2018 Dodge Challenger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Dodge Challenger: 3 recalls, 75 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #18V280000 · 2018 · 71 vehicles
What's wrong: An incorrect transmission park lock rod May have been installed in the transmission.
Why it matters: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission May not shift into 'park' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018.
Electrical, Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #18V332000 · 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V524000 · 2018 · 12,779 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Transmission & drivetrain Equipment recall #18E053000 · 2018 · 1,930 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (28): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (3).
- Other / unknown (28): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), noise or vibration (4), warning light on (3).
- Steering (6): the most common themes are steering problems (4), noise or vibration (2).
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has 75 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 Challenger model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 106). Complaints peaked in 2019 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 22,012 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (49 complaints, 3 recalls), 2019 (59 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Midgrade |
| 6.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 25 | 18 | Premium |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
| 6.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 23 | 17 | Premium |
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 2018 Dodge Challenger.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Dodge Challenger, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 2018 Dodge Challenger problems?
Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (28), other / unknown (28), transmission & drivetrain (8).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Challenger get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 8-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 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.