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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-DODGE-CHALLENGERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2013 Dodge Challenger problems
The 2013 Dodge Challenger has 2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 179 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2013 Dodge Challenger has 179 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 96 complaints, typically surfacing around 51,205 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
2
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Challenger?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
5 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 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
electrical — 96 owner reports
· tends to show around 51,205 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 16 owner reports
· tends to show around 51,870 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 69,151 mi · ~$700 to fix
airbags — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,717 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 51,205 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 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.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Challenger· electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the front passenger window was functioning independently and caused the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The…
While driving on the highway, multiple lights began to flash across the dashboard. The odometer moved freely back and forth without giving an accurate measurement of speed. (video too large to upload)
I was driving my car like normal for the past 2/12 years. It's a 2013 challenger 5.70. My car went dead while driving. I lost control of the car, but, thank god I didn't hit anything or anyone. I ran tests on my car battery, it's good. Interesting note: I had the alternator…
Had a problem with your 2013 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 (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Chrysler (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, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Dodge Challenger has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Dodge Challenger is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 5 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 2013 Dodge Challenger?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 96 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 51,205 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 2013 Dodge Challenger a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 179 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 51,205 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 2013 Dodge Challenger?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 96 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 51,205 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 51,205 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 2013 Dodge Challenger?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 179 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Dodge/Challenger.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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