2016 Dodge Challenger
The 2016 Dodge Challenger earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 71/100. Expect about $38,715 to own it for five years, or $645 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 78 complaints.
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 78
- 5-yr cost
- $39k
- MPG (EPA)
- 23
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2 recalls may apply
For the 2016 Dodge Challenger. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.
What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles 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 inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
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5-year cost to own
Estimated $10,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.
| Depreciation | $2,262 |
| Insurance (national avg.) | $12,000 |
| Fuel / charging | $8,740 |
| Maintenance | $7,320 |
| Repairs | $4,000 |
| Loan interest | $2,793 |
| Taxes & fees | $1,600 |
Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.
Owner complaints & safety
What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.
- Power Train16
- Electrical System15
- Engine12
- Unknown Or Other11
- Air Bags11
- Steering9
Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rated as: 2016 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD
What to check on a used 2016 Dodge Challenger
Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.
- Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
- Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
- Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.
Common 2016 Dodge Challenger problems
Cheaper alternatives
FAQ
- Is the 2016 Dodge Challenger a good car to buy?
- The 2016 Dodge Challenger earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 71/100. Expect about $38,715 to own it for five years, or $645 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 78 complaints.
- Does the 2016 Dodge Challenger have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Challenger, including Electrical System › Wiring; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm). Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
- What are the most common 2016 Dodge Challenger problems?
- Owners filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (16), electrical system (15), engine (12), air bags (11).
- How much does a 2016 Dodge Challenger cost to own for 5 years?
- About $38,715 over 5 years ($645/month) at an estimated $10,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.