Kane Dan
Dodge Challenger stepped foot into the market in 1969 and gained immense popularity for its sporty design.
Later, the users of this car realized how powerful its engine was when it provided them with a sensational driving experience.
Back in those days, the class of a car was determined based on how long its hood was. Dodge Challenger had the longest hood among most of its competitors in that period.
Despite all the praises it received from its target market, Dodge Challenger experienced its journey on a bumpy road.
I have listed down below all the best and worst years for Dodge Challenger.
Worst Years for Dodge Challenger:
- 2009
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
Best Years for Dodge Challenger:
- 2008
- 2015
- 2017
- 2020
- 2021
I shall now discuss all these years individually to better understand what happened each year.
So without any delay, let’s get started with the article.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Are The Worst Years For The Dodge Challenger? Which Years To Avoid
No matter how good a model performs, it is followed by some challenges and rough patches.
From there, they can either learn the subtle art of ignoring what their customers have to say or work on improving themselves in those domains.
I will now be tapping on all the worst years faced by Dodge Challenger.
1. 2009 Dodge Challenger
Even though Dodge Challenger was supposedly a sports car, the 2009 model had very low off-road capability.
The engine lost power and heated up whenever it was taken up or down the mountains. This used to impact the air conditioning of the car as well.
Another issue was with its transmission system. When the car was used in manual mode to save fuel, the vehicle’s power was used to reduce.
On the other hand, when the car is used in automatic mode, the driver tends to lose control if they are on a slippery road.
The car is not safe to drive. This is because the brakes are faulty in this particular model.
Imagine encountering a situation where an emergency brake has to be applied. This car would give up on you in that situation.
In my opinion, this car is not reliable and must be avoided at all costs. It would only be a burden on your pocket.
2. 2011 Dodge Challenger
This model faced a major issue in its alternator. The alternator needs to work fine for every car to function normally.
It acts as the brain of the car. The 2011 model of Dodge Challenger had issues with just that.
A sports car must have a strong engine, and Dodge Challenger was known for that. However, the 2011 model’s engine used to heat up from time to time.
This meant that increasing your speed could lead to an explosion. That eradicates the purpose of this car.
Cruising in this car at a slow speed is close to impossible. That is because it does not provide you with a smooth driving experience.
You will hear loud noises from your engine from time to time, which can be difficult to tackle.
Considering all of these issues, I believe you should also avoid this Dodge Challenger model.
3. 2012 Dodge Challenger
This 2012 year model of Dodge Challenger received the highest number of complaints.
They did not fix the issues in the 2011 model, and they also persisted with greater intensity in this model.
The most major issue in this model was with its electrical system.
This caused issues in the infotainment center of the car. The power windows, wipers, head, backlights, etc., were all faulty because of this issue.
Another issue was with its engine. The car takes hours to turn on.
If you have a meeting in a few hours, then I suggest you not rely on this model of Dodge Challenger to take you to your office in time.
The paint of the car is not long-lasting either. It cannot withstand extreme weather, which does not go well with its sporty personality.
Moreover, the interior accessories of this car were not aesthetically pleasing for its users.
In my opinion, a car with as many issues as the 2012 model Dodge Challenger needs to be avoided.
4. 2013 Dodge Challenger
Back in 2013, most Dodge vehicles experienced an issue with their airbags. This is directly associated with how safe the car is for you to use.
The fact that they could explode any time made the car unfit for driving. Several accidents have been reported due to this particular issue as well.
Another issue with this model is with its horn. It might give up on you when you need it the most and would go off when you do not require it. This tends to become frustrating and also is not safe.
This model still has issues with the electrical system, especially its windows. They tend to get sometimes stuck, which can be an issue.
This also impacts its air conditioning system, which can stop working at anytime. Considering all these issues, purchasing this model would not be a wise decision.
5. 2014 Dodge Challenger
How can I ever recommend you a car that has received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability?
This is quite below the industry average of 3 for these models. This also means that the car is not safe to drive.
The makers of this 2014 Dodge Challenger have used cheap materials for the internal accessories, which show their lack of interest in this model.
It can become targeted by the rust in a few months if proper care is not taken.
Electrical issues persist in this model as well due to TIMP. This causes issues with the brakes of this car, doors, windows, ACs, and sound system. So, it makes the car good for nothing.
In light of these issues, in my opinion, one must not purchase this car as it would only increase their cost.
What Are The Best Years For The Dodge Challenger? Which Years To Buy
Not all the models of Dodge Challenger are bad. Without any doubt, it has experienced some best years as well.
I have listed down below the most prominent ones of them.
1. 2008 Dodge Challenger
Let’s first talk about the aesthetics of this model. The design of this car appeals to every eye.
The bright red color variant of this car adds to its beauty. The interior accessories and the exterior tend to compliment it overall.
Regarding performance, the 2008 model of Dodge Challenger tends to outperform its competitors of that time.
Despite being a sports car, the smooth and quiet drive it offers to the driver is all you would want to give an extra dollar for.
We tend to have a weird perception about the seats of sports cars. However, this car would change it for us.
The seats are so comfortable that you can ride the car for hours and not get tired in any case. Also, the car has a tall body, making it look roomier from the inside.
The leg space of this car is also a win-win situation for you. It also scored well in terms of reliability which means this car is safe to drive.
Due to this, one must consider purchasing this car to get their hands on a smooth driving experience, in my opinion.
2. 2015 Dodge Challenger
This is the most successful and popular model of the Dodge Challenger. This might be because of many factors.
One of the factors could be the interior redesigning of the car. They seemed to have changed their approach in 2015.
Moreover, they made the interior more driver-centric and the car controls were easier to access.
The seats were more comfortable and the infotainment system was aesthetic, etc.
The interior of the car was offered in different colors of lather, such as black, red, and white which look classy.
They also put up an LCD mini screen in this model, which was a first and quite in demand in that period.
Many models of Dodge Challenger have been reported to have safety concerns. The 2015 model tends to cater to that.
This model’s electrical system is completely upgraded, offering more room for taking safety precautions.
Whether the airbags or your child’s safety locks, they fully cover you.
Lastly, this car has a lot to offer regarding its engine and high horsepower. In my opinion, I do not see a reason why someone would say no to purchasing it.
3. 2017 Dodge Challenger
This is another exceptional model of Dodge Challenger that I was able to find after some research. It makes it quite safe for driving as well.
This 2017 year model would provide great value for money, and you would not regret your purchase.
It also has a reliability score of 4.8 out of 5, which is quite amusing.
The strong engine, high horsepower, and astonishing performance are hard to miss.
This, coupled with its fancy interior that gives you a luxurious aura, cannot be avoided at any cost.
The electrical system of this car is even better than that of the 2015 model.
They have continuously worked on it to end the customer complaints and increase their reliability.
I think one should consider purchasing this car due to all of these qualities and its blue color.
4. 2020 Dodge Challenger
This model became so popular after massive success in 2019 that it granted a one-year production limit.
It was the quickest vehicle in 2020 that one could buy and it was able to beat its competitors based on its high horsepower.
The performance of this car is completely out of class. Everything would make you want to spend your money, from its high-power suspension to its high-power brakes. The interior of this car is quite pleasing.
The body or exterior of this car has a rugged personality which suits well with its ability to handle extreme temperatures.
This is a must-buy car for all those who love sports cars. They would not find an alternative better than this at this price.
5. 2021 Dodge Challenger
The major difference between this 2021 Dodge Challenger model and other models is its high 807-horsepower.
They have constantly been working towards making this model faster than the previous one and successfully achieved it as well.
They were able to improve the performance of the car with the help of wider wheels which proved to be best for them.
It also makes the ride of this car quite smooth. The new model also has a memory feature which is quite in demand these days by drivers.
This model is the best of them all. The major issues have been fixed in this model. So, in my opinion, you must purchase it.
How Reliable Is A Dodge Challenger?
Reliability is very important for every car as it is directly linked to safety as well.
You might be shocked to know that this Dodge Challenger has a reliability score of 88 out of a total of 100 points.
It might not be the best in the market in terms of reliability, but it definitely is ahead of most of its competitors.
Back in 2020, this model received a rating of 3 out of 5, but now it has increased to 4.8, this means they have been improving.
How Long Do Dodge Challengers Last?
Dodge Challenger tends to last you for a long period of time. You can easily spend up to 20 years with this car.
As far as miles are concerned, it can be driven up to 300,000 miles which is quite reasonable for a car like this.
However, if you would neglect your car, it would never last this long and would depreciate faster.
What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Dodge Challenger
Taking care of a sports car can be a lot more difficult than taking care of a normal car.
Due to this, lengthening the life of a Dodge Challenger can be a lot challenging for you, but it is not impossible.
I have listed down different ways to lengthen its life span.
- Make sure you throw cold water on the tires because they can warm up faster due to the high speed.
- Oil and other fluid change is a lot more necessary for you now.
- Clean your vents and remove dust to make sure the car does not exert more energy than is needed.
- If you want to protect the delicate paint of your Dodge Challenger, wax once every year.
- Know that it is a sports car and not a family car. Avoid dumping heavy weight in it. The lighter it will be, the faster it will go.
- Avoid the sun because the paint on this vehicle is very delicate.
- Throw water on the engine to cool it down as well. It is needed for all sports cars.
- It is a symbol of luxury, and a lot of effort is put into achieving the best interior and exterior for this car. Do not integrate these with fake and low-quality spare parts.
I believe that if you want to have a high resale value, follow these tips, and you will be good to go.
Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Dodge Challenger
If you do not show care towards your car, it will experience a shorter lifespan without any doubt.
I have mentioned some of the ways that can reduce the lifespan of a Dodge Challenger.
- Attaching fake and low-quality spare products with it.
- Driving a sports car on a bumpy road at high speed can reduce the efficiency of the engine to a great extent.
- Missing important maintenance schedules for your car.
- Using accessible alternatives of fuel if others are not available or because it is a cheaper alternative.
These different factors can adversely impact the life of your Dodge Challenger. Due to this, it would be in your best interest to avoid these at all costs.
3 Most Dodge Challenger Common Problems You Should Know
Many models of Dodge Challenger have faced similar issues. These all have been grouped into different headings to make them more understandable for you.
All the common problems have been listed down below:
1. Issues With The Electrical System
This has to be one of the most prevalent issues in most of the models. The fact that everything in this car is associated with its electrical system makes several models unfit for use.
The doors, wipers, brakes, lights, infotainment system, sound system, air conditioning, etc., are all interlinked.
This issue is now being fixed in the latest models, such as the 2021 Dodge Challenger.
2. Safety Concerns
Most of the models of Dodge Challenger have been claimed unreliable and unsafe for driving. This is because of the faulty airbags and brakes of different models.
Driving with your child in this car is close to impossible because you just cannot take the risk. The engine can fail on you at any point too, which is very unsafe.
3. Adapting To Changing Transmission
Everything about the transmission was good up till the car was manual. When they changed it to automatic, things started to go downhill.
Dodge Challenger does not seem to adapt well to the changing transmission. The speed and performance of the car get affected because of this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Dodge Challenger A Good Car?
Yes, it is a good car. I have many reasons to support my answer to this question.
The first reason is its strong engine which has the ability to withstand different types of roads, weather, and speed.
Another reason is its 700-horsepower. This is something extraordinary. All those who are into driving sports cars know how valuable this is.
Q2: Do Dodge Challengers Hold Their Value?
In my opinion, no car tends to lose its value if it is not neglected. However, the depreciating rate of a Dodge Challenger is near 40%.
This is a high rate which means this car requires extra care and attention. It has to be sold within five years, or it will lose its value.
Q3: How Many Dodge Challengers Have Been Sold?
In 2022, Dodge was able to sell around 54,315 units of its Challenger in the US. I believe this figure would only increase because of the increasing popularity of this car.
Q4: Which Dodge Challenger Engine Is The Most Reliable?
In my opinion, Dodge Challenger cannot find an engine better and more reliable than the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine.
This is because this particular engine boosts the horsepower up to 700, which is something extraordinary and goes well with its overall personality as well.
Q5: Is Dodge Challenger Expensive To Maintain?
Dodge Challenger is a symbol of luxury, and all sports cars are expensive to maintain.
It would take more than $600 yearly to maintain this car. This is not budget-friendly, but their target market can afford to keep their cars in check.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Dodge Challenger is something that one might want to purchase to improve their lifestyle and to portray their status.
The car has definitely experienced both good and bad years and those were discussed in best and worst years for Dodge Challenger article.
If you are looking for a car that would offer you impressive performance, aesthetic interior accessories, a strong engine, and a high horsepower, then do not spare a single second before purchasing this beauty.
References:
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/dodge/challenger/2009/engine-problems.php
https://www.topspeed.com/cars/dodge/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-ar51940.html
https://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/2012-challenger-r-t-classic-problems-or-issues.82575/
https://www.thedrive.com/news/43773/dodge-challenger-finally-beats-down-ford-mustang-in-2021-sales
