2018 Dodge Challenger VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the UConnect infotainment system, particularly involving screen delamination and "ghost touching," where the screen behaves as if being touched without input, affecting climate control, audio, and navigation functions. Complaints often describe problems with the backup camera displaying distorted or black images, and turn signals or windows malfunctioning intermittently. These issues are reported to occur soon after purchase, with some owners experiencing them from day two of ownership. Safety implications are noted, with two complaints involving crashes and one involving a fire, highlighting potential risks associated with these electrical system failures. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, which appear to persist across different mileage ranges.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system, particularly screen delamination. Symptoms include the screen registering phantom touches, causing random activation of features such as emergency calls, climate controls, and audio settings, which many describe as distracting and potentially hazardous. This problem often arises outside of warranty periods, typically after 36,000 miles. Additionally, one report mentions a vehicle rollaway issue when the gear shifter is in park, and another describes a broken sway bar with unclear cause. Given these reports, prospective buyers should be aware of potential infotainment system malfunctions and ensure these components are thoroughly checked before purchase.

STEERING

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with the power steering system, with multiple complaints mentioning a "Power Steering Assist Off" warning message and subsequent loss of power steering, often around 20,000 miles. Symptoms include difficulty steering and vibration in the steering wheel, with some cases leading to crashes. Two crashes are reported, one resulting in an injury. Additionally, some owners describe vibrations in the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, persisting even after multiple dealer visits and component replacements. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning steering control and vehicle stability.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report power train issues, with several complaints highlighting clutch and transmission failures. Typical symptoms include the car stalling and being unable to shift gears, as well as loud banging noises and vibrations, often occurring around 25,000 miles. Some owners describe the vehicle rolling unexpectedly or shifting into neutral independently, raising potential safety concerns. These issues often lead to situations where the vehicle cannot be moved, necessitating towing or urgent roadside maneuvers. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially in manual transmission models, and consider the reported mileage at which these issues tend to arise.

WHEELS

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with cracked rims, often leading to air leaks in the tires. Multiple complaints describe cracks forming on the inside edges of the rims, commonly attributed to driving over bumps or uneven road surfaces. These problems typically appear at mileages ranging from approximately 27,000 to 75,000 miles. One report mentions a wheel detaching while driving, posing a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these recurring rim issues, as they may require costly replacements.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger frequently report issues with air bags not deploying during crashes. Three out of four complaints involve crashes where the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in five injuries. These incidents typically occur during significant impacts, such as being struck on the front driver's side or rear-ended at high speeds, with mileage around 16,000 to 21,161. One complaint also mentions a non-crash-related issue where the side air bag is visible through the seam when the driver's door is opened. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers, particularly concerning air bag reliability during collisions.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Challenger report issues with the suspension, particularly involving rusted control arms in the front, even on vehicles with as little as 2000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of axle failure, with one incident leading to a crash when the front passenger side axle broke during a low-speed turn. Another complaint details multiple component failures, including the stabilizer bar, at approximately 24,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety risks, particularly concerning the structural integrity of the suspension system. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially given the early onset of rust and the reported crash involving the axle.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners report several issues with the exterior lighting of the 2018 Dodge Challenger. A common problem involves moisture or condensation accumulating within the inner taillight assembly, which some owners say leads to the lights failing completely. Another issue frequently mentioned is headlights that dim over time, with one owner stating they have replaced them five times within a year. There are also complaints about headlights not being level, with one owner attributing this to a possible prior accident despite no visible damage. These lighting issues can impact nighttime visibility, posing potential safety risks for drivers.