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Dodge

2016 Dodge CHALLENGER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 115. The most common issue is transmission problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: driveline clunk noise in rear of vehicle when coming to a stop between 3 to 6 mph downshifting. this happens no matter what the road surface your on. this is a new vehicle with less than 500 miles, after i went to my county probate office to get my licence tag, this occurred every time i came to a . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 11 crash reports 9 injuries

109

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

16 complaints
15%
  • • DRIVELINE CLUNK NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 3 TO 6 MPH DOWNSHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE ROAD SURFACE YOUR ON. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES, AFTER I WENT TO MY COUNTY PROBATE OFFICE TO GET MY LICENCE TAG, THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME I CAME TO A
  • • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND USING THE PADDLE SHIFTER TO SHIFT TO AN UP GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN SHIFT INSTEAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN INDEPENDENT ME
  • • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE AS IF THEY WERE PREMATURELY WEARING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN A TIM
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“DRIVELINE CLUNK NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 3 TO 6 MPH DOWNSHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE ROAD SURFACE YOUR ON. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES, AFTER I WENT TO MY COUNTY PROBATE OFFICE TO GET MY LICENCE TAG, THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME I CAME TO A ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER

Based on 66 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 13K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
46
30-60K
14
60-100K
3
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
1

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 10 reports
0-30K
7
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
1
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
3
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
1
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
4
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)12/07/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs 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.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

High theft risk

#24 most stolen in 2025

The Dodge CHALLENGER was the #24 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,100 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Muscle car; engine and body parts

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,527
Per month
$211
Per mile
21.1¢
MPG
19
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,429/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,580
Full coverage / month
$215
Liability only / year
$747
vs US avg
+54%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (coupe-muscle)1.55x
× theft risk1.15x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$2580

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2016 CHALLENGER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 109 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    TRANSMISSION: DRIVELINE CLUNK NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 3 TO 6 MPH DOWNSHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE ROAD SURFACE YOUR ON. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES, AFTER I WENT TO MY COUNTY PROBATE OFFICE TO GET MY LICENCE TAG, THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME I CAME TO A

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: MY 17 YEAR OLD SON'S 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER TURNS OFF WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THE IGNITION SWITCH USUALLY GOES TO ACC (SOMETIMES RUN). ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, BRAKING IS DIFFICULT, HEATING/COOLING TURN OFF, AND ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THE AIRBAGS BECOME INACTIVE I

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    OTHER: I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AFTER I SIGNED THE PAPERS THEY LET ME INSPECT IT. I SAW SOME RUST ON THE JOINTS AND SCREWS THAT HELD THE TIRES. THEY SAID IT WAS SURFACE RUST. I TOOK IT HOME AND EXAMINED IT CLOSED. I FOUND THAT THE RUST IS VERY EXTENSIVE. IT INCLUDED THE METAL THAT HELD THE TIRE TO THE CAR AND

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Dodge CHALLENGER — Year Comparison

How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2023
49Above Average
2022
11Excellent Reliability
2021
26Excellent Reliability
2020
33Excellent Reliability
2019
93Average
2018
115Average
2017
70Above Average
2016
109Average
2015
185Average
2014
213Below Average
2013
251Below Average
2012
338Avoid This Year
2011
255Below Average
2010
433Avoid This Year
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
109
Recalls
2
Fire reports
2
Crash reports
11
Injury reports
9
Segment avg
115

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER

Compare With

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