2018 Dodge Challenger Safety Report
2018 Dodge Challenger Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Dodge Challenger. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (72) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 11 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Dodge Challenger with 17 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Dodge Challenger before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Challenger Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Challenger years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Challenger | 55 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Dodge Challenger | 49 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Dodge Challenger | 19 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Dodge Challenger | 76 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 17 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Challenger | 124 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Dodge Challenger Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Dodge Challenger, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyElectrical System
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyAir Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Dodge onlyWheels
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Dodge onlyExterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
Reliability Score
The 2018 Dodge Challenger receives a reliability score of 9 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Dodge Challenger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Recalls have been issued for electrical system issues, particularly with wiring problems in the front underhood area. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Infotainment System The UConnect system is prone to delamination, causing random button presses and affecting the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Recalls have been issued for automatic transmission control module issues, affecting various models including the 2018 Dodge Charger. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Steering issues are less common but have been reported. These can include problems with the power steering system. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Dodge Challenger:
Issues with the electrical system, particularly wiring problems, are the most common problems reported.
Delamination of the UConnect system is a significant issue, causing random button presses and affecting the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment.
Automatic transmission control module issues are a common problem, affecting various models including the 2018 Dodge Charger.
Steering issues are less common but have been reported. These can include problems with the power steering system.
Recall Details for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Challenger by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (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 o...
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Summary: Chrysler (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 c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: Chrysler (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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Summary: Chrysler (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 tur...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I purchased the vehicle which had minor passenger door damage under $500. There were false reports on Copart and Autobidmaster about the vehicle. They lied and said the vehicle was 91.2 percent damaged. The businesses are false. They admitted insanity as their fraudulent motivation. The title should be clean title and the door has been completely repaired. The title to the vehicle should be in my ...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the left turn signal light failed to function as intended. The turn signal light on the instrument panel was flashing erratically. The message "Left Turn Signal Out" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various spee...
I got the car on 4/13/2025 from a Toyota dealership with about 31000 miles they told me the car fax showed the car had 2 owners a regular customer and another dealership, they also told me they change the battery but they failed to disclosed that they took the car to a body shop to fix a dent and to be repainted, by mistake they offered me the Toyota warranty 5 years or 60000 miles , on 8/10/25 ...
My trouble is with my 2018 Dodge Challenger. The UConnect system is delaminating and the entire system is malfunctioning. I have taken the vehicle to my local Dodge dealer and showed them the issue, and they agree there is an issue. The safety issue is that the screen display system goes into what is called "ghost touching" where random buttons on the display are acting as if someone is pushing ...
No power then open the trunk and the power comes back on!! Dash lights blink out and radio then window goes up and down! Will leave u stranded
I have had an issue like the 30 other complaints on here with my window going up and down and faulty switch!!! Went to dodge and the lady stated no open recalls on the vehicle so I was probably looking at $2500 to fix . How is dodge not being held accountable for this and being liable to create a recall!!! I’m driving and the window started opening and shutting in the middle of a hurricane and I a...
Control of the car electric safety equipment is compromised by the Uconnect system - delaminating of touch screen. This seems like a know issue and the faulty screen should be recalled.
The infotainment system is delaminating causing the system to start to dial random numbers with the ability for it to call 911 and hit the SOS button. This is a known issue with the Uconnect 8.4" system. It's an ongoing issue that they refuse to recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Since the day of delivery, the 2018 Dodge Challenger I purchased from Carvana has been non-operational due to a dead battery and significant engine problems. Despite multiple attempts to start the vehicle, it required towing to the dealer for repairs. Additionally, the car was delivered with illegally dark tint on all windows, including the front windshield, which is not compliant with California ...
Rear backup camera will sometimes either be distorted or have a black screen while in reverse. This is a safety hazard as dodge challengers have large blind spots and makes it difficult to see when backing up without the rear camera. This has almost caused me to hit another car and pedestrians as it's hard to see them due to the blind spots and not having the assistance of the camera. While drivin...
UConnect LCD Control Screen is completely on the fritz due to adhesive de-lamination. The screen will frequently and randomly ‘ghost touch’ itself to turn the heat all the way up, turn the media volume all the way up, call contacts, adjust the clock, switch screens, etc while I’m driving. It is available for inspection upon request. Car has become a danger to drive as a result. Having to constantl...
The infotainment controlls/stereo malfunctions constantly- it has turned the stereo on/off disconnected navigation, turned on or off heat/air conditioning as well as tried to activate sos dial 911- causes a constant distraction to attempt to correct the issue-
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the center master display screen started to randomly switch from function to function, and unintendedly started a telephone call. The contact became aware that a bubble had appeared in the center of the screen and was growing larger. The contact stated that the screen had started to delaminate. The ...
The adhesive that binds the digitizer to the LCD display will melt and causes thr infotainment system to press buttons by itself at random whenever it is on. Mine has tried to contact emergency services (911) while I'm driving. It is incredibly distracting while I'm driving. A known issue with 8.4 inch Uconnect screens made in 2017 through 2021.
The Uconnect Infosystem 8.4 display with navigation system has become defective. Because of this defect the system takes control of the infosystem switching between screens and options and as it gets worse it could possibly get into the power modes and other engine controls by itself without the driver knowing along with taking control of heating, cooling, lights and other safety features on the c...
The touchscreen is forming air bubbles on the top corners. I've seen videos of touchscreens that have done this and people report it selects different options on its own while driving.
Per the car fax report provided at time of purchase. This car supposedly not been in any accidents. I noticed that the lights when on are not leveled. I took it to a local Dodge dealer to fix and to my surprise we were told that the lights were not leveled because the car had been in a wreck before. There is no physical damage from what we can see however the cost to repair or level required ex...
My headlights keep going dim I’ve only owned this car a year in January. I’ve changed them 5 times also the electronic stability control supposivly was fixed and they changed me an arm and a leg it keeps glitching I hate going to the dealership because I feel as tho because I’m a female they want to just charge me all this money cuz I’m vulnerable and also I believe my vehicle was hacked and I can...
Electrical system is going completely haywire. The display screen beeps as if being touched constantly causing driver distractions. Bluetooth hands free function makes random phone calls, hangs up and redials repeatedly causing driver distractions. The display also flashes from one setting to another, pulling up the navigation system and changing the route repeatedly causing driver distractions....
2018 DODGE CHALLENGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE AND RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT RIM DAMAGE.
Showing 20 of 72 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Dodge Challenger
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Dodge Challenger
Has the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
The 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER has 72 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 8 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER involve unknown or other (14 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), electrical system,unknown or other (4 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, wheels, exterior lighting,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER out of 72 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER out of 72 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
8 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER is acceptable with caveats. It has 72 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 5. WHEELS (3 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 14 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Be cautious of electrical system and infotainment system issues, as they can affect the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment. The 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER has 72 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER receives a reliability score of 9/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 72 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 11 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Infotainment System.
What are the known issues with the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Known issues with the 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER include: Electrical System, Infotainment System, Automatic Transmission, Steering. These are based on patterns found across 72 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
Yes, there are recalls for electrical system and power train issues, particularly with wiring and automatic transmission control modules.
What are the most common issues with the infotainment system?
The most common issue is delamination, causing random button presses and affecting the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment.
Can electrical system issues affect the safety of the vehicle?
Yes, electrical system issues, particularly with the wiring, can affect the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and infotainment system issues, as they can affect the operation of the vehicle's safety equipment.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Dodge Challenger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Dodge Challenger. The data includes 72 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Dodge Challenger an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14