2009 Dodge ChallengerUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

133 federal complaints (172 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 35 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 17 model years of the Dodge Challenger →
Engine
6.1L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
13 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
133
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
41
Engine & cooling
39
Power train
27
Electrical system
21
Speed control
9
Steering
8
Brakes
8
Fuel system
7
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 14 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 19 complaints3 years old: 4 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 7 complaints56 years old: 26 complaints7 years old: 23 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 4 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 133 of 133 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 25 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 26 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 12 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 4 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 2 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 87 of 133 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

41 complaint records4 crash reports
"NOTHING HAPPEN DODGE WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. SAID WAITING ON PARTS. LEFT WITH NO WAY TO TRAVEL. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE I CAN TAKE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

39 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"ENGINE FAILURE STALLS AND LOOSE STEERING WHILE DRIVING, RESTART THE VEHICLE AN CAR DIES OUT MULTIPLE RESTARTS ATTEMPTS BEFORE CAR RESTARTS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

27 complaint records1 crash report
"THROWOUT BEARING SCREECH-SQUEALING NOISE. BAD GREASE ON THE INPUT SHAFT AND CLUTCH HUB SPLINES. THESE ISSUES LED TO CLUTCH FAILURE. SLAVE CYLINDER BLEW OUT AND CLUTCH FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE LINES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
18V021000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (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,...Normally free
16V352000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant.Normally free
15V444000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010.Normally free
17V824000EquipmentChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.Normally free
09V420000WheelsCHRYSLER 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.Normally free
08V642000TiresCHRYSLER 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.Normally free
08V458000Power TrainCHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2017663
2017-12-22
Accessories7,391On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate.
2016265
2016-05-27
Airbag459,492On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2015305
2015-07-13
Airbag8,538On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2009323
2009-11-12
Suspension1,172On certain vehicles, the front wheel spindle nut - which retains the hub, rotor, and wheel assembly - may have been omitted during vehicle assembly.
2008445
2008-12-16
Other16On certain 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. Correction: Dealers will replace the TPM sensors.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2008326
2008-09-08
Other760Certain vehicles equipped with the "Keyless Go" option, fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
S1709000010 RevB
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
S1709000010RevB
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
S1709000010
Mar 2022
Power TrainCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
Show 30 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
S1709000010 Rev.
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100419
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
21-020-16
May 2016
Power TrainManual Transmission Shifter Noise This bulletin involves greasing or replacing the manual transmission rear shifter bushing. Customers may experience a clunk, squeak, or similar noise heard from center console area while shifting.
2102016
May 2016
EquipmentManual Transmission Shifter Noise This bulletin involves greasing or replacing the manual transmission rear shifter bushing. Customers may experience a clunk, squeak, or similar noise heard from center console area while shifting.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
09-PO-11-82
Jun 2014
EngineENGINE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE ON A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF VEHICLES MAY FRACTURE. WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK. 06/06/2014*LJ
CSN-P-01
Feb 2014
EquipmentDODGE/CHRYSLER: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. DUE TO AN ENGINE FRACTURED TIMING CHAIN GUIDE, THE TIMING CHAIN IN ENGINE WILL BREAK AND WOULD RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. MODEL 2009-2012 CHALLENGER, CHARGER, 300. *PE
08-035-13
May 2013
EquipmentFlash: SRT Subwoofer Thump Noise After Vehicle Is Turned Off This bulletin involves re-flashing the Amplifier with updated software. The customer may experience after the vehicle is turned off a slow thumping noise coming from the subwoofer.
SB-18-021-13
May 2013
Electrical SystemCHRYSLER/DODGE: PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY BE NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS CAN BE CORRECTED WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *KB
18-021-13
May 2013
Power TrainFlash: Performance Derate Above 55 MPH Immediately After Start-Up When Accelerating At Wide Open Throttle This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
09-001-13
Feb 2013
EngineGasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
18-005-11
Feb 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingCHRYSLER: MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. *RM
CSN-J-21
Nov 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingCHRYSLER DODGE SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. HOT START ENGINE CRANKING. THE BATTERY GROUND CABLES ON THE VEHICLES MAY CAUSE SLOW ENGINE CRANKING DURING HOT ENGINE STARTING CONDITIONS. *PE
SB-19-004-09
Aug 2009
SteeringCHRYSLER: STEERING WHEEL RETURNABILITY. AFTER COMPLETING A TURN THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE A STEERING WHEEL THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL POWER STEERING COOLER AND REPLACING BOTH POWER STEERING RETURN LINES.
SB-J19
Aug 2009
EquipmentCHRYSLER/JEEP/DODGE: CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTY ADDENDUM. THE WARRANTY BOOK ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN ERRORS OR MAY BE MISSING INFORMATION REGARDING THE COPONENTS COVERED BY THE CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTY.
SB-19-003-09
Jul 2009
SteeringDODGE: STEERING GEAR HONK, HISS OR GROAN DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. *PE

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Challenger →