a year in EPA's fuel cost estimate^[4]^[20].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2-door rear-wheel-drive Challenger 5 stars overall^[5]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side crash is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars^[5]. NHTSA puts the rollover risk at 11.1%^[5].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for the 2016 Challenger:

5.7L 8-cylinder: 370 to 372 hp, depending on version^[22]
6.4L 8-cylinder: 470 hp^[23]
6.2L 8-cylinder: 707 hp^[24]

Size and weight below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
2DR Coupe RWD V6^[25]	198 in	76 in	57 in	116 in	3,935 lb
2DR Coupe RWD V8^[26]	198 in	76 in	57 in	116 in	4,083 lb
2DR Coupe RWD SRT 392 / Hellcat^[27]	198 in	76 in	57 in	116 in	4,169 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Challenger model year. The 2016 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2008	10	3
2009	133	7
2010	299	7
2011	193	6
2012	253	6
2013	179	5
2014	149	4
2015	126	5
2016	78	1
2017	49	3
2018	75	3
2019	59	3
2020	20	1
2021	19	2
2022	9	2
2023	43	2

NHTSA's counts for the Challenger by model year are in the table below. They are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2008	10	3
2009	133	7
2010	299	7
2011	193	6
2012	253	6
2013	179	5
2014	149	4
2015	126	5
2016	78	1
2017	49	3
2018	75	3
2019	59	3
2020	20	1
2021	19	2
2022	9	2
2023	43	2

Seven years (2009 to 2015) have more complaints than 2016. The other eight years (2008 and 2017 to 2023) have fewer. Among 2016 to 2023, 2016 has the most complaints. For recalls, 2016 and 2020 are the lowest at 1 each^[3].

Should you buy a used 2016 Challenger?

The 2016 Challenger has fewer complaints and recalls than the 2009 to 2015 model years, but more complaints than 2017 to 2023^[3]. The one recall has a free software fix^[2]. The most reported component groups are power train, electrical system and engine, and the samples we read describe driveline noise, shutoffs, headlight wiring and ticking^[6]^[7]^[8]. Air bag complaints are fewer in number, but 9 of the 11 mention a crash, so ask for a full inspection and check the air bag warning light^[10]. Fuel cost varies a lot by engine, from $2,900 to $5,150 a year in EPA's estimates^[4]^[20].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Challenger?: NHTSA has 78 complaints^[1]. The largest groups are power train with 16, electrical system with 15 and engine with 12^[1]^[6]^[7]^[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 1 recall for 2016^[3]. Recall 18V332 covers a wiring short circuit that could stop cruise control from turning off. Dealers fix it with a free software update^[2].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Dodge Challenger?: EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG for the 6.2L versions to 23 MPG for the 3.6L automatic^[20]^[21]^[4].
How safe is the 2016 Dodge Challenger?: NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 stars for side crash^[5].
Is the 2016 Challenger a better year than earlier ones?: It has fewer complaints than 2009 to 2015 and more than 2017 to 2023 in NHTSA's counts, which are not adjusted for sales^[3].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Dodge Challenger (10 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Challenger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Challenger, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,676). NHTSA vehicle records
15 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,500). NHTSA vehicle records
12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,650). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,011). NHTSA vehicle records
9 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,007). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for Challenger, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger, 5.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 25 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger, 6.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 25 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger SRT8, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 22 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Challenger SRT8, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Dodge Challenger with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 370 to 372 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Dodge Challenger with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Dodge Challenger with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 707 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHALLENGER 2DR COUPE RWD V6: length 198 in, width 76 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 3,935 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHALLENGER 2DR COUPE RWD V8: length 198 in, width 76 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,083 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHALLENGER 2DR COUPE RWD SRT 392 / HELLCAT: length 198 in, width 76 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,169 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2016 Dodge Challenger: problems, recalls and fuel economy