2018 Dodge CHALLENGER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Dodge CHALLENGER has 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 115. The most common issue is other problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: the uconnect radio system is not working in the cars. as such, the system reboots the radio every 30 seconds. the radio controls the backup camera among other things. since it continuously reboots every thirty seconds, the backup camera fails and you.cannot see people behind you. the potential for h. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
115
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
OTHER
28 complaints- • THE UCONNECT RADIO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING IN THE CARS. AS SUCH, THE SYSTEM REBOOTS THE RADIO EVERY 30 SECONDS. THE RADIO CONTROLS THE BACKUP CAMERA AMONG OTHER THINGS. SINCE IT CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTS EVERY THIRTY SECONDS, THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILS AND YOU.CANNOT SEE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU. THE POTENTIAL FOR H
- • WEATHER ALERTS KEEP POPPING UP ON MY RADIO SCREEN, REQUIRING ME TO READ THEM AND TAP ON THE OK BUTTON TO MAKE THEM GO AWAY. THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED WITH NOISE/SOUND TO GET MY ATTENTION. THERE IS NO OPTION TO DISABLE THESE ALERTS AND IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING, ON M
- • MY RADIO SCREEN CONSTANTLY KEEPS REBOOTING OR GOING ON AND OFF. EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY IT GOES OFF, THEN I HIT ANOTHER SMALL BUMP AND IT COMES BACK ON. SOMETIMES I DON'T HAVE TO DO A ANYTHING, JUST BE SITTING PARKED, AND IT GOES OUT, WHICH IN TURN, I CAN NOT USE MY
“THE UCONNECT RADIO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING IN THE CARS. AS SUCH, THE SYSTEM REBOOTS THE RADIO EVERY 30 SECONDS. THE RADIO CONTROLS THE BACKUP CAMERA AMONG OTHER THINGS. SINCE IT CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTS EVERY THIRTY SECONDS, THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILS AND YOU.CANNOT SEE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU. THE POTENTIAL FOR H”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Dodge CHALLENGER
Based on 55 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 23K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
OTHER
TRANSMISSION
WHEELS
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 (4)
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
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
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 2018 Dodge CHALLENGER
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Dodge CHALLENGER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2018 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 115 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐OTHER: THE UCONNECT RADIO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING IN THE CARS. AS SUCH, THE SYSTEM REBOOTS THE RADIO EVERY 30 SECONDS. THE RADIO CONTROLS THE BACKUP CAMERA AMONG OTHER THINGS. SINCE IT CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTS EVERY THIRTY SECONDS, THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILS AND YOU.CANNOT SEE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU. THE POTENTIAL FOR H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: THE UCONNECT RADIO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING IN THE CARS. AS SUCH, THE SYSTEM REBOOTS THE RADIO EVERY 30 SECONDS. THE RADIO CONTROLS THE BACKUP CAMERA AMONG OTHER THINGS. SINCE IT CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTS EVERY THIRTY SECONDS, THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILS AND YOU.CANNOT SEE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU. THE POTENTIAL FOR H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO THE BUSHES. ALSO, WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTED IN NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME THE VEH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐WHEELS: I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, I TRIED LETTING GO OFF THE ACCELERATION AS I DID THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND IT STARTED TO WOBBLE SIDE TO SIDE IT HIT A CURB AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SIDE CAME OFF AND BACK SIDE FLATTENED AND MADE A COUPLE OF DENTS INTO THE RIGHT SIDE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 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 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 115
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 11
- Injury reports
- 7
- Segment avg
- 115
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Dodge CHALLENGER