Photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2018 Dodge Challenger: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Challenger years.
197 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Challenger?The 2018 Dodge Challenger has 197 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag water pump failure: mentioned as an issue on a 2018 scat pack, covered under warranty.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Dodge Challenger vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Challenger years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Challenger?
Across the 16 Challenger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2008) to 301 (2023). With 197 complaints, the 2018 Challenger sits above the model's median of 154.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Challenger
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 18E053000Chrysler (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 disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 18V280000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 18V332000Chrysler (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 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
electrical system:wiring:front underhood
Campaign 18V524000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive, with owners expressing strong affection for the vehicle's character, comfort, and performance.
- IsolatedWater pump failure
Mentioned as an issue on a 2018 Scat Pack, covered under warranty.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Challenger. See the full Challenger owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Challenger listings typically run $18,167–$30,599 across 2009 to 2023 model years.
Other Challenger model years
Compare every Challenger year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Challenger against its rivals
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