In this guide, we’re delving into the latest iteration of the Dodge Challenger. I’ll show you the best years to buy and the worst to avoid, giving you the inside information for a savvy purchase.
I’ve analyzed data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and VehicleHistory to create a roadmap to the most reliable Challengers.
Ready to uncover transmission issues, alternator recalls, and the most dependable engines?
Let’s rev up and get into the details.
Table of ContentsShow
Dodge Challenger Generations
The Dodge Challenger roared onto the scene in 1970, quickly becoming a legend in the muscle car world. Its first generation was a powerhouse, turning heads with its bold design and heart-racing performance.
Fast forward to 2008, and the Challenger made a triumphant return. The table below lays out the latest generation since its comeback:
| Generation | Worst Years |
|---|---|
| 3rd generation | 2008-Present |
Understanding these generational shifts is crucial. Each era brings its own flavor of style and muscle, so knowing the differences can make or break your Challenger experience.
Dodge Challenger Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking the Challenger’s highs and lows, I leave no pebble unturned. Here’s what goes into my comprehensive evaluation:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because surprises aren’t fun when they hit your wallet)
- Safety ratings (because muscle should also mean protection)
- Consumer Reports reliability and satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Take a look at this visual breakdown of the Challenger’s performance over the years:
And here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – a clear-cut categorization of Challenger model years:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd generation | 2008 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 | 2018 | 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 |
When I say “Neutral Years,” I’m talking about the models that didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but didn’t crash and burn either. They’re the steady Eddies of the Challenger world.
While many factors play into these rankings, NHTSA recalls can really tip the scales. A spike in complaints and recalls? That’s usually a red flag for reliability issues.
Now, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of the Challenger’s best and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Dodge Challenger 3rd Generation (2008-Present)
The 2008 Dodge Challenger
2008 marked the Challenger’s comeback tour. This third-generation model blended vintage cool with new-school tech, creating a muscle car that could turn heads and deliver contemporary performance.
Here’s the quick and dirty: Steer clear of the 2009-2014 models and the first facelifted 2015 version. Want the cream of the crop? Set your sights on 2008 and the post-facelift models.
The Best Years: 2008, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
If you’re after reliability and owner satisfaction, look no further than the post-facelift 2016-2023 models. These years boast high owner ratings and far fewer NHTSA complaints and recalls.
The 2008 Challenger kicked things off with a bang, featuring the beefy HEMI V8 engine that had enthusiasts drooling. It was a perfect marriage of retro style and modern engineering.
But Dodge didn’t rest on its laurels. The 2016 Challenger upped the ante with multiple engine options. Whether you wanted the efficient 3.6L V6 Pentastar or craved the raw power of the 5.7L HEMI V8, there was something for everyone. Power junkies could even opt for the 6.4L V8 in the Scat Pack.
Inside, the UConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept you linked. Safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring had your back.
And let’s not forget the SRT Hellcat – a 707 hp monster that put the Challenger in a class of its own.
From 2016 to 2023, Dodge kept refining their formula. It’s no wonder sites like VehicleHistory and Cars.com were flooded with glowing reviews for these years.
The Neutral Years: 2018
2018 was a bit of a varied bag for the Challenger. It continued offering a smorgasbord of engines and trims, catering to every type of gearhead.
The infotainment system got a delightful upgrade, making your daily drive smoother and more user-friendly.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Electrical gremlins reared their hideous heads, with a particularly troublesome recall involving the voltage regulator. When this component failed, it could cause the engine to stall without warning – not exactly what you want in a muscle car.
The Worst Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
If you’re shopping for a Challenger, approach the 2009-2014 models and the first facelifted 2015 version with wariness. These years are plagued by low owner satisfaction, numerous recalls, and a comprehensive list of complaints.
The 2009 Challenger grappled with electrical quirks, engine stalling, and throttle lag that left drivers exasperated.
2010 didn’t fare much better, with the powertrain taking center stage in the problem department. Hard shifts and premature timing chain failures had owners seeing red.
The 2011 model year introduced a new predicament: alternator issues. This problem was so pervasive that Chrysler issued a recall spanning from 2011 to 2014 for models with 5.7L or 3.6L engines. Sudden alternator failures could lead to stalling – not exactly the kind of excitement you want from your muscle car.
The hits kept coming. 2012 saw wonky passenger-side windows, 2013 brought alarming power steering losses, and 2014 dealt with overheating issues. These problems tanked the Challenger’s reliability scores, especially with J.D. Power.
Even the 2015 model, despite some improvements, couldn’t shake off electrical gremlins and leaky radiators.
For a thorough dive into the problems, check out the recalls and complaints for the 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 Dodge Challenger models.
Dodge Challenger Average Resale Values
Inquisitive about how well the Challenger holds its value? Take a look at this graph showing average resale values:
Conclusion
After this journey through the Challenger’s history, it’s evident that the 2016, 2017, and 2019-2023 models are your best bets for a dependable, high-performance ride.
So, which Challenger year revs your engine?
Got a favorite model or a Challenger story to share?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear from fellow muscle car enthusiasts!
