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2011 Dodge Challenger problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Dodge Challenger is electrical system, typically around 53,000 miles. It has 2.5 times the complaints of a typical Challenger model year.

Year to avoid2.5x the typical complaints
Year score
38/100
Owner complaints
193
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
123
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
16-21mpg
Typical repair
$900

The worst 2011 Dodge Challenger problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Dodge Challenger

Stalling 28ABS 23Warning lights 16Airbag light 15Loss of power 14Won't start 12Fuel leak 10Battery drain 8Power steering loss 7Fuel pump 6Fire or smoke 5Fuel smell 5Steering lock-up 5

Recalls 6

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2019 · 1,413,222 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V018000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 328,177 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V021000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported July 10, 2017 · 442,214 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 17V435000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Recall number 16V352000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported October 8, 2014 · 435,081 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 14V634000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported April 3, 2013 · 119,497 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

Recall number 13V118000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Challenger

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

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 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Dodge Challenger 123

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 123 bulletins for the 2011 Dodge Challenger

2011 Dodge Challenger fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylRWD182721
5.7L 8‑cylRWD15-1624-2518-19
6.4L 8‑cylRWD1422-2316-17

What 2011 Dodge Challenger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Engine · MO

2011 Dodge Challenger RT (5.7L Hemi, <75,000 miles).In 2016, Safety Campaign P01 (Timing Chain and Guide) was performed on my vehicle. On May 28th, while traveling at 70 mph on the highway, the timing chain snapped entirely, leaving me stranded and causing catastrophic internal engine damage.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the timing chain snapped and fractured. All the warning lights illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a similar failure had previously occurred in 2014. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 168,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was jump-started. The battery was replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) in 2000. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Electrical · GA

I replaced the factory alternator about 2 years back and have had to replace it twice since then. The replacement alternator were not from the manufacturer but were brand new. The battery warning light comes on when it starts to fail and the hot wire leading to the alternator gets extremely hot. Didn't experience this until I had the aftermarket alternator installed.

Filed Oct 3, 2022 · Electrical · IL

their is a common problem with the dash light panels going out making it unsafe ,unable to see speedomiter at night ,the repair is to have the whole gauge cluster replaced that also fails

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Engine · 62,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a timing chain failure and the contact was informed by the dealer that the part was under warranty. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure was part of a Customer Satisfaction Program: P01 however, the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was informed that due to the timing chain failure, the engine was also damaged and would not be covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to repair the vehicle under Consequential Damages. The contact then called the dealer where he was informed that the repair was denied. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer possession. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Airbags · NM

Read an air bag code that is B1CD2 which I think is park of the air bag wiring harness that was recalled on similar models and year but doesn’t seem to have been on mine. I just want to know if this would be part of that recall?

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chain had fractured and caused damage to the engine. The dealer related the failure to Service Campaign: P01 (Engine Timing Chain and Chain Guide) for which the VIN was included. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer declined the engine replacement due to him not being the original owner of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Fuel system · NC

Leaking fuel on rear passenger side. Strong fuel smell inside cabin.

Filed Jan 26, 2022 · Steering · IN

My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I’ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I’m referring to, they didn’t know what the problem is. I was told to just drive it til it got worse and then maybe they could find the problem. I’m scared to drive my car over 30 mph cause the random swerve could make me lose control or even swerve into oncoming traffic. I desperately need help and don’t know what to do.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Dodge Challenger before you buy

Compare the 2011 Dodge Challenger

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Questions about the 2011 Dodge Challenger

Is the 2011 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners have filed 193 complaints about the 2011 Dodge Challenger, 2.5 times a typical Challenger model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2011 Dodge Challenger year score?

The 2011 Dodge Challenger scores 38 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Challenger: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Challenger?

Electrical system, with 103 complaints, typically around 53,000 miles. Next is airbags (35).

How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Challenger have?

6 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Dodge Challenger get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Dodge Challenger range from 16 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 27 highway.

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