2021 Dodge Challenger Safety Report
2021 Dodge Challenger: Strong Crash Ratings, Concerning Airbag Deployment Failures, and Two Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Dodge Challenger
Reliability Score
The 2021 Dodge Challenger receives a reliability score of 65 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 2021 Dodge Challenger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Dodge Challenger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Non-Deployment Multiple complaints (3) indicate airbags failed to deploy in significant frontal collisions, leading to injuries and raising concerns about occupant protection despite high crash test ratings. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Power Train/Transmission Issues Complaints include the car moving forward and going into neutral unexpectedly, and 'lurching' upon start-up, posing a serious safety risk in traffic. |
High | Occasional | 12000-61113 miles |
| Seatbelt Malfunction Seatbelt slow to retract or not retracting fully, preventing proper restraint and potentially compromising safety. |
Medium | Rare | 0-36000 miles |
| Driver'S Seat Back Failure Driver's seat unexpectedly reclined fully while driving at highway speeds, causing loss of control and increasing crash risk. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Instrument Cluster/Panel Warning Lights All warning lights illuminated simultaneously, causing the car to jerk on the freeway and leading to a minor accident. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
| Phantom Braking/Unintended Acceleration Vehicle experienced phantom braking and pulled back while attempting to accelerate, indicating potential issues with vehicle speed control systems. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Fire Vehicle caught fire while at a standstill without warning, leading to total loss. |
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 2021 Dodge Challenger:
Multiple reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes, despite significant impact.
Issues include unexpected shifts to neutral and lurching during start-up.
Problems with instrument cluster warnings, remote start, and radio volume fluctuations.
Failure of seatbelts to retract properly, compromising occupant safety.
Complaints related to undisclosed prior structural damage and issues affecting airbag deployment.
Driver's seat unexpectedly reclining fully while driving.
Reports of phantom braking and unintended acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Dodge Challenger
Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Dodge Challenger received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, there are concerning real-world complaints, particularly regarding airbag non-deployment in crashes (3 instances), which directly contradicts the high ratings and raises significant safety questions.
What are common problems with the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Dodge Challenger include airbag failures (3 complaints), power train issues like unexpected neutral shifts (2 complaints), and electrical system problems (2 complaints). Other reported issues involve seatbelt malfunctions, unexpected seat reclining, and phantom braking.
Were there any recalls for the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
Yes, the 2021 Dodge Challenger had two recalls. One recall (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL) addressed insufficient illumination of safety system status indicators, which could increase crash risk. The second recall (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD) concerned improper windshield bonding, which could lead to windshield separation in a crash and increase injury risk.
How did the 2021 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Dodge Challenger performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance.
Are there any known issues with the transmission in the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
Yes, there are complaints related to the power train/transmission, including the car unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving and 'lurching' upon start-up. One complaint specifically mentions the car moving forward 15 feet and going into neutral at 61,113 miles, highlighting a serious safety concern.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2021 Dodge Challenger boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of concerning real-world complaints regarding airbag deployment failures and power train issues; thoroughly inspect vehicle history and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Dodge Challenger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.