Throttlebook

2018 Dodge Challenger

The 2018 Dodge Challenger earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $41,189 to own it for five years, or $686 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 75 complaints.

Recalls
4
Complaints
75
5-yr cost
$41k
MPG (EPA)
23
0
Fair
Ownership Score

2018 Dodge Challenger vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

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4 recalls may apply

For the 2018 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $14,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$41,189
$686/month · $0.69/mile
Depreciation$3,683
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$8,740
Maintenance$7,000
Repairs$4,000
Loan interest$3,911
Taxes & fees$1,855

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

75 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire
  • Electrical System28
  • Unknown Or Other28
  • Power Train8
  • Wheels6
  • Steering6
  • Engine5

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
4 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2018 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD

What to check on a used 2018 Dodge Challenger

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Steering
    • Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
    • Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

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 2018 Dodge Challenger problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger a good car to buy?
The 2018 Dodge Challenger earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $41,189 to own it for five years, or $686 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 75 complaints.
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2018 Dodge Challenger, including Electrical System › Wiring; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm); Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. 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 2018 Dodge Challenger problems?
Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (28), power train (8), wheels (6), steering (6).
How much does a 2018 Dodge Challenger cost to own for 5 years?
About $41,189 over 5 years ($686/month) at an estimated $14,250 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.