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2018 Dodge Challenger problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2018 Dodge Challenger. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 20% of relevant complaints.
Better than 87% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 10 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 17%).
Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 13 of 65 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Challenger concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (20%). For comparison, the 2017 scores 25% and the 2019 scores 28%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
The rest of the picture on the 2018 Dodge Challenger
- Every owner quote, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 13 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows them, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Dodge Challenger involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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…
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 (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for…
2 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model; one of NHTSA's listings did not answer when this page was built, so the list may be incomplete. Checked October 17, 2026.
Checking one particular 2018 Dodge Challenger? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2018 Dodge Challenger have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 13 of 65 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Challenger concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (20%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Dodge Challenger involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total: 18E053000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)), 18V280000 (power train: automatic transmission). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Dodge Challenger years are better?
Among the Dodge Challenger years we track, the 2023 (12%) has a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2018 (20%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2018 Dodge Challenger?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2018 Dodge Challenger shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 3 body styles NHTSA files separately.