MotorDeets

2013 Dodge Challenger: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Dodge Challenger: 5 recalls, 179 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
179owner complaints
6mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2013 Dodge Challenger
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #13V103000 · 2013 · 4,051 vehicles

What's wrong: The battery positive cable at the starter motor May experience an electrical short circuit to ground.

Why it matters: A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.

The fix: Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable…

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V634000 · 2014 · 435,081 vehicles

What's wrong: 6l engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator May suddenly fail.

Why it matters: If the alternator fails, the vehicle May stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015.

Electrical Vehicle recall #17V435000 · 2017 · 442,214 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator May suddenly fail.

Why it matters: If the alternator fails, the vehicle May stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator May short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V021000 · 2018 · 328,177 vehicles

What's wrong: S. Virgin islands or "zone a." additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge dakota, Dodge challenger, and Dodge charger vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new…

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018.

Airbags Vehicle recall #19V018000 · 2019 · 1,413,222 vehicles

What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to explode.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical104
Engine27
Airbags19
Transmission & drivetrain16
Steering15
Other / unknown11
Brakes8
Speed control / throttle7

What owners describe

The 2013 Dodge Challenger has 179 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Challenger model years for complaints (1.7× the average Challenger year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (253 complaints, 6 recalls), 2014 (149 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive182721Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162519Midgrade
5.7 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152318Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Dodge Challenger.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Dodge Challenger manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Dodge Challenger manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Dodge Challenger. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Dodge Challenger problems?

Owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (104), engine (27), airbags (19).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Dodge Challenger get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Dodge Challenger repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Challenger years

2008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023