2009 Dodge CHALLENGER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
133 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
30,152 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 89 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 40 of 133 complaints (30.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 24 | 18.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 21 | 15.8% |
| Braking behavior | 17 | 12.8% |
| Steering behavior | 16 | 12.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 6 | 4.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 40 |
| Engine | 26 |
| Power Train | 22 |
| Electrical System | 21 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Steering | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 5 |
Air Bags: 40; Engine: 26; Power Train: 22; Electrical System: 21; Engine And Engine Cooling: 8; Steering: 8; Vehicle Speed Control: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 33 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 25 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 19 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 7 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 33; 25,000 to 49,999: 25; 50,000 to 74,999: 19; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (33). 44 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2009: 9; 2010: 7; 2011: 13; 2012: 11; 2013: 3; 2014: 10; 2015: 24; 2016: 23; 2017: 8; 2018: 6; 2019: 3; 2020: 4; 2021: 6; 2022: 2; 2023: 3; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 24 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 21 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10265124 · 2009-04-13 (April 13, 2009)
2009 DODGE CHALLENGER--THROTTLE STICKING-BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED-RPMS REV. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 187 miles reported. Look up ODI 10265124 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10267705 · 2009-05-04 (May 4, 2009)
AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN WENT OUT. DID NOT REPEAT. SOFTWARE GLITCH? INTERMITTENT CONNECTION? *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 2,950 miles reported. Look up ODI 10267705 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10278407 · 2009-07-27 (July 27, 2009)
THE 1-4 GEAR SHIFT SKIP FEATURE, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY, CAN LEAD TO MISSED SHIFTS OR LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERING, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH. A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE LOW COST COMPONENT DISABLES THIS FEATURE, HOWEVER IT REQUIRES THE CONSUMER TO VOID THEIR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IN ORDER TO FIX A SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10278407 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10279815 · 2009-08-09 (August 9, 2009)
2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T LOSES POWER WHILE UNDER LOAD SUCH AS GOING UP HILLS OR PASSING; AND THE RPM PULSATES. THIS CONDITION APPEARS TO OCCUR MORE IN HOT WEATHER. UPON DECELERATION, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS SO ROUGHLY THAT VEHICLE LOST TRACTION IN SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS, AND NEARLY RESULTED IN A CRASH. THESE APPEAR TO BE TWO SEPARATE CONDITIONS THAT MAKE THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY UNSAFE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10279815 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10280660 · 2009-08-17 (August 17, 2009)
I OWN A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT. I WAS DRIVING 30MPH DOWN A STREET, HONKED THE HORN AND BRAKED AT THE SAME TIME AND MY CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE. I HAVE ASKED ALL AMERICAN IN ODESSA WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO FIX IT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY MODEL CAR. I PRINTED OUT RECALL #08V458000 ON THE POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. APPARENTLY A MODULE IS TO BE REPLACED SO THAT THE CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TURN OFF UNLESS IT IS IN PARK ONLY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE PROBLEM THAT I HAD. THE TECHNICIAN AT AL…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10280660 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10281237 · 2009-08-20 (August 20, 2009)
ON 2009 CHALLENGER R/T WITH PUSH BUTTON "GO" IGNITION. MESSAGE CENTER SHOWED "NO FOB DETECTED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE. ATTEMPTS TO START WERE MADE APPROXIMATELY TWENTY TIMES. CAR WOULD START WHEN USING THE REMOTE START BUT YOU MUST PRESS THE "GO: BUTTON IN CAR BEFORE IT CAN BE DRIVEN. THERE WAS NO SAFETY ISSUE PER SE BUT I WAS LEFT STRANDED. CAR HAS LESS THAN 3K MILES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10281237 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10289230 · 2009-10-21 (October 21, 2009)
BRAKES THAT CONTINUE TO FADE AND SHUTTER UNDER EMERGENCY BRAKING. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289230 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10289239 · 2009-10-21 (October 21, 2009)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER(NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. AN INVESTIGATOR CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1000.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289239 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
08V458000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Reported: 2008-09-10 (September 10, 2008)
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PREVENTION." IF THE STOP/START BUTTON IS PRESSED AND HELD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE ELECTRONIC KEY CODE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS CAN OCCUR IN A TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK," AND THE TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR DOES NOT BECOME LOCKED IN "PARK" AS A DIRECT RESULT OF KEY REMOVAL, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NONCOMPLIANCE MAY EXIST.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES VEHICLE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRASHES RESULTING FROM THEFT AND ACCIDENTAL ROLLAWAY OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE SO THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF WHEN THE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA campaign record ↗08V642000 · Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Reported: 2008-12-05 (December 5, 2008)
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.
Consequence: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V420000 · Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Reported: 2009-10-29 (October 29, 2009)
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
Consequence: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V444000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2015-07-10 (July 10, 2015)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V352000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-05-24 (May 24, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V824000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V021000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2018-01-09 (January 9, 2018)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
NHTSA campaign record ↗