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2016 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Challenger do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 45.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

47 reports with mileage · 31 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports

What owners actually said

78 reports
6,730 miles · Feb 1, 2017
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION WHERE UNKNOWN PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION WHERE UNKNOWN PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,730. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10948825

16,000 miles · Jan 26, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT WATER E…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT WATER ENTERED THE ENGINE MANIFOLD TROUGH THE COLD AIR INTAKE, LOCATED SIX INCHES FROM THE GROUND. THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

NHTSA ODI #10947843

2,500 miles · Oct 16, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering

MY 17 YEAR OLD SON'S 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER TURNS OFF WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THE IGNITION SWITCH USUALLY GOES TO ACC (SOMETIMES RUN). ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, BRAKING IS DIFFICULT, HEATING/COOLING TURN OFF, AND ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THE AIRBAGS BECOME INACTIVE IN ACC. MY SON HAS NEARLY H…

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MY 17 YEAR OLD SON'S 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER TURNS OFF WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THE IGNITION SWITCH USUALLY GOES TO ACC (SOMETIMES RUN). ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, BRAKING IS DIFFICULT, HEATING/COOLING TURN OFF, AND ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THE AIRBAGS BECOME INACTIVE IN ACC. MY SON HAS NEARLY HIT A TREE AND HE HAS CROSSED LANES INTO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED. THE PROBLEM STARTED HAPPENING AT ABOUT 2500 MILES 04/2016. IT HAS HAPPENED FROM10 MPH TO 70 MPH. IT HAS HAPPENED 15 OR MORE TIMES AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN OVER 20 MILES, PARKED, AND THEN DRIVEN AGAIN. IT HAS HAPPENED ON ALL TYPES OF ROAD--RESIDENTIAL, CITY AND HIGHWAY. IT HAS OCCURRED WHILE BEING DRIVEN STRAIGHT AND WHEN TURNING, ON LEVEL ROADS AND UP HILLS. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER CONTACTED CHRYSLER DETROIT WITHOUT SUCCESS. THEY INSTALLED A SPECIAL DATA COLLECTING SWITCH WHICH WE MANUALLY ACTIVATED WHEN THE CAR STALLED. THE DATA WAS FORWARDED TO DETROIT FOR ANALYSIS. I HAVE ATTACHED SERVICE RECORDS. WE HAVE SUPPLIED PHOTOS OF THE INSTRUMENTATION AFTER THE CAR TURNS OFF. MY SON STARTED DRIVING WITH ONE HAND ON HIS IPHONE MAKING A VIDEO RECORDING OF THE CAR STALLING IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2016. THE VIDEO RECORDING IS ON YOUTUBE AT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SE5TAGU6MY8&FEATURE=YOUTU.BE ON OCTOBER 7, 2016, I MET AT OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER, SERVICE MANAGER, AND HEAD MECHANIC TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS AND TO REVIEW THE VIDEO. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE CAR AND HAD TO RELY ON CHRYSLER. THE NEW VIDEO WAS FORWARDED TO CHRYSLER AND A MASTER MECHANIC WAS TO REVIEW IT BUT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. FURTHER, THEY RECOMMENDED THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10916381

6,000 miles · Jul 27, 2016
Air BagsSuspensionCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE VEHICLE SPUN A…

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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND LOST SEVERAL TEETH, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10888898

483 miles · Jul 16, 2016
Power Train

DRIVELINE CLUNK NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 3 TO 6 MPH DOWNSHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE ROAD SURFACE YOUR ON. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES, AFTER I WENT TO MY COUNTY PROBATE OFFICE TO GET MY LICENCE TAG, THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME I CAME TO A FULL STOP AT A SIGN, LIGHT OR …

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DRIVELINE CLUNK NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 3 TO 6 MPH DOWNSHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE ROAD SURFACE YOUR ON. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES, AFTER I WENT TO MY COUNTY PROBATE OFFICE TO GET MY LICENCE TAG, THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME I CAME TO A FULL STOP AT A SIGN, LIGHT OR BEHIND A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, SERVICE MANAGER CAME OUT TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS LOOSE IN TRUNK, SPARE TIRE,ETC. NO PROBLEM FOUND, I WAS TOLD TO BRING CAR BACK MONDAY MORNING FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS WHERE TECHS CAN FIND PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD OTHERS COMPLAIN OF THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR CHALLENGERS BUT NO AVAIL, OR THEY WOULD TELL THE OWNERS THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. NO THIS IS NOT NORMAL IN THE DRIVELINE, PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE SO IT CAN BE RESOLVED WITH CHRYSLER WETHER A RECALL OR TSB NEEDS TO BE ENFORCED TO SOLVE THIS DRIVELINE ISSUE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER.

NHTSA ODI #10885201

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2016
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CONDITION IN WHICH THE BRAKES ENGAGED WHEN NECESSARY. IN OTHER INSTANCES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SLOW TO RESPOND RANDOMLY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAK…

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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CONDITION IN WHICH THE BRAKES ENGAGED WHEN NECESSARY. IN OTHER INSTANCES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SLOW TO RESPOND RANDOMLY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ADVANCE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE APPROACHING TRAFFIC. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND A CONCUSSION DUE TO THE LACK OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND THE FORCE OF HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SEAT BELT ALSO DID NOT SECURE THE CONTACT, WHICH CAUSED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10871669

850 miles · May 12, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LEFT KNEE, FINGERS AND RIGHT SIDE INJURIES THAT REQUIR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LEFT KNEE, FINGERS AND RIGHT SIDE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 850.

NHTSA ODI #10864517

8 miles · May 4, 2016
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AFTER I SIGNED THE PAPERS THEY LET ME INSPECT IT. I SAW SOME RUST ON THE JOINTS AND SCREWS THAT HELD THE TIRES. THEY SAID IT WAS SURFACE RUST. I TOOK IT HOME AND EXAMINED IT CLOSED. I FOUND THAT THE RUST IS VERY EXTENSIVE. IT INCLUDED THE METAL THAT HELD THE TIRE TO THE CAR AND IT GOES DEEP. THE RUST FLAKED…

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I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AFTER I SIGNED THE PAPERS THEY LET ME INSPECT IT. I SAW SOME RUST ON THE JOINTS AND SCREWS THAT HELD THE TIRES. THEY SAID IT WAS SURFACE RUST. I TOOK IT HOME AND EXAMINED IT CLOSED. I FOUND THAT THE RUST IS VERY EXTENSIVE. IT INCLUDED THE METAL THAT HELD THE TIRE TO THE CAR AND IT GOES DEEP. THE RUST FLAKED OFF IN MY HAND. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK THE NEXT MORNING. THEY TOLD ME I COULD EXCHANGE IT FOR A SIMILAR VEHICLE BUT THAT ALL OF THEM HAD THE SAME RUST. I TOOK PICTURES OF SOME OF THE RUST. I TOLD THEM TO KEEP THE CAR AND I STOPPED PAYMENT ON THE CHECK. I THEN WENT TO THE DEALER IN ONTARIO AND I FOUND THE SAME EXTENSIVE RUSTING ON ALL OF THEIR CHALLENGERS. I BELIEVE THE DEFECT LIES WITH DODGE AND CHRYSLER. WHY ARE THEY ALLOWED TO SELL NEW VEHICLES WITH EXTENSIVE RUSTING TO THE PUBLIC? I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING RUST PROBLEMS SINCE AT LEAST 2007. I ALSO FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS DO NOT FIND THE RUST AS SOON AS I DID AND THEY SUFFER BECAUSE DODGE HAS DENIED RESPONSIBILITY. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS. I FEEL BAD FOR EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT THESE CARS WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT THIS DEFECT. I TOOK SOME PICTURES.

NHTSA ODI #10863244

Official recalls

1

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles 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 shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles 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 shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles 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 shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System:wiring

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles 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 shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.