2016 Dodge Challenger problems: every known failure
All 5 documented failure points for this exact year — what goes wrong, when,
what it costs, and how to spot it on a test drive. Free, from Milo's research on this model.
5known failure points
78NHTSA owner complaints
2safety recalls
$4,000worst-case single repair
The last of the true muscle-car dinosaurs — buy it for the V8, tolerate the Chrysler electronics
Every documented failure, earliest first
Ordered by the mileage the problem typically appears. VERY HIGH
confidence means it's tied to a documented NHTSA recall, and 1 of these are rated Critical.
20k–60k mi● Critical$1,500–$3,500MODERATE
5.7L HEMI lifter/rocker arm failure ("HEMI tick")
How to catch it: Listen for a ticking noise at idle before buying; get an oil analysis and don't ignore any tick — catching it early saves the camshaft.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
30k–70k mi● Plan$800–$1,800MODERATE
Electric power steering (EPS) module faults causing steering lockup/heavy effort
How to catch it: Test full-lock turns both directions during test drive and watch for the EPS warning light before purchase.
Source: owner-reported (10 NHTSA complaints)
40k–90k mi● Plan$600–$4,000MODERATE
Driveshaft/carrier bearing and rear differential wear (especially on manual/Hellcat cars)
How to catch it: Get underneath and check for driveshaft play or knocking noises on acceleration/deceleration; have a shop borescope the diff if it's a manual or Hellcat.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
50k–80k mi● Watch$0–$600MODERATE
UConnect touchscreen freezing/rebooting and backup camera glitches
How to catch it: Check for the latest UConnect software update via USB from Mopar's site before assuming a hardware fault.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
60k–100k mi● Watch$150–$600MODERATE
TPMS sensor and wheel bearing wear on cars with 20-inch wheels/low-profile tires
How to catch it: Rotate tires on schedule and replace TPMS batteries proactively at ~5 years to avoid intermittent warning lights.
Source: owner-reported (3 NHTSA complaints)
Buying one of these?
Knowing what breaks is half of it.
Milo's full report gives you the other half — for your exact car:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Get the full 2016 Dodge Challenger report →
First report free · then $10
Findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with patterns
synthesized from owner communities. Confidence is labeled on every item; an inference is
never presented as documented fact. Always inspect the specific vehicle and verify open
recalls by VIN before buying.