2020 Dodge Challenger Problems And Complaints

$28,095 - $79,790
Starting Price 
$28,797 - $34,693
Starting Market Average
2020 Dodge Challenger in B5 Blue Pearl Coat color
B5 Blue Pearl Coat

2020 Dodge Challenger Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating

Updated on: August 7, 2024

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

The Dodge Challenger is one of those cars that has a strong cult following and as many might think it to be just for its performance, the car also holds great practicality for a midsize muscle coupe. Since Dodge falls under the umbrella of Chrysler, maintaining the coupe does not seem to be a major task as the service network is widespread across the country. Another factor that proves the vehicle to be widely accepted by the masses is the fact that Dodge was able to sell 52,995 units of the challenger in 2020. Although this might sound like a win-win for Dodge, the brand faces serious competitors such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Adding to this were some of the serious trouble that users had to face such as a potential fire hazard and a glitchy screen which was said to affect a lot of 2020 Dodge Challengers. NHTSA reports a total of 8 complaints and 1 recall for this model out of which, the majority of issues pertained to an electrical flaw that disturbs the engine performance and also exposes the vehicle to a possible fire.

Electrical Problems 

  • Touchscreen – It was stated by numerous users that the infotainment screen would flicker without any warning, making it almost impossible to use it. Users also mentioned that the toggles would freeze and the icons on the screen would glitch. When the problem was inspected by the dealers, it was found that the screen had no issues but the Uconnect system that the infotainment runs on needed to be completely reset. The technicians claimed it to be a software issue and that it was common on this particular model.
  • Wiring harness – Users claimed that the vehicle would lose power all of a sudden while driving and this forced the owners to stop the vehicle by the shoulder of the road to stay safe. There were instances where the car even caught fire which seemed to be coming from the engine bay. The safety team extinguished the fire and the totaled vehicle was taken to the dealership for an inspection and Chrysler was able to discover a faulty wiring harness in the engine bay which can overheat and ignite the components surrounding it. This is also the reason why the car loses power at random times as the faulty wiring fails to communicate between the engine and the electronics of the car.

Mechanical Problems 

  • Powertrain – It was reported by users that they could hear a ticking noise despite not having driven the car a lot. The dealers requested the users to get the vehicle repaired while the car barely put any miles on the odo and this was later found put be a known issue that Dodge failed to notify the owners about. It was said that the engine had a defective valve train with failing rocker arms that created the ticking noise. This can also contaminate the oil and further damage the powertrain. Although only limited vehicles are affected, the dealer might have to get the engine rebuilt or replaced depending on the degree of damage.

2020 Dodge Challenger recalls

S. No.

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

8th July 2021

21V516000

Inadequate Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212

The windshield might have been improperly glued to the car during construction, which would have made it possible for it to come loose in an accident. Consequently, these cars do not meet the standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting." The possibility of injury rises when a windshield shatters during a collision.

The front windshield urethane sealant will be removed and replaced by dealers for free. Starting August 31, 2021, owner notification letters were sent out.

Should you buy the 2020 Dodge Challenger?

Unlike other muscle cars, the 2020 Dodge Challenger is also liked by the family audience as the car not only provides ample cabin space but is also easy in terms of repairs and fixes as parts are almost readily available. The car also has huge after-market support, further widening the ease of finding parts. This could also be a reason for the car to score 87 on the J.D.Powers scale for reliability and quality. Although a fire hazard was reported on this particular model, Chrysler has confirmed it to be an issue with a limited batch of the Challenger made during a particular time frame and similar is the case with its engine having a ticking noise. However, do make sure to check for any unusual clicks from the engine while looking for a used Challenger and if that is the case, it's better to stay away from such a vehicle rather than to proceed with its 5-year powertrain warranty to get the engine replaced as the process could get tedious. Dodge will also soon be going all-electric with their lineup and hence, we believe the chances of getting your hands on one of these vehicles are going to get slimmer over time hence, picking the Dodge Challenger over its rivals is the ideal way to go.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

August 28, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11611574

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11611574

Incident Date:
August 28, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
2C3CDZBT1LH

Consumer Location:
WEST BERLIN, NJ

Summary
Good afternoon, my right headlight wiring harness had rubbed on the frame down to the wires, actually met...

July 24, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11604477

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11604477

Incident Date:
July 24, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
2C3CDZAG7LH

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
Seat belt starting to unlock on its own-Driver Airbag malfunction-Passenger seat Reverse gear malfuncti...

July 11, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11601579

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11601579

Incident Date:
July 11, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
2C3CDZFJ2LH

Consumer Location:
WENDELL, NC

Summary
On 11-Jul-24 about 3:45 pm I was driving on the highway appox 70 mph and my sunroof exploded. There was o...

November 16, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11555639

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11555639

Incident Date:
November 16, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
2C3CDZJG5LH

Consumer Location:
HOUSTON, TX

Summary
Trunk is opening automatically while driving

September 10, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11543815

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11543815

Incident Date:
September 10, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
2C3CDZAG2LH

Consumer Location:
POWELLS CROSSROADS, TN

Summary
While driving the air conditioning control's stopped working. It required restarting the vehicle, to get ...

87/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

97/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

86/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

80/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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