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2015 Dodge Challenger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Dodge Challenger carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Harsh transmission shifting and unexpected downshifts.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign #18E053000 · Dec 7, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs 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 either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #14V749000 · Nov 24, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured June 30, 2014, to October 8, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the instrument cluster may become inoperative. This could cause the gauges to oscillate at zero and the Vehicle Theft Alarm could remain illuminated. Thus, the affected vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, "Controls and displays."

Risk: If the instrument cluster becomes inoperative, it can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a software enhancement, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2014. Owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P74.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Campaign #15V114000 · Feb 27, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6.2L supercharged engine. O-ring seal and fuel rail crossover hose damage may result in the fuel rail hose connection leaking fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #15V282000 · May 13, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured March 28, 2015, to April 1, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side air bag inflated curtain (SABIC) may have a loose or missing rear mounting bolt.

Risk: A loose or missing SABIC rear mounting bolt may alter the air bag inflated curtain's deployment, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a side impact or roll-over crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R22.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #15V461000 · Jul 23, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Dodge Challenger.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Harsh transmission shifting and unexpected downshifts

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2020-08

“THE RIGHT SHIFTER PADDLE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WILL INTERMITTENTLY DOWNSHIFT SEVERAL GEARS INSTEAD OF UPSHIFTING WHEN THE PADDLE IS PRESSED. THE SYSTEM WILL ALSO DOWNSHIFT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE RIGHT PADDLE SHIFTER IS HELD DOWN TO CHANGE OVER TO THE AUTOMATIC DRIVE SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266443
“NEW 2015 DODGE CHALLENGER PURCHASED WITH 67 MILES ON IT. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED "STUCK" RPM'S AT 23 AND 51 MPH. HARD SHIFTS. HARD TRANSITIONS. SHUTTERING IN THE TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716330
“IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, VERY HARSH DOWNSHIFTS AND UPSHIFTS HAVE BEEN NOTICED WITH THE VEHICLE'S 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ESPECIALLY UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AND DECLARATION AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 40MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driveshaft and carrier bearing failure

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2026-04

“The center support carrier bearing for the driveshaft has failed, causing the driveshaft to drop, rub the heat shield causing a bad noise, the rear end is swaying, and there are mobility issues”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418831
“CARRIER BEARING/DRIVESHAFT NEEDS REPLACEMENT AFTER 49000 MILES. KNOCKING VIBRATING NOISE COMING FROM DRIVESHAFT WHEN DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343769
“42,000 miles drive shaft failure. Dealer stated drive shaft is ready to fall off. Completely stock vehicle, 1 owner”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729344

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel speed sensor failure triggering ABS warnings

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2021-08

“2015 challenger, wheel speed sensor failures starting at year two. Have replaced wheel speed sensors on 5 separate occasions”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430708
“THE BRAKE ANTILOCK WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ON THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED INTO SKID MODE AND MY CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 4 MILES AN HOUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266985
“WHILE OPERATING NORMALLY, APPROXIMATELY 35-65 MPH BOTH HIGHWAY AND COUNTY ROADS, ON THE WAY TO WORK, THE SERVICE ABS & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS CAME IN, STEERING AND BRAKING WERE AFFECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193216

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intermittent headlight failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2020-07

“MY HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. IT'S OUT FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON FOR A FEW DAYS AND AGAIN IT'S OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340980
“COMPLETE AND SUDDEN LOSS OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER, IN DISCUSSION WITH FCA HQ, SUGGESTS CAUSE IS RELATED TO FRONT TURN SIGNAL ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATED WITH A SINGLE FRONT TURN INDICATOR, WHICH OTHERWISE FUNCTIONS NORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051861
“THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2015 DODGE CHALLENGER ARE USELESS. I CAN BARELY SEE 5FT IN FRONT OF MY CAR WITH LOW AND HIGH BEAMS ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183086

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall requiring park-then-drive reset

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2018-10

“AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MILES, MY WIFE PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER FROM THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO JUST SHUT OFF. THE DASH DISPLAY INFORMED HER TO PUT THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK AND THEN SELECT THE DISIRE GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140405
“I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON A BUSY, 3-LANE ROAD. I WAS IN THE FAR-RIGHT LANE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, WAITING TO CONTINUE STRAIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF AND THE DISPLAY INFORMED ME TO PUT MY CAR IN P (PARK) AND THEN BACK INTO THE DESIRED GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118455
“THE VEHICLE LOOSES ALL ACCELERATION WHEN COMING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE D ON THE GEARSHIFT FLASHES RED AND DIGITAL READOUT ON THE DASHBOARD INSTRUCTS DRIVER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838680

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2026-03

“On [XXX], I was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision in Arkansas while driving my Dodge Challenger. The crash was severe enough that the vehicle was declared a total loss”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723458
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POST. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11184364
“I WAS DRIVING MY NEW CAR DOWN I-75 IN TENNESSEE, I SIDESWIPED A CAR AND WENT HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731080

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat fails to lock in position

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2025-02

“I hadn’t on my car for very long when I stepped on the brakes and my passenger seat flew clear up to the dash. When I stopped and looked at it, they were little metal teeth all over the place underneath the seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642059
“Passenger seat sliding mechanism not locking / latching properly. When coming to a stop the passenger seat will slide forward, sometimes an inch or two but sometimes further”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585545
“PASSENGER SEAT DOES SLIDES BACK / FORWARD - DOES NOT LOCK IN POSITION. THE MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT WOULD BE VERY UNSAFE IN A COLLISION OR ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281535

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

74 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Dodge Challenger reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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