DODGE CHALLENGER · model year

2013 DODGE CHALLENGER

248 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013DODGECHALLENGER carries 248 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 17 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 CHALLENGER is electrical system with 102 filings, followed by engine (27) and air bags (18). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2013 CHALLENGER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

248
Complaints
8
Crashes
17
Fires
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 DODGE CHALLENGER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

248 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM102
ENGINE27
AIR BAGS18
POWER TRAIN16
STEERING15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
SERVICE BRAKES7
STRUCTURE:BODY7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
SEATS4
SEAT BELTS3

Recalls (5)

13V10300021/03/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

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.

19V01800015/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 t

17V43500010/07/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 o

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

14V63400008/10/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 vehicle

Recent Complaints

20260209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20260209STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20251117FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 W

20251117FireUNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 W

20251117FireSTRUCTURE:BODY

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 W

20251110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

* 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, i

20251110ENGINE

* 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, i

20251110POWER TRAIN

* 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, i

20250403FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20250220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 dealersh

20250220ENGINE

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 dealersh

20240826FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20230925POWER TRAIN

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.

20230911ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20230911EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

20230619ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20230127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

Mileage: 105,904

20221206WHEELS

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.

20221117ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20221117ENGINE

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.

Compare 2013DODGECHALLENGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
The 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER has 248 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 17 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Yes, the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The most-complained component for the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 102 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.