Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Challenger, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags41
- Power train27
- Engine26
- Electrical system21
- Engine and engine cooling13
- Vehicle speed control9
- Steering8
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Service brakes4
- Unknown or other4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 16 2009 Challenger vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2009 Dodge Challenger failed the safety check 0.61% of the time — 76% less often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 42,188 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
50 first registered in 2009 are on Dutch roads; 100% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €59,712.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde26
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm19
- Band onvoldoende profiel16
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm12
- Zijrichtingaanwijzer(s) werkt niet (goed)6
- Uitlaatsysteem niet gasdicht / onveilige afvoer uitlaatgasse5
- Remvertraging / remwerking parkeerrem onvoldoende5
- Waarschuwingsinrichting antiblokkeersysteem geeft defect aan5
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In Finland
36 of these cars first registered in 2009 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 154,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
72 2009 cars are on the New Zealand register; 99% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 11.9–15.4 L/100 km (about 15–20 mpg US), CO₂ 274–354 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 13.7 | 9.6 | 11.9 |
| Challenger · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 9.6 | 12.5 |
| Challenger (MDS) · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 15.1 | 9.5 | 12.6 |
| Challenger SRT8 · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 17.3 | 10.9 | 14.4 |
| Challenger SRT8 · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 17.8 | 12.5 | 15.4 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2009 Dodge Challenger.
| 2017663 22 Dec 2017 | Accessories On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers… |
| 2016265 27 May 2016 | Airbag On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propella… |
| 2015305 13 Jul 2015 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inf… |
| 2009323 12 Nov 2009 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the front wheel spindle nut - which retains the hub, rotor, and wheel assembly - may have been omitted during vehicle assembly. This could… |
| 2008445 16 Dec 2008 | Other On certain vehicles, the tire pressure monitor (TPM) sensors may not transmit the actual tire pressure. This could result in the driver not being aware of low … |
| 2008326 8 Sept 2008 | Other Certain vehicles equipped with the "Keyless Go" option, fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway. If the remote keyle… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PREVENTION." IF THE STOP/START BUTTON IS PRESSED AND HELD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE ELECTRONIC KEY CODE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS CAN OCCUR IN A TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK," AND THE TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR DOES NOT BECOME LOCKED IN "PARK" AS A DIRECT RESULT OF KEY REMOVAL, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NONCOMPLIANCE MAY EXIST.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2009 Dodge Challenger: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10229031 | Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary. |
| 10228120 | Manual Transmission Shifter Noise This bulletin involves greasing or replacing the manual transmission rear shifter bushing. Customers may experience a clunk, squeak, or similar noise heard from center console area while shifting. |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220687 | Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220098 | Authentic Mopar Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar Glass. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10216395 | Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components. |
| 10215988 | Flash: SRT Subwoofer Thump Noise After Vehicle Is Turned Off This bulletin involves re-flashing the Amplifier with updated software. The customer may experience after the vehicle is turned off a slow thumping noise coming from the subwoofer. This may happen only a few times or last until the next key cycle. This is caused by the amplifier waking up and then going back to sleep. |
| 10215982 | Flash: Performance Derate Above 55 MPH Immediately After Start-Up When Accelerating At Wide Open Throttle This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience any of the following conditions: Performance derate above 55 MPH when accelerating at wide open throttle immediately following engine start-up. |
| 10215879 | Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary. |
| 10212290 | Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10188683 | Flash: SRT Subwoofer Thump Noise After Vehicle Is Turned Off This bulletin involves re-flashing the Amplifier with updated software. The customer may experience after the vehicle is turned off a slow thumping noise coming from the subwoofer. This may happen only a few times or last until the next key cycle. This is caused by the amplifier waking up and then going back to sleep. |
| 10188677 | Flash: Performance Derate Above 55 MPH Immediately After Start-Up When Accelerating At Wide Open Throttle This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience any of the following conditions: Performance derate above 55 MPH when accelerating at wide open throttle immediately following engine start-up. |
| 10187058 | Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary. |
| 10181486 | Manual Transmission Shifter Noise This bulletin involves greasing or replacing the manual transmission rear shifter bushing. Customers may experience a clunk, squeak, or similar noise heard from center console area while shifting. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation