repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Dodge ChallengerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 133 owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge Challenger, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-352 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Dodge Challenger has problems
133 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
41Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
27Power train1 crash/fire/injury
26Engine4 crash/fire/injury
21Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
13Engine and engine cooling
9Vehicle speed control
8Steering
4Service brakes
4Fuel/propulsion system
148 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 41 | 4 |
| Power train | 27 | 1 |
| Engine | 26 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 21 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 14 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2009 Dodge Challenger recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
repaired · 2017 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk. OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
no report yet
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES VEHICLE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRASHES RESULTING FROM THEFT AND ACCIDENTAL ROLLAWAY OF MOTOR…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Challenger year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Challenger median. How we score
'70'71'74'78'80'81'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Dodge Challenger safety ratings
2009 Dodge Challenger 2-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Challenger owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the "check air bag" warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local parts store where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side and passenger’s side air bags…
During an auto accident the ram emblem on my steering wheel shot off of the steering wheel when the air bags deployed and becoming a projectile and hitting me in the neck leaving a deep bruise and abrasions to the area the ram emblem hit. Its been nearly 3 weeks and the bruising is still present…
I took my car to the dealer for recalls they didn’t fix anything they left my car out in the rain the hood up and Choppa had my car for a whole month did any nothing they were very courteous no customer assistance nothing
Own a 2009 Challenger?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.