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2017 Dodge Challenger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Dodge Challenger carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and engine. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Uconnect 8.4 screen delamination and ghost touches.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #17V496000 · Aug 8, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.

Risk: If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T48.

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

Campaign #17V431000 · Jul 7, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 5.7L V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission may not remain in the PARK position if that gear is selected, the engine is still running, and the driver exits the vehicle exited.

Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission remaining in the PARK position and without the parking brake set, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module software, free of charge. The recall began 28, 2017. Owners may the Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T41.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 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

Uconnect 8.4 screen delamination and ghost touches

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2025-07

“8.4" touchscreen delaminating, causing ghost touches, which is changing my steering , timing, wipers, headlights, and suspension. The radio is going through stations, inputs, i can not use my android auto or use gps, all of my settings. It is very much a safety concern!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674937
“The LCD of the uconnect control panel has progressively continued to delaminated since about 12-18 months after purchasing. Recently it has become a driving hazard. It presses the screen at random, which has changed the engine performance mode while driving…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574543

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Uconnect radio and display freezing

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-09

“TWO RADIOS HAVE GONE OUT WITHIN 30K MILES. I AM GETTING MY 3RD REPLACEMENT AT 31K MILES. THE SCREEN IS FROZEN AND SAYS DODGE. NOT ABLE TO ACCESS CLIMATE CONTROLS. GOING TO TRY UPGRADING TO THE BETTER FACTORY RADIO, IT ONLY COSTS 1648 FOR PARTS AND INSTALL!!!…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383603
“The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the radio operated independently by changing radio station, making phone calls, and the Navigation System became inoperable. The contact stated that failure occurred without warning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476115

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and system warning light

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph when the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a median which resulted in none of the air bags deploying.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444613
“My airbags failed to deploy in a head on collision with a jeeps enormous tail hitch that was shaped like a hook. This is definitely something worth looking into. My safety was compromised due to the airbags not deploying…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532511

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss and rack failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-08

“WHEN DRIVING MY CAR SAYS SERVICE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL THEN MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT MAKING IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE IT IS UNSAFE PLEASE HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176201
“Dear [NHTSA / Indiana Attorney General], I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my vehicle, a 2017 Dodge Challenger, purchased on [XXX] from Wetzel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Richmond, Indiana). Six months after purchase, the steering column failed…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cooling system leaks and overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-07

“The contact's mother owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, she noticed an abnormal water odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle was overheating.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520978
“2017 Dodge Challenger 392. my radiator fan motor seized, causing the fan blades to explode sending plastic pieces into the radiator and other fuel lines.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676473

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift delay and park gear engagement

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2020-11

“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED FOR THE DAY OR WHEN SITTING FOR 8 PLUS HOURS THE FIRST FEW SHIFTS ARE DELAYED. LEAVING FROM HOME IS NOT AS BIG OF A DEAL, AS WHEN I LEAVE FROM WORK. MY OFFICE EXIT CROSSES A 3 LANE ROAD WITH TRAFFIC SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175122
“I WANTED TO REPORT THAT I WAS INJURED ON 10/6/2020. WHEN MY 2017 V6 CHALLENGER WENT OUT OF GEAR FROM "PARK" AND DRUG ME DOWN, AS IT ROLLED BACKWARDS (WHILE IN "PARK"). I SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES ALL OVER MY BODY.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372675

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Throttle and cruise control self-activation

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2024-01

“When stepping on the throttle to quickly merge into traffic it delays a few seconds and after removing foot off gas pedal it continues to accelerate and sticks for a few seconds. Which requires me to brake.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455883
“2017 Dodge Challenger GT, very well maintained. About two months ago, I would hear chimes but no messages popping up. A few days after this started happening, I am driving on the parkway and then ACC MODE flashed on the message center behind the wheel…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563730

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front suspension ball joint and wheel separation

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2023-01

“The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH the upper ball joint and the wheel detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443980
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2017 CHALLENGER RT WITH ONLY 22K MILES DOWN A CITY STREET. AND WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND MY FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL COMPLETELY BROKE OFF. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP OR STEERING ENOUGH TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

50 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2017 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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