DODGE CHALLENGER · model year

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER

107 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016DODGECHALLENGER carries 107 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 15 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 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 2016 CHALLENGER is electrical system with 15 filings, followed by power train (14) and engine (12). 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 2 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 2016 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.

107
Complaints
15
Crashes
2
Fires
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 DODGE CHALLENGER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 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 4.0 ★
  • 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

107 filings

Crashes Reported

15 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

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

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
POWER TRAIN14
ENGINE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
AIR BAGS11
STEERING8
SUSPENSION6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
SERVICE BRAKES5
SEAT BELTS4
WHEELS3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1

Recalls (2)

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler

18E05300012/07/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengagi

Recent Complaints

20250714UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I see a possible rollback on MY vehicle, the dealer sold it to me around 13,500 miles, carfax shows a possible rollback. Vehicle sold by Moritz Chevrolet Fort Worth, TexasFort Worth, TX Fort Worth, Texas817-696-2000 moritzchevrolet.com

20250712STEERING

When making a sharp turn where you need to turn the wheel fully to the left or right, the car steering would lock up and a power steering indicator light would appear on the dashboard. I would have to shut the vehicle off and restart it for the light to turn off and resume steering functionality. The car was inspected by the dealership and the indicated that it showed the error code happened one time, however we recently purchased the vehicle with 19,000 miles, so not sure if the happened before we purchased the car and the used car dealer reset the codes. This issue has happened many times over the last 3 months.

20250530SUSPENSION

My 2016 Dodge Challenger has less then 38,000 miles. I don’t even drive it in the rain to keep it spotless. I have taken great care of it. It started making a knocking noise from underneath the car. Took it to the dodge dealership & found out the drive shaft is bad.If you google 2016 Dodge challenger sxt drive shaft issue you will see that this is a nation wide problem starting from 2015 to 2018. I think Dodge should be responsible for fixing this issue. Its not right,

20250530STEERING

My 2016 Dodge Challenger has less then 38,000 miles. I don’t even drive it in the rain to keep it spotless. I have taken great care of it. It started making a knocking noise from underneath the car. Took it to the dodge dealership & found out the drive shaft is bad.If you google 2016 Dodge challenger sxt drive shaft issue you will see that this is a nation wide problem starting from 2015 to 2018. I think Dodge should be responsible for fixing this issue. Its not right,

20250128ENGINE

Hemi Tick. The problem is so bad there is a common name for Stelantis 5.7 Hemi engine. Nothing else needs to be said the problem is well documented.

20241125STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20240808STEERING

I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.

20240808ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.

20240808POWER TRAIN

I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.

20240608ENGINE

Center bond of crankshaft Damper falling-off front of engines on the highway due to defective bonding material in manufacturing causing failure in rubber bonding. At highways speeds, a 10lb chunk of metal will fall-off HEMI engines & create a flying projectile at other motorists on the road causing damage or death to other vehicles/drivers and/or pedestrians. Owners who are unaware of this safety-issue will be unaware that their crankshaft-damper has fallen off due to not realizing a piece of the engine is now missing, thus creating possibility of engine failure due to No Vibration Dampening any longer attached to the crankshaft pulley.

20240608POWER TRAIN

Center bond of crankshaft Damper falling-off front of engines on the highway due to defective bonding material in manufacturing causing failure in rubber bonding. At highways speeds, a 10lb chunk of metal will fall-off HEMI engines & create a flying projectile at other motorists on the road causing damage or death to other vehicles/drivers and/or pedestrians. Owners who are unaware of this safety-issue will be unaware that their crankshaft-damper has fallen off due to not realizing a piece of the engine is now missing, thus creating possibility of engine failure due to No Vibration Dampening any longer attached to the crankshaft pulley.

20240228EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Center LED Tail Lights burned out. No damage or modification done. Fuses checked. Unit failed. 41,000 miles

20240131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.

20240131SEAT BELTS

Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.

20240131VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Tipman module is melting and has a burning smell and black marks where there has been spark. Fire hazard. Draws too many amps from headlights. Drivers side seatbelt won't register and seatbelt airbag light is on.

20240110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is a tsb for all 392 and hellcats regarding the Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Update. This prevents thief’s from stealing your car and making a new key fob with their own programming tool. I was told today that my vehicle does not qualify because it’s a manual transmission. My car was stolen December 11 and if I had that update for the key fob it would have prevented them from stealing my car. I was able to recover the car and wanted to do have the Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Update. My car because it’s a manual now is a huge risk where the automatics have some what of a chance from them not taking the car. I feel that’s it’s completely unfair and doesn’t make sense why I wouldn’t not be able to have it done especially since this tsb came out a year ago.

20231002FirePOWER TRAIN

Was taking off from a red light, got to about 15 MPH and there was a loud bang and I felt it from under the car. It then felt like I was dragging something under the car, but that couldn't be as I was behind another car and if there were something in the road, they would have hit it. I managed to pull over to the side of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it off. It wouldn't turn off and the "P" on the shifter was blinking and so was the "Run" light. It was at that point smoke started coming from under the hood. I grabbed my belongings from the passenger compartment, but couldn't open the trunk. It was then that flames started showing. I got away from it and started calling 911. Just then a police car arrived and they radioed for fire. It was afterwards I noticed that from the place it happened, to the spot I was able to stop, there was a long line of transmission fluid and when they towed the burned car, there was lots of transmission fluid. The car had low mileage and ma

20230919FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 224,000.

Mileage: 224,000

20230706POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while her husband was driving 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was confirmed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

Mileage: 16,000

20230309POWER TRAIN

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER 39,900 MILES. DRIVE TRAIN COMPLETLY BROKEN OFF. MY SAFETY AND OTHERS STEERING PROBLEMS. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER TO TIRES. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN VERY LITTLE AND IS DRIVEN LIKE A GRANDMA. THIS DRIVE TRAIN SHOULD NEVER HAD BEEN AND ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE RECALLS ON THIS. I AM HAVING TO PAY $2500 TO GET IT REPLACED. THE ONLY WARNING I HAD WAS I NOTICED IT WASN'T POWERING LIKE IT SHOULD OR TURNING LIKE IT SHOULD. EVEN THOUGH ITS 7 YEARS OLD, THE MILEAGE ON IT PROVES ITS A WELL TAKEN CARE OF VEHICLE.

Compare 2016DODGECHALLENGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
The 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER has 107 NHTSA complaints, 15 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Yes, the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The most-complained component for the 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ENGINE.
Is the 2016 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 2016 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.