2019 Dodge Challenger Safety Report

2019 Dodge Challenger: Strong crash ratings, but significant electrical, airbag, and steering complaints, plus three safety recalls.

55Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (7)Air Bags (5)Steering (5)Unknown Or Other (4)Power Train (3)Wheels (3)Back Over Prevention (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)Engine (2)Service Brakes (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Dodge Challenger

The 2019 Dodge Challenger presents a mixed safety picture, achieving a strong 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in side crash tests and 4 stars in frontal and rollover tests. This indicates solid performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 55 total complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries, suggesting real-world issues beyond crash test performance. A significant concern is the recall history, with three recalls addressing critical safety components: a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' recall for a lingering rearview image, a 'SERVICE BRAKES' recall for an incompatible wheel/brake package causing tire contact, and an 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL' recall for unilluminated driver warnings. These recalls directly address issues that could increase the risk of a crash or prevent drivers from receiving crucial safety information. Common complaint patterns reveal recurring electrical system issues, with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' being the top reported component (7 complaints), followed by 'AIR BAGS' (5 complaints) and 'STEERING' (5 complaints). Specific complaints detail problems like the Uconnect system getting stuck on the rearview camera, complete electrical system failures requiring rewiring, and non-deploying airbags in accidents. Steering issues include power steering cutting out, locking up, or feeling 'stuck in a knotch,' which are serious concerns for vehicle control. The 'SERVICE BRAKES' recall is particularly relevant given complaints about tire wear and rubbing, which could be related to the recalled incompatible wheel/brake package. The presence of 5 airbag-related complaints, including instances where airbags failed to deploy in a crash, is alarming, especially considering the vehicle's otherwise good crash test ratings. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' complaints are broad, ranging from Uconnect malfunctions and non-functional charging ports to complete electrical box meltdowns and headlight failures. The 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' recall directly correlates with multiple complaints about the rearview camera system malfunctioning or remaining active. While the overall crash test ratings are commendable, the volume and nature of the complaints, coupled with the three safety recalls, indicate that owners have experienced significant safety-related problems that warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Dodge Challenger receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Dodge Challenger

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Dodge Challenger:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Uconnect Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera display gets stuck or shows a blue screen, failing to disengage after shifting out of reverse. This is addressed by a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' recall.
Medium Common unknown miles
Electrical System Failure
Broad electrical issues including fuse box failure, non-functional charging ports, headlight failure, and key system malfunctions, sometimes requiring extensive rewiring.
High Common unknown miles
Airbag Non-Deployment/Malfunction
Airbags failing to deploy in a crash, or the airbag warning light not illuminating, indicating a potential system fault.
High Occasional unknown miles
Steering System Issues
Power steering cutting in and out, locking up, or feeling 'stuck in a knotch' while turning, leading to loss of control.
High Common unknown miles
Incompatible Front Wheel/Brake Package
An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed, potentially causing the front tire to contact the steering, increasing crash risk. This is subject to a 'SERVICE BRAKES' recall.
High Rare unknown miles
Instrument Cluster Warning Light Failure
The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings, preventing critical information from being displayed. This is subject to an 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL' recall.
High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Dodge Challenger:

Electrical System 12% of complaints

Frequent issues with Uconnect, charging ports, headlights, key fobs, and general electrical failures, including fuse box problems.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

Reports of airbags failing to deploy in accidents and warning lights not illuminating.

Steering 9% of complaints

Problems with power steering cutting out, locking up, or feeling abnormal during turns.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Rearview camera malfunctions, including the image getting stuck or displaying a blue screen.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Issues such as rear differential failure and engine shutting off at speed.

Wheels 5% of complaints

Reports of tire wear, rubbing, and an uneven drive, potentially related to an incompatible wheel/brake package.

Service Brakes 3% of complaints

Recall for incompatible front wheel and brake package that could cause tire contact.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Dodge Challenger

Is the 2019 Dodge Challenger safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Dodge Challenger received a 5-star overall safety rating, indicating strong crash test performance. However, it has 55 owner complaints, including 5 crashes and 4 injuries, and three safety recalls addressing critical issues like rearview camera malfunctions, incompatible brake/wheel packages, and instrument cluster warning failures. While it performs well in controlled tests, real-world owner experiences highlight significant safety concerns, particularly with the electrical system, airbags, and steering.

What are common problems with the 2019 Dodge Challenger?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Dodge Challenger are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints), AIR BAGS (5 complaints), and STEERING (5 complaints). Specific problems include Uconnect rearview camera malfunctions, complete electrical system failures, airbags not deploying in crashes, and power steering cutting out or locking up. There are also recalls for the rearview camera, an incompatible front wheel/brake package, and instrument cluster warning light failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Dodge Challenger?

Yes, the 2019 Dodge Challenger has three safety recalls. These include a recall for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' due to a lingering rearview image, a 'SERVICE BRAKES' recall for an incompatible front wheel and brake package that could cause tire contact, and an 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL' recall for instrument clusters that may not properly illuminate driver warnings.

How does the 2019 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Dodge Challenger received excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It scored 4 stars in frontal crash tests, 5 stars in side crash tests, and 4 stars in rollover tests.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Dodge Challenger?

When considering a used 2019 Dodge Challenger, pay close attention to the electrical system, steering, and airbag functionality. Ensure all recalls have been addressed, particularly those related to the rearview camera, brakes, and instrument cluster. Test the Uconnect system thoroughly, check for any steering abnormalities, and inquire about any past electrical issues or airbag warning lights.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2019 Dodge Challenger's significant electrical, airbag, and steering complaints, and ensure all three safety recalls have been completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Dodge Challenger

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Dodge Challenger. The data includes 55 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.