2023 Dodge Challenger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Dodge Challenger carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering parking brake and critical fasteners. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield stress cracking from A-pillar.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #24V112000 · Feb 15, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will properly adjust the parking brake, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 01B.

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #24V573000 · Jan 8, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."

Risk: A seat back that is not locked into position can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and adjust the seat back latch striker as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 38B.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Dodge Challenger.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield stress cracking from A-pillar

VISIBILITY/WIPER

19 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10-16 → 2026-07-30

Have a crack that started from A pillar without any indication of any hit on the windshield. Took to dealer and they checked and agreed it has no chip that started the crack and there are numerous reports of 2023 Challengers windshields cracking for no reason in the exact same spot.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753813
This is an issue with Chassis rigidity and a manufacturing defect. Causing windshield breakage due to torsional forces, chassis load and unload. Here's my case: 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T - 5.7 / 6 speed manual. This car was purchased new [XXX], it's now broken two OEM Mopar windshields.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11587453
This make/model/year has many issues of windshield cracking. My car windshield was fine, no issues, I went to the garage to uncover it to drive and there was a crack among the passenger edge about 9 inches. I researched if this was a recall/known issue. No recall but many many issues amongst owners…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704979

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pad crumbling and seizure at low mileage

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02-04 → 2025-04-21

I pulled car out of garage after a week and hear a pop. Drive had a severe wheel shudder after about a 1/4 mile returned to my house. Examined wheels the disc brake pads both sides had broke/crumbled and partially stuck in rotors. Pads are now crumbling. Car has 1200 miles bought new in August 2023.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569750
At less than 1000 miles on the odometer, my brakes were seizing up after the car was parked in the carport for a week without being driven. When I would go to back the car up, the brakes were stuck. After they popped loose and I started driving down the road we heard a clunking noise.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569775

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cruise control set speed not displayed on screen

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08-02 → 2025-02-11

Once the cruise control or adaptive cruise control is set, there is no indication as to what the speed is set to on the display. The only way to find out what it was set to is to turn off the cruise control then set a new speed. Also, when increasing or decreasing the speed control, there is nothing…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641918
When the manual cruise control or the adaptive cruise control is engaged, the speed setting is not displayed as indicated by the user manual of the vehicle. This provides a hazard when using the cruise control, as it creates a situation where you can engage cruise or adaptive cruise without knowing…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606088

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera unavailable or glitchy

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07-05 → 2024-10-06

The back up camera is horrible in the day and and night I checked several other new Challengers and all were the same This is definitely a safety issue There are several people who are also concerned on the Challenger blogs
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel line locking tab not secured at fuel pump

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-11-02 → 2025-11-02

Driving last night with the wife and I smell fuel. Then the gas gauge starts to drop from full to empty in less than 3 minutes. I pull over, the car shuts down. I see fuel on the passenger side , just in front of the tire. Get the car safely towed home. I pop the back seat and remove the access…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697014

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine entering limp mode and stalling while driving

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07-23 → 2026-04-28

The engine is malfunctioning. It is available for inspection. When you accelerate the vehicle, the engine goes into limp mode then it goes into neutral and you have to find a safe place on the side of the road to pull over shut it off and restart it. It's very very dangerous.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat not locking into position

SEATS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03-14 → 2025-09-19

Passenger seat will not lock into place, even while driving or stationary causing concern as this becomes a safety issue.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688299
The passenger side seat does not return to the "home" position when the "easy entry" handle is used to enter the rear seat from the door opening (the vehicle is a 2 door). Therefore, the seat slams into the knees of the passenger seated behind the passenger causing injury.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577406

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

13 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.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2023 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.