10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,492 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Dodge Challenger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2010 Dodge Challenger Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Oct 032015

Challenger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was sold this car from a dealership with an open recall for the wireless ignition, it was not brought to my attention and I only found out about it due to me trying to get help for the other recall for the airbag. I have basically been told my life does not matter, I am expected to continue to drive this car until further notice even though it has 2 serious safety recalls that has already caused death and serious injury.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #24

Sep 012015

Challenger 6-cyl

  • miles
2010 Dodge Challenger. Consumer writes in regards to NHTSA recall #15444. The part was not available.

- Palmyra, NJ, USA

problem #23

Oct 152014

Challenger

  • 23,000 miles
Windows are suppose to go down just a bit when door handles are touched to be able to open & close door. Mine dont work all the time..it has done this when its cold & hot out--so temperature is not affecting door. Have taken to 2 dealerships who have checked them by trying them 1 time and said they worked fine-- I get locked in and out of car and have to forcibly open the door by hitting it with my full weight & shoulder to get out of car while its parked.

- East Berlin, PA, USA

problem #22

Apr 022015

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 26,069 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2 days prior to failure I noticed a whining sound coming from the engine after which the car was not driven until 4/2/15. On 4/2/15, upon returning home after driving the car, I noticed the windows were very slow to roll up. I shut the car off and tried a restart, would not start, appeared to be a dead battery. When wife arrived home we jump started the car and proceeded to the local Dodge dealer. On the way the car was very sluggish, almost stalled several times and various dash lights came on; battery, ABS, traction control. The car finally stalled about 1/8th mile from dealer and was towed the rest of the way. On Friday, 4/3, a service writer told me the alternator and battery were bad. It was at that time I learned about a recall for defective alternator was in progress for 2011 to 2014 V-6 equipped Chrysler vehicles. My car is a 2010 with a 5.7L V-8, however after checking post on a Challenger forum, I discovered my car had the exact same symptoms as the V-6 equipped vehicles prior to the failure. I spoke with a service tech who said he knows of other V-8 equipped Challengers that suffered an alternator failure and would not be surprised if the recall is expanded. Also, I was informed that the battery is not covered under my esp even though the alternator is clearly the cause of the battery failure.

- Martinez, CA, USA

problem #21

Oct 102014

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 33,200 miles
I heard a terrible whine and then smoke came out of the hood and the engine light came on. Luckily, I was a block away from my house so I pulled it into the driveway and opened the hood and saw smoke coming from the alternator. The alternator windings were black and the car wouldn't start. Battery died from not being charged. I replaced the alternator from a local auto parts store and the car runs fine. I was also able to recharge the battery and it still is working. By the way, the car used to die once a month or so when I would be turning right into a parking lot. Since I have replaced the alternator, I do not have that problem anymore.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #20

Jul 142014

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 3,800 miles
Have a 2010 Dodge Challenger with less than 40,000 miles. Took car to shop at Dodge dealership due to the fact that my check engine light was on (at 38,000 miles). After not diagnosing my car correctly on 3 separate occasions, they finally "determined" that the car needed a new power module, and several engine sensors were faulty and not working.

- Spring Lake, NC, USA

problem #19

May 142014

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 38,111 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The check engine light came on while driving at a speed of 35 mph. I immediately took my 2010 Dodge Challenger rt to the Dodge dealership. The service manager informed my there was issues with the timing chain and that was the reason for the check engine light coming on and that there would be no charge to me for them to replace the timing chain. When I picked up my 2010 Challenger rt a week later the check engine was still on and the service manager told me they would have to diagnose it further. The next day the service representative informed me the mds solenoid wiring to the main harness had melted and that the engine harness would have to be replaced and was not covered under the manufactures warranty or my extended warranty and that it would be $2000 out of pocket to me. The dealership never gave any explanation why the wiring melted at the mds solenoid to the main harness causing the problem. At the time I only had 38,000 miles on my car.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #18

Apr 132014

Challenger

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while the engine was running, the key fell out of the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the after market security system was causing the issue and the ignition module needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 10V200000 (electrical system). The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

- Athens, AL, USA

problem #17

Mar 222014

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 4,035 miles
After changing a dead battery the etc light came on (solid when starting and running). Before changing the battery there was no abnormal driving conditions or noticeable horsepower issues. The manual states to take these actions "if the light comes on while the engine is running, safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible, place the shift lever in park, and cycle the ignition key. The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible." If the light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required. In this case, you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing." After I changed the battery, I started to drive the vehicle and I had no horsepower. So after performing very common maintenance (changing the battery), I have to decide if I am going to drive to the dealership because the manual vaguely interprets this error code and how to proceed to fix it" these is a safety concern because Chrysler uses the wording "usually be drivable" the loss of any throttle control is dangerous. My vehicle is drivable, but only at 5 mph. This is the only information Chrysler has in the owners manual. I called the Chrysler group llc customer center and that was all the information they had available also. Case number [xxx]. does Chrysler have known issues with the etc and how to interpret the error code? why would this happen after a battery change" information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Mustang, OK, USA

problem #16

Jan 152014

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
Vehicle was parked, with all power off, windows up, doors locked. Passenger rear quarter panel marker light shorted and caught fire, resulting in charred paint, melted light assembly, melted wiring, and melted rear bumper.

- Clinton, MD, USA

problem #15

Mar 152011

Challenger

  • 19,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

If Chrysler was notified of the problems I have had with this car, they would remember it from 3 days after I purchased it from westpointe Dodge in Oklahoma. I had problems from day one, mainly from the lies I was told at the dealership, I bought it new! I was told of all the extras on this vehicle including a navagation system, I tried to get the navagation system to work, no luck. I called them and they told me to bring it back, probably just didn't have the navagation system hooked up. I took it back, they said it had one, then looked and checked and on and on, then said no navagation system, they installed an after market mirror so I would have something to tell me what directions I was going. That was not the end there. I sent 10 pages of notes to Chrysler explaining all the problems I had with the vehicle. They gave me free oil changes. Now, in March, the car started having problems starting, it would die after running rough, then after 2-3 tries it would start. I took it to the dealership on May 1st, they said they could not find a problem, probably just bad gas, I had got it back 2 days later. The next day, it would not start, after a few more tries it did start. I called the dealership and took it back to them on May 6th. I called them May 7th, said they thought they found the problem and changed something. I called them yesterday and they said it still had the problem and they had contacted Chrysler to see if they could help find the problem. The dealership called today and said they "think" they have it fixed, but will need to wait until Monday and start it again to see if it is fixed. This is a vehicle with less that 20 thousand miles. I can only hope than if and when I get it back, I don't have any more problems.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #14

Jan 272010

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 7,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted after a considerable amount of time and the failure recurred numerous times. Each time the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but no cause for failure was determined. The manufacturer was notified and they dispatched a mechanic, who rebuilt the transmission and replaced two of the computers. The failure recurred six months later. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 51,000. Updated 6/17/13 the consumer stated the vehicle shift off several times while making turns, and then it would take a while for it to re-start. Also, the transmission seemed to go into neutral at times when changing gears. On one occasion, the consumer smelled an odor of burning wires. The dealer replaced the radio and fuse box. The vehicle would start and when it was put in gear, it would stall.

- Blue Ridge, GA, USA

problem #13

Mar 052013

Challenger

  • 19,453 miles
My 2010 Challenger rt burst into flames at an idol. The engine wire harness shorted and caught fire. Thankfully I am a firefighter and saved the vehicle. It has less than 20,000 miles on it. I am furious due to the fact that Dodge will not cover it under warranty which it should be. It is a manufactures fault not mine. It was parked and idling when this happened. Thankfully there was no one around that could have been hurt. What if I was in grid lock traffic not a firefighter with out the proper extinguisher. A lot of people could have been hurt and their vehicles caught fire. I love Dodge. Have all my life. I am baffled that they will deny coverage. It sickens me the lack of integrity and care shown. I have tried numerous times with the dealership (meadowland Dodge of carmel NY) and corporate. Neither one could explain why my vehicle will not be covered. Nor did they help to find out why. Just a simple we are not covering you due to our faulty and extremely dangerous ticking fire ball time bomb. Horrible customer service and care. I will be contacting a lawyer. Its a $1200 part I will not be paying for this nor will my insurance and my copay to them. I don't care if I loose money in a lawsuit. It is the simple principle of the matter. This whole experience with Dodge has left a very bitter taste. This is inexcusable. Its like Dodge only cares about making money and not about their loyal customers and the public's safety or concern. I now have to pay for a rental out of my pocket. I have been with out my vehicle for over a month. Nothing has been done to it. Corporate took a month just to come look at it. Simply furious. I purchased this vehicle in full. Trusting the company saved up over 5 years including my combat deployment pay. I have been constantly let down by Dodge and the dealership. I am also considering making this public (news, forums, facebook).

- Putnam Valley , NY, USA

problem #12

Mar 292013

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 22,175 miles
My 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T roughly sat for 2-3 winter months, driven 2-3 times during that period. While starting it up in February the car started then stalled out. I turned the key back to off and then restarted the car. I was getting on to the highway making a right turn. After completing the turn, merging on the highway about 35-40mph the car stalled and I had to pull off to the side of the road. I restarted and continued to drive as normal for the rest of the day. On Friday March 29th 2013, I started the car and it stalled again. I restarted the car and went on my way to work. I was merging from one highway to another doing about 40-45mph on the onramp when the car stalled again. Luckily I was able to pull off to the median while 3 cars almost rear ended me since I had no power to the vehicle. I put it in park, restarted the car and went on my way. That same morning, I was going South bound on the high way in the middle of mourning rush hour traffic into the city. I was going between 65-75mph in heavy traffic in the high speed lane and the car stalled again and lost all power to the vehicle. After coasting for about 100 yards the car somehow restarted, power came back and I continued to work that morning. I have taken the care to the local Dodge dealership as of 3/31 and is being looked at to find the issue.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #11

Feb 232012

Challenger

  • 12,000 miles
While driving in stop and go traffic the check engine oil and esp light came on followed by four chimes and then car completely shut off and the steering locked. After several attempts, the car started up again and the codes turned off. Approx 1 month later the same thing occurred. I was making a turn on a roundabout when the same thing occurred during heavy traffic and almost caused an accident. I took the car into the dealership and they said there was nothing captured on the computer. They replaced the key fob and said that this should fix the problem. 4-5 months later, I was in reno, nv. I was driving 20-35 mph and again check engine oil light, esp and four chimes and the car shut off again, the steering locked, and I coasted until I came to a complete stop and placed it in park, started car and oil and codes turned off. 24 hours later when driving home on the freeway in heavy traffic, the same thing occurred!!! I put on my hazard lights and let the car roll, came to a complete stop, placed car in park and after several attempts, the car started and codes turned off. The following day I took the car back to the dealership and again they said they could not find a problem with it, as nothing was recorded in the internal computer. I asked for the car to be kept until the problem was resolved. They were not able to duplicate it in that one week. I asked for a co Pilot computer to be placed in the vehicle in hopes of capturing the problem when it occurred, as the codes turn off after car is started. Dodge sent out a rep to inspect vehicle. After inspection they stated nothing is wrong with the vehicle, they cannot duplicate the problem, and there are no codes stored on the computer. I am now faced with driving an unsafe vehicle that shuts off on me in the city and most dangerously on the freeway with no set pattern and the manufacturer has done nothing to fix it!!

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #10

Mar 212012

Challenger

  • miles
I purchased a 2010 Dodge Challenger SE approximately a year ago. Three days after picking the vehicle up, it was in the shop. The most recent problems involve the engine making a loud clicking noise. This will be the 4th time the car will be taken to the shop.

- Pineville , LA, USA

problem #9

Sep 232011

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 17,250 miles
I've had the same issue as many have described when your Challenger loses all power steering and braking ability while making a right turn at low speeds. Luckily I was pulling into a car wash when this happened and not at my sons elementary school where the deadly potential of killing school kids was there...by the way I was on the way to pick up my kid when I made a last minute choice to get a quick wash. So as stated by everyone else here, put the car in park an was able to start right back up afterwards. Not knowing this was an issue that others were having, I opened the hood and started looking for lose cables or popped caps and such and finding nothing. Also prior to turning the car off I jumped into the hidden epic menus and took pictures of the important data such as chime codes, ccn software version just in case there might be an update. I noticed the oil pressure was at 0!!! after everything was back to working I check the same detail and it was at a normal 25psi. So took car into Dodge and as normal, "we couldn't find anything and there are no issues that I know. We also couldn't reproduce it." Really" you couldn't reproduce an issue that I told you appears to be random from all the other people that have had this happen? it's like they just don't give two [xxx] about people's lives" so I'll call corporate tomorrow and see how much they don't care either. By the way, this is the first time for me and I was at 17,250 miles. Car model is the rt automatic. Let's hope we can get them to fix this before people get killed. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lewisville, TX, USA

problem #8

Sep 062011

Challenger 8-cyl

  • 17,344 miles
This is the second time in less than 30 days that the Challenger R/T has shut off while making a turn at speeds of 25 mph or less. Reference ODI id # 10421234 / incident date of 08/19/2011. Wife was making a left hand turn off of a busy street (40 mph speed limit, into my home neighborhood) when the car suddenly dies, steering & brakes go hard, oil pressure light illuminates, and she had to coast to a stop, put the car in park, press the start button (even though dash message said "key fob not found"), car re-starts, and she continued 1/2 mile to our home. I'm not comfortable letting my wife or kids drive this car when the probability of it dying is very possible. I just drove the car up the narrow mountain passes to big bear, ca (8,000 ft elevation) & back 3 days ago, and this could have caused a major accident if it had died and I had lost control on a windy mountain road. How many people have to be injured or die before someone forces Dodge / Chrysler to identify & correct this problem. Car is going to the dealership tomorrow morning, where I expect to get alot of nothing, but atleast my complaints will be interred into the service system.

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 162011

Challenger

  • 9,800 miles
This is 4th or 5th time this issue has happened, have brought it to the dealer and they have come up with nothing. There are several complaints on NHTSA about this issue, as well as thousands online, yet the dealer states they are unaware of the issue. Normal driving conditions, slowing down to make a turn and the vehicle completely shuts off and I lose power steering and power braking. The car becomes very hard to maneuver and stop. The car was stopped in an intersection, and thankfully the approaching cars were far enough away to slow down and stop. I then put the car in park and start it up and drive off with no other issues. This intermittent stalling is becoming a very dangerous issue and should be looked into further before someone is seriously injured, if they haven't been already.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #6

May 112011

Challenger

  • 2,981 miles
Vehicle suddenly shut down in the middle of making a right hand turn under normal driving conditions. I was able to restart the vehicle and complete the turn without incident due to the alertness of the driver behind me. I did not notice which symbols, if any, lit up on the instrument panel. Having a vehicle shut down for no apparent reason while driving is a very dangerous situation that could result in an accident.

- Livingston, NJ, USA

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