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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-DODGE-CHALLENGERNHTSA data synced minutes ago
2009 · Dodge
Dodge Challenger problems
132 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.2 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Challenger?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
Engine: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 12,000–50,000 mi
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Dodge Challenger? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 36 owner reports
· tends to show around 30,064 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 25 owner reports
· tends to show around 34,013 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 23 owner reports
· tends to show around 46,805 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 17 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,736 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 30,064 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
Chrome square ring around perimeter of console shifter-automatic on a 2009 Dodge challenger, at the right heading, sun in front of you,coming light through windshield, reflection from chrome ring will momentarily blind you,overwhelming,cant see, I put a towel around it. It's…
Manuel transmission grinds/hard to shift into the next gears. Feels like the clutch isnt completely disengageing and if you park with it in gear you cant get it out of gear to put it into nuetral,sticks or locks in gear. Sometimes double clutching it doesnt help
I took car into dealership because it didn't sound right. It was determined that is was the alternator and therefore the battery. This car had less than 40,000 on it and the alternator should not have gone out. After some research I found that later model Dodge vehicles had…
Had a problem with your 2009 Dodge Challenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 Dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option
This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on september 15, 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Dodge Challenger is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Dodge Challenger?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Dodge Challenger is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Engine: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 12,000–50,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Challenger?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 36 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 30,064 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Dodge Challenger a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 132 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 30,064 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Dodge Challenger?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 36 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 30,064 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 30,064 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Challenger has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Dodge Challenger?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 132 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced minutes ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Challenger.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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