2009 Dodge Challenger: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Dodge Challenger has 132 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train. Owners most often flag poor fuel economy — very frequent mention as a significant ownership cost, especially with v8 models.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

132
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
8
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Dodge Challenger vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
41
power train
27
engine
26
electrical system
21
engine and engine cooling
13

Recalls affecting the 2009 Challenger

equipment

Campaign 17V824000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V021000

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, Calif

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 15V444000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 16V352000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is generally positive, with owners expressing strong affection for the vehicle's character, comfort, and performance. The Challenger is consistently praised as a large, comfortable, and fun-to-drive cruiser with a powerful, rumbling V8 engine, offeri

  • Poor fuel economy — Very frequent mention as a significant ownership cost, especially with V8 models.
  • Dated/interior quality — Interior design and materials feel cheap and outdated compared to segment competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — General mentions of electrical gremlins being a fair share of problems. Frequency: isolated.
  • Water pump failure — Mentioned as an issue on a 2018 Scat Pack, covered under warranty. Frequency: isolated.
  • Theft target — Challengers are specifically named as targets for organized theft rings using electronic bypass devices. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Challenger.

Typical used price

Used Challenger listings typically run $16,694–$35,426 across 2009 to 2023 model years.

Other Challenger model years