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2013 Dodge Challenger problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Dodge Challenger has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 179owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 7injuries reported
179 complaints, against an average of 80 for the other 11 Dodge Challenger model years.
Every Dodge Challenger model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
The components named most often in the 179 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Dodge Challenger owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 179 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Dodge Challenger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?20 owners · 11.2%
- Why won't my 2013 Dodge Challenger start?11 owners · 6.1%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Dodge Challenger?7 owners · 3.9%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2013 Dodge Challenger?7 owners · 3.9% · Recall 19V018000
- Have any 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles caught fire?6 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2013 Dodge Challenger been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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.
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.
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: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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: Wiring: Front UnderhoodDo not drive 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.
Risk: A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
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.
Is the 2013 Dodge Challenger recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: In the event that the airbag is activated excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the vehicle occupants and / or in worst cases a fatality. The concern is caused by moisture in the air getting past faulty seals and being absorbed by the pyrotechnic biscuits in the inflator. As a result it is more likely to occur sooner in areas of high humidity and high temperature difference.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the passenger front air bag module which includes the inflator.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: The front passenger airbag inflator (PAB) may contain propellant that could possibly degrade over a period of time. This may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed which may result in injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a deployment event.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator assembly.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: Passenger air bag may deploy incorrectly if activated.
Fix: Replace the passenger air bag inflator.
UK DVSAVehicle electronic systems may malfunction
Risk: On vehicles with Uconnect 8.4 screen radio the computer-controlled electronic systems may be at risk of unauthorized and/or unlawful access which may affect vehicle behaviour.
Fix: Update software on affected vehicles
EU Safety GateThe airbag could rupture when activated, leading to fragmentation of the airbag parts.These small parts could be projected towards the driver/occupants, potentially causing serious or even fatal injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025
EU Safety GateA defect in the gas generator of the passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated.As a result, small metal particles can be released, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in…A fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in small metal particles being released, which might injure the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fault with the alternator can result in the failure of the electrical systems and cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2013 Dodge Challenger owners report?
12 of the 179 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 wants to open on its own and making us have to pull over several times until we…
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 determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.NO…
* 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. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue…
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 when it’s doing it. That’s the only way that they can find out what the issue is…
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.
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.
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.
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.
ABS light is on airbag light is on traction control won't come back on
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 DAUGHTER WHO WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME.I MADE A APPOINTMENT TO BRING IT IN TO THE DODGE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AN AUDIBLE CHIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ONE OF THE SPEED SENSOR HAS STOPPED WORKING, SOMEONE ELSE I KNOW IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THEIR DODGE CHARGER
2013 Dodge Challenger: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Dodge Challenger reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 179 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Challenger; the most common categories were electrical system (104, 58.1%), engine (27, 15.1%), air bags (19, 10.6%). There are 5 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
Across 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (58.1% of complaints), engine (15.1% of complaints), air bags (10.6% of complaints), power train (8.9% of complaints), steering (8.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Dodge Challenger; the most recent (campaign 19V018000, 2019-01-15) concerns Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module. 3 recalls carry a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Dodge Challenger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
20 of the 179 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Challenger (11.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11527769, June 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2013 Dodge Challenger start?
11 of the 179 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Challenger (6.1%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "My key frob is locked inside the ignition and will not come out... the car will not start or even recognize that the key frob is i. the ignition.... stuck in park !!" (NHTSA complaint 11254884, September 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Dodge Challenger?
7 of the 179 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Challenger (3.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11652597, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2013 Dodge Challenger?
7 of the 179 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Challenger (3.9%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 19V018000 (air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module). The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11443697, December 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Have any 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles caught fire?
6 of the 179 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Challenger (3.4%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "Car caught on fire as i was driving it this was 4 hours after i picked it up from the dealership for getting the tourque converter fixed. i think this is an electrical problem that caused it. i was driving in a parking lot only going 7-10 mph." (NHTSA complaint 10945284, January 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Challenger
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.