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2013 Dodge Challenger Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 179 complaints about the 2013 Dodge Challenger with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (104) and the engine & cooling (27). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 10 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in January 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2012 has 253 and the 2014 has 149.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Challenger year, for its age

#71 most complained-about 2013 vehicle

Complaints
179
Recalls
5
Crashes
6
Fires
10
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 2013 Dodge Challenger problems

Share of all 179 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2013 Dodge Challenger recalls 5

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V0180001,413,222 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

Air bags: inflator module

18V021000328,177 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Electrical system: alternator / generator / regulator

17V435000442,214 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
The risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

Electrical system: alternator / generator / regulator

14V634000435,081 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
The risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Electrical system: front underhood

13V1030004,051 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
The risk
A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix
Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

What owners say

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179 complaints about the 2013 Dodge Challenger

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.

Fuel system

I am reporting a defect condition in a 2013 Dodge Challenger that appears materially identical to the condition described in FCA Emissions Recall UB4 involving the evaporative emissions canister system. See: [[redacted]] . The vehicle experiences severe difficulty during refueling. Fuel pump nozzles repeatedly and continuously auto-shutoff during normal fueling attempts, preventing normal refueling operation. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as related to the evaporative emissions canister / EVAP...

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system. After disconnecting the affected component/system, the vehicle immediately resumed normal fueling operation without repeated pump shutoff. The symptoms and apparent defect mechanism appear materially consistent with those described in Recall UB4 and NHTSA bulletin MC-10174189-9999; however, this VIN is currently excluded from the recall population. I am submitting this complaint because the defect appears to exist outside the currently identified VIN population. The manufacturer (Dodge) is refusing to investigate further, citing there is no recall coverage and NHTSA is responsible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11738277
Acceleration & cruise controlBrakes

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11728561
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

Driver & passenger door windows on many 2010-2017 Dodge Challengers activate repeatedly on their own during driving and after ignition is turned off causing the battery to completely drain overnight & sometimes after only one or two hours after the ignition is turned off. There was a TSB#23-039-11. This TSB does not apply to my 2013 Challenger. Parts are extremely expensive and the car leaves me stranded if parked only a couple of hours. During driving the cycling down and up causes danger as it appears the door...

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wants to open on its own and making us have to pull over several times until we figured out it was doing it on its own as if it was haunted. No warning lights on my 2013 Challenger. Mechanics checked it after having 2 brand new batteries drain overnight. Batteries are approximately $200.00. Dealer will only say the door latch mechanism needs replacing at approximately $480.00. Parts cost approx. $190.00.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11716732
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureFire

On saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 driving 27 miles from distance vehicle started to malfunction electrically with internal lights quickly power outages on and off interior lightin. Dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event within the battery system, rapidly escalating into a fire that engulfed the vehicle. Further analysis is underway to...

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determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.No warning advisory on the preliminary occurrence it escalated from flashing on and off lights and stereo to a stiff steering wheel and vehicle complete shutdown and rapidly smoke coming from the interior of the trunk and fire started consuming the rear end of the trunk and vehicle. This was a very devastating and overwhelming tragedy it happened within 15 minutes timeframe and firedepartment arrived within five minutes into the concerning fire it also took around around a hour for the fireman to put out the fire from the trunk of the vehicle.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11699878
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. ...

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* YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. The shop did inform me later in the day that they forced the fob to the left and was able to extract it from the ignition switch. * YES, inspected and review by my trusted mechanics shop. * No signs prior to the attempted removal of the key bof at the finish of returning to my home.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11698630
Fuel system

At only 68,000 miles, my check engine light came on with code "P0456", which indicates that my Evaporative Emission System has a leak. These leaks lead to increased emissions and fuel loss. The solution is to replace the Emission System Integrity Monitor (ESIM). The life expectancy of this part is 150,000 miles. It should not leak at less than half its life expectancy. I contacted the local dealership and they reported that there isn't a recall on this part yet.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11652597
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

When I start the car, it shuts off if I pushed the button to restart it, sounds like it's double starting itself the only way that I can make it stop is by continuously hitting the button. The only way that I can restart. The car is if I open the driver's door, then hit the button to completely cut off the car shut the door hit the button again then the car will start. It's like I have to reset it. it does it often has been for years when I take it to the mechanics or dealership they tell me to bring it up there...

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when it's doing it. That's the only way that they can find out what the issue is, after this happens I'll take it to the dealership and they find nothing they request for me to bring it when is doing that, but I never know when it's going to happen until it does, but it doesn't happen at the dealership. I have Google this issue other challengers are having this issue but again it can never be resolved because it doesn't happen when you take it to the dealership I believe eventually this will mess up the engine or starter below is asking for a date this incident occurred it started in 2015 when I purchased the car this will happen here or there not that often but it is continuously a problem, over the years and getting worse

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11643855
Electrical systemFire

The vehicle is available for inspection. The issue caused a fire under my carport and within 30 feet of a neighbor's house. The car is immobile and still at the location of the incident, it has not been reproduced or inspected. there were no warning lamps at the time of the incident. The electrical system seemed to have several issues over the past years. The passenger side tail light would burn out at least twice a year. The driver's side window would go up and down when the car was off and ran out of battery....

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The vehicle would allow the key fob to be locked in the car. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause. Most recently what a mechanic thought was the starter failed twice in less than six months. Last month, I went to start the car, and it started and then turned off. I heard a pop and crackling sound, and the trunk battery was on fire.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11610907
Transmission & drivetrain

while turning onto another street transmisson went into neutral. car would`nt accelerate, almost reared by another car. Car is at dealership now, they say it needs new transmission. only has 70,000 miles on it.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11546296
Electrical systemLights

Taillights aren't staying on. The break and signal lights work however, after driving the vehicle for a few minutes the taillights go out. I can turn the switch from auto to on but after about 5 minutes each time they are going off

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11543757
Electrical system

Car has had intermittent electrical issues, head lights flashing, dash board losing power, car alarms in and out. Most recently it stalled while driving on a country road. Was able to restart after a while. It stalled again while driving on highway. Took car to dealership but they stated my alternater was not a part of safety recall T36, even though I was having those exact same issues.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11527769
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected, and then the vehicle lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuse box was burned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse panel was burned, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V103000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,904.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11504062
Wheels & tires

Skid control not engaged but lamp is illuminated. Available for inspection. Risk of skid/lose of control of vehicle. No confirmation by dealer or service center. No inspection performed. No other symptoms prior to failure. First incident approx. 3 months ago.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11496279
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

When starting my vehicle, I would push the push start button and it will continue to turn over and over and over but not start, it will do it for a minute or more and there is not way to turn it off.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11493981
Electrical system

NHTSA Recall Number17V-435 Suffered failure of alternator as described in recall. Purchased part and fixed myself. Filed reimbursement request, file number 83533254 for part only. Claim denied alleging vehicle not fixed at dealership.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11476155
Engine & cooling

My car only has 70.000 mi and the engine blew up

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11476129
Other & unknown

Driving at speeds faster then speed limit cutting people off. Must be problem with vehicle or driver [[redacted]]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)."

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11467458
Steering

Last week i face a serious issue with my Dodge Challenger v6 2013 steering, while im taking a U turn (20klm /25klm) without any warning lamp or message the steering becomes hard that I couldn't turn it and i used both hands to turn and caused my car to go on the side walk with the front right wheel. Starting from that time every time i take u turn its hard and i need two hands to turn but right turn so smooth, i went to dealership they said probably you need to change steering rack and pinion. I refused as it's expensive and it happen by it self.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11451639
Airbags

Airbag light stays on and bells. I put in for the recall but records show even on here that its repaired but it never has. I'm afraid it may explode and metal may come out and and harm me or passenger. Why does system show repair but it hasnt been and can it be repaired? It's a part of recall.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11443697
Electrical systemAirbagsBrakes

ABS light is on airbag light is on traction control won't come back on

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 11434737
Electrical system

I am having the same issue with the "Smart Glass" in my 2013 Challenger SXT. There is already an active recall for the 2011 Dodge Challenger

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11419444
Transmission & drivetrain

I was entering the freeway and getting up to speed, when I merge onto the freeway my car loss power and would not accelerate and doing the time it was high traffic time of day, and there was a big truck coming up behind me and the driver blew his horn and slammed his brakes to keep from hitting me from behind.I gave my car more gas and there was no acceleration,when I lifted my foot completely off the pedal and pushed it again then my car accelerated.It was a real scary moment not only for me but also for my...

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daughter who was in the car with me.I made a appointment to bring it in to the dodge dealer to get it checked,when I brought it in the service writter told me that it did the same thing with the tech when he took it for a test ride, and they told me it was my transmission torque converter.I ask if they encounter this problem before and he said that they had history reports where the transmission had to be replaced.I had also did some research online and found a page called challenger forum,and there are some other dodge challenger owners who is also having the same problem.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11396837
Engine & cooling

The left cylinder head recall on my 2013 dodge challenger makes my car mis fire very bad

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11387186
Other & unknown

Twice when driving down highway I went to pass a car and when I pressed the accelerator pedal my car did not accelerates,so I hurried and got back behind the vehicle I was trying to pass, it scared my daughter who was in the car with me.Today I was on the on ramp to merge onto the highway and tried to speed up and my car didn't ,the rpm stayed the same and no warning light came on,im guessing that taking it to get check would not help being it didn't have any warnings came on, and I don't have any warranty and I only have 57272 miles on car.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11376311
Electrical systemLightsFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge challenger. The contact stated that the side running lights located on the front vender and quarter panel had malfunctioned. While changing the light bulbs it was discovered that the bulb sockets had burned and melted. The cause of the failure was not determined. Also while driving at various speeds the vehicle would erroneously increase speed and decrease speed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer randy marion chrysler located at 601 gaither rd, statesville, nc 28625 who...

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diagnosed that the wheel sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Also after shifting to the park position and pressing the stop button the engine would not immediately shut off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11364117

Dodge Challenger: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201750372Electrical systemC
2016782102Transmission & drivetrainC
20151276163Transmission & drivetrainD
20141495165Electrical systemF
20131795610Electrical systemF
20122536118Electrical systemF
2011193658Electrical systemF
20102997104Engine & coolingF
2009133784AirbagsD
All Challenger years

2013 Dodge Challenger vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2013 Dodge Challenger

Does the 2013 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Dodge Challenger: inflator module (January 2019); inflator module (January 2018); alternator / generator / regulator (July 2017); alternator / generator / regulator (October 2014) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Dodge Challenger?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (104), engine & cooling (27), airbags (19).

How many complaints has the 2013 Dodge Challenger had?

179 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 22, 2013 and the latest on May 16, 2026. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 10 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2013 Dodge Challenger a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 22 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Challenger year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Challenger years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2013 Dodge Challenger has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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