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2018 Dodge Challenger problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Dodge Challenger is electrical system, typically around 6,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Challenger model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
75
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
255
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
16-23mpg

The worst 2018 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.

  • Electrical
    28
  • Transmission
    8
  • Steering
    6
  • Wheels
    6
  • Airbags
    5
  • Brakes
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Lights
    5
  • Suspension
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls 3

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Challenger 255

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

See all 255 bulletins for the 2018 Dodge Challenger

2018 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‑cylRWD193023
3.6L 6‑cylAWD182721
5.7L 8‑cylRWD15-1623-2518-19
6.4L 8‑cylRWD14-1523-2517-18
6.2L 8‑cylRWD1321-2216

What 2018 Dodge Challenger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Electrical · MI

The Uconnect HMI/touchscreen in my 2018 Dodge Challenger has visibly delaminated and developed severe phantom touch inputs. When powered on, the screen registers commands without any physical contact. The failed touchscreen remains installed and available for inspection. The vehicle has approximately 19,600 miles. This creates a significant driver distraction and safety risk while driving because the touchscreen repeatedly activates functions and changes settings without my input, including HVAC controls, fan speed, camera activation, audio sources/stations, menus, and other touchscreen-controlled features. Because the system is actively issuing unintended commands, I must look away from the road to determine what changed and try to correct it. Additional phantom inputs repeatedly occur immediately afterward, forcing repeated attention to the screen and diverting focus from traffic, road conditions, pedestrians, cyclists, and other hazards. The ongoing, unpredictable malfunction increases crash risk. The safety concern is not that the infotainment system is inoperative; it is that the touchscreen actively generates unintended inputs while driving, creating a recurring distraction that cannot be safely anticipated or ignored. I previously brought the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for this issue. The dealer instructed me to contact Uconnect/Dodge Customer Care, though I do not know whether the condition was formally documented. Dodge Customer Care opened Case #97977966 and instructed me to return to the dealer for further diagnosis, which I intend to do. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The first symptom was visible delamination, which progressed to phantom touchscreen activity. The condition is now present whenever the HMI is powered on. The touchscreen has not been repaired or replaced and remains available for inspection.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Transmission · IA

Driving along and all of a sudden the shifter lights started flashing, wipers turned on, steering became difficult, and finally the transmission locked up. Stalled in the middle of the hiway turn lane and because the transmission was locked up it couldn't even be pushed out of the way. Traffic was backed up and people trying to get around because I was blocking a major hiway intersection. The dodge dealership has had the car 3 times and finally diagnosed it as the rack and pinion plug.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Wheels · 75,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that the rims on the wheels of the vehicle were poorly designed and there were several cracks on the rims. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered cracks on the inside edges of the rims. The contact stated that the cracks were formed while driving over bumps and uneven road pavements. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was notified that there were no recalls related to the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Jan 18, 2026 · CA

I purchased the vehicle which had minor passenger door damage under $500. There were false reports on Copart and Autobidmaster about the vehicle. They lied and said the vehicle was 91.2 percent damaged. The businesses are false. They admitted insanity as their fraudulent motivation. The title should be clean title and the door has been completely repaired. The title to the vehicle should be in my name. Car is ready to be registered. The reports from State Farm Insurance, Copart and Autobidmaster were what they said were false attempts to keep me from registering my vehicle I purchased. This has been ongoing since February 2025 and they are the guilty party.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Electrical · AL

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the left turn signal light failed to function as intended. The turn signal light on the instrument panel was flashing erratically. The message "Left Turn Signal Out" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side window failed to function as intended. The window was rolling up and down slowly. Eventually, the window became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the window motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that a wire was damaged, which caused an electrical system failure. The contact was informed that the electrical assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Engine · CA · fire

I got the car on 4/13/2025 from a Toyota dealership with about 31000 miles they told me the car fax showed the car had 2 owners a regular customer and another dealership, they also told me they change the battery but they failed to disclosed that they took the car to a body shop to fix a dent and to be repainted, by mistake they offered me the Toyota warranty 5 years or 60000 miles , on 8/10/25 while driving the car it caught on fire luckily nobody got injured , after putting the fire off the fire department told us the cause of it was an engine malfunction only after 4 months and with about 39000 miles ,from the pictures we suspect the fire started by the fuse box and now I'm looking for answers and who's responsible, the dealership, the previous owner or the manufacturer, the car got totaled.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Electrical · ME

My trouble is with my 2018 Dodge Challenger. The UConnect system is delaminating and the entire system is malfunctioning. I have taken the vehicle to my local Dodge dealer and showed them the issue, and they agree there is an issue. The safety issue is that the screen display system goes into what is called "ghost touching" where random buttons on the display are acting as if someone is pushing them but no one is touching anything. While backing up, the screen goes haywire, when trying to control anything electronic, the system goes haywire. Safety issue of distraction trying to find certain when in "ghost mode" The vehicle has been inspected by my local Dodge dealer, and agree there is an issue, but refuse to fix it without me paying $1,500. No prior issues electrically prior to the delamination issue. The first time is saw an issue was june 0f 2024.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · OH

No power then open the trunk and the power comes back on!! Dash lights blink out and radio then window goes up and down! Will leave u stranded

Filed Aug 25, 2024 · Electrical · VA · crash

I have had an issue like the 30 other complaints on here with my window going up and down and faulty switch!!! Went to dodge and the lady stated no open recalls on the vehicle so I was probably looking at $2500 to fix . How is dodge not being held accountable for this and being liable to create a recall!!! I’m driving and the window started opening and shutting in the middle of a hurricane and I almost crashed, hit a divider & swirled ! Had to pull over and wait 1 hour for it to stop!!! PLEASE HELP before someone seriously is injured by this window faulty switch mechanism distracting apparently since 2011

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Electrical · KS

Control of the car electric safety equipment is compromised by the Uconnect system - delaminating of touch screen. This seems like a know issue and the faulty screen should be recalled.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Dodge Challenger before you buy

Compare the 2018 Dodge Challenger

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Dodge Challenger

Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Challenger, close to a typical Challenger model year.

What is the 2018 Dodge Challenger year score?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger scores 72 out of 100 (average). 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 2018 Dodge Challenger?

Electrical system, with 28 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles. Next is transmission (8).

How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have?

3 recalls, covering electrical system and power train.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Challenger get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Dodge Challenger range from 16 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 19 city and 30 highway.

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