2018 Dodge Challenger Problems: 26 Known Issues

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,208+ owner reports, the 2018 Dodge Challenger has 26 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure ($300-$2,500 repair), Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure ($1,200-$2,800 repair), PCM Circuit-Board Voltage Regulator Failure on the 2018 Challenger — Recall 18V524000 (U87), Hellcat IHI Supercharger Bearing / Pulley Failure ($3,000-$12,000 repair), Valve Spring Failure on 6.4L 392 HEMI (High-RPM and Modified/Boosted Cars) ($700-$5,000 repair) and 2015-2018 Challenger Cruise Control May Not Disengage (Recall 18V332000). The most commonly reported issue is HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick with 678 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $12,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

2018 · All trims · All engines

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All 26 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure
15K-50K
ZF 8-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting and Valve Body Failure
40K-60K
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
50K-100K
OEM Radiator Premature Failure
60K-100K
025K50K75K100K mi
Community reported
678 owners
Community reported
350 owners
Community reported
345 owners
Community reported
320 owners
Community reported
523 owners
Community reported
280 owners
Community reported
412 owners
Community reported
300 owners
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Campaign #21V51600008/07/2021

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Campaign #22V50400014/07/2022

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Campaign #22V80800027/10/2022

PARKING BRAKE

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."

Campaign #24V11200015/02/2024

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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."

Campaign #24V57300001/08/2024

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Challenger problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,208+ owner reports, the 2018 Dodge Challenger has 26 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure, PCM Circuit-Board Voltage Regulator Failure on the 2018 Challenger — Recall 18V524000 (U87). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Challenger reliable?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger has 26 known issues documented across 3,208+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure and PCM Circuit-Board Voltage Regulator Failure on the 2018 Challenger — Recall 18V524000 (U87) and Hellcat IHI Supercharger Bearing / Pulley Failure and Valve Spring Failure on 6.4L 392 HEMI (High-RPM and Modified/Boosted Cars) and 2015-2018 Challenger Cruise Control May Not Disengage (Recall 18V332000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Challenger problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Challenger issues range from $0 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure, typically costs $300-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger Driveshaft Failure / U-Joint Failure?

The rear driveshaft on high-powered Challengers can experience premature U-joint failure or driveshaft issues, especially under hard launches, drag racing, or with aftermarket power upgrades. The factory driveshaft may not handle repeated high-torque loads. Some owners report mul… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Failure?

The EPS rack assembly can fail suddenly, causing complete loss of steering assist while driving. Circuit board contamination in the EPS module causes short circuit. Corrosion in rack assembly compounds the issue. Recalls S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) and VB8 (NHTSA 19V-812) cover some vehi… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2018 Dodge Challenger PCM Circuit-Board Voltage Regulator Failure on the 2018 Challenger — Recall 18V524000 (U87)?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger appears on the vehicle list for NHTSA recall 18V524000. On the recalled cars, the voltage regulator chip inside the powertrain control module's circuit board may fail. The two outcomes described in the recall are a stall and a no-start — the car either s… Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat IHI Supercharger Bearing / Pulley Failure?

The IHI twin-screw supercharger fitted to the 6.2L supercharged HEMI in the Challenger SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon is prone to internal bearing failure, typically heard first as a rising whine, growl, or whir from the front of the engine that gets louder with RPM and engine wa… Repairs typically run $3,000-$12,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2023 Dodge Challenger Valve Spring Failure on 6.4L 392 HEMI (High-RPM and Modified/Boosted Cars)?

The production valve springs on the 6.4L 392 HEMI can crack or fracture. A weakened spring can cause a persistent single-cylinder misfire that remains after plug, coil, or injector swaps; a complete fracture can let the valve contact the piston and cause major cylinder-head or en… Repairs typically run $700-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger 2015-2018 Challenger Cruise Control May Not Disengage (Recall 18V332000)?

Dodge Challengers built for the 2015 through 2018 model years are covered by FCA recall 18V332000. The recalled defect could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging: NHTSA states that if a short circuit occurs within the car's wiring while cruise control is engaged, th… Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2021 Dodge Challenger HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick?

Some 2015-2021 Dodge Challenger 5.7L and 6.4L engines can develop a persistent engine-speed-related tick, rough idle, loss of power, or misfire from hydraulic roller-lifter, roller, or cam-lobe wear. A tick alone does not prove internal wear: exhaust-manifold leakage, injector no… Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2021 Dodge Challenger OEM Radiator Premature Failure?

The factory plastic-tank radiators on Challengers are prone to cracking and leaking, especially under spirited driving or in hot climates. The crimped plastic end tanks can fail at the seams. Many owners report needing radiator replacements between 60,000-100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2023 Dodge Challenger Pentastar 3.6L Oil Filter Housing Leak?

The plastic oil filter housing warps and cracks from heat cycling, causing oil leaks from front of engine near oil filter. In severe cases coolant and oil can mix. Common across all Pentastar 3.6L vehicles (Challenger, Charger, 300, Jeep, Ram). Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick?

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine can develop a ticking noise from worn rocker arms. Unlike the HEMI MDS tick, this is caused by the roller follower rocker arms wearing out prematurely. The issue typically appears between 50,000-100,000 miles and is more common on 2011-2013 engines bu… Repairs typically run $800-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger HEMI Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure?

Exhaust manifold bolts break due to thermal cycling causing the bolts to become brittle and snap, especially on the passenger side. Dissimilar metals (iron manifold, aluminum head) accelerate the process. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup. Common across all HEMI-powered LX/… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger ZF 8-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting and Valve Body Failure?

The ZF 8HP45/8HP70 8-speed automatic suffers from harsh downshifts (especially 2nd to 1st), rough upshifts with RPM spikes, and clunking when cold. Ferrous or aluminum debris in 3-4 shift pressure valves is the primary failure point. Valve body is the most common component needin… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw — Battery Dead Overnight or After Sitting?

A widely reported electrical complaint across nearly all Challenger model years is excessive parasitic battery drain that leaves the car dead overnight or after sitting a few days. A healthy modern vehicle should settle to roughly 25-50 mA of key-off draw once all modules go to s… Repairs typically run $140-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger AC Not Blowing Cold / HVAC Blend-Door Actuator Failure?

Dodge Challenger owners across the LC/LA platform (2008-2023) commonly report the A/C not blowing cold, blowing warm/weak, or one side of the cabin staying warm. The complaints split into two distinct failure clusters that share the same symptom. CLUSTER 1 - Refrigerant/AC-syste… Repairs typically run $35-$1,940. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2023 Dodge Challenger Oil cooler / oil-filter-adapter housing leak (5.7L & 6.4L V8 Hemi)?

On the Gen-III Hemi V8 (5.7L VVT from 2009 on, and the 6.4L/392 across its run), engine oil is cooled by a coolant-fed oil cooler integrated into the oil-filter adapter housing that sits in the engine valley, beneath the intake manifold. The cooler is a coolant-to-oil heat exchan… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 Dodge Challenger Rear Differential Whine Heard in Cabin?

A long-running, widely documented complaint across Dodge Challenger forums is a ring-and-pinion gear whine from the rear differential that is transmitted into the cabin, typically most noticeable at steady cruising speeds around 40-45 mph (and again at highway speed in top gear). Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger Front-End Suspension Clunk / Pop — Sway-Bar End Links, Tie Rods, Control-Arm Bushings, Ball Joints?

One of the most widely reported Dodge Challenger complaints — the "infamous front-end clunk." Owners across the LX-platform (2008-2023) describe a clunk, pop, knock, or rattle from the front suspension on initial acceleration, light braking, low-speed turns, and especially over s… Repairs typically run $20-$461. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2021 Dodge Challenger Uconnect 4C 8.4-inch (UAS/UCS) Radio Freezes or Black Screen — TSB 08-102-21 Rev. A?

FCA TSB 08-102-21 Rev. A (November 2021) covers 2018–2021 Challengers built from April 1, 2017 through May 24, 2021 with the Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch display (sales codes UAS or UCS). Owners may experience an intermittent black radio display, intermittent radio freezes, a high-p… Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger Catalytic Converter Efficiency Code (P0420 / P0430)?

A P0420 ("Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1") or P0430 ("Bank 2") check-engine light is one of the most common emissions codes on the Dodge Challenger, especially on higher-mileage V8 cars. The PCM sets the code when it compares the upstream (pre-cat) and downstr… Repairs typically run $40-$2,379. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger Warped Front Brake Rotors Causing Pedal Pulsation, Steering Shimmy, and Rapid Pad Wear?

Dodge Challenger owners frequently report front brake "warping" that produces a noticeable pulsation through the brake pedal and a shimmy in the steering wheel under braking, often accompanied by faster-than-expected front pad wear. The complaint surfaces at surprisingly low mile… Repairs typically run $128-$600. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 3,208+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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