repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
2013 Dodge ChallengerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 179 owner complaints about the 2013 Dodge Challenger, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-021 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 16, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Dodge Challenger has problems
179 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
104Electrical system9 crash/fire/injury
27Engine2 crash/fire/injury
19Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
16Power train1 crash/fire/injury
15Steering1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes
7Structure
7Vehicle speed control
6Fuel/propulsion system
319 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 104 | 9 |
| Engine | 27 | 2 |
| Air bags | 19 | 5 |
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 31 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2013 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
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.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Wiring: front underhood
Do not driveRisk. A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
47kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 54 electrical system complaints. 89% were reported before 100,000 miles.
19under 30k miles48under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 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
2013 Dodge Challenger safety ratings
2013 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Dodge Challenger, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Challenger owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.…
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…
* 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…
Own a 2013 Challenger?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.