2016 Dodge Challenger Safety Report

The 2016 Dodge Challenger presents a mixed safety profile. While it achieved an excellent 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in side crash and 4 stars in frontal and rollover tests, there are notable concerns from owner complaints and recall history. A total of 76 complaints have been filed, including 10 crashes, 2 fires, and 10 injuries. A significant concern is the reported airbag non-deployment in at least two separate crash incidents, despite the vehicle sustaining significant front-end damage, which directly contradicts expectations from its 4-star frontal crash rating. This suggests a potential flaw in the airbag system's real-world performance or deployment logic. Common complaint patterns revolve around critical components such as the ENGINE (9 complaints), POWER TRAIN (9 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints). Specific issues include 'Hemi Tick' and crankshaft damper failures in the engine, and driveshaft failures within the powertrain, with multiple reports of driveshafts breaking or disintegrating at relatively low mileages (e.g., 38,000 to 58,000 miles). Electrical system complaints include issues with headlights intermittently failing or wiring overheating, and power steering failures often linked to electrical system malfunctions or post-recall issues. The vehicle has been subject to two recalls. One recall addresses a potential issue with the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING' that could lead to the vehicle maintaining speed or accelerating despite attempts to deactivate cruise control, increasing crash risk. The second recall, related to 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)', also pertains to unintended acceleration. While these recalls address serious safety concerns, the ongoing complaints about power steering lock-ups and airbag non-deployment suggest that not all critical safety issues are fully resolved or covered by existing recalls. The high number of complaints relative to its age, especially concerning fundamental mechanical and safety systems, warrants careful consideration for potential buyers.

Our recommendation: Despite strong NHTSA crash test ratings, the 2016 Dodge Challenger has concerning owner complaints regarding airbag non-deployment, driveshaft failures, and power steering issues. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, along with verifying recall completion, is crucial before buying.