No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Challenger powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Challenger have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 47,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Challenger | 23 |
| 2010 Challenger | 33 |
| 2011 Challenger | 8 |
| 2012 Challenger | 17 |
| 2013 Challenger (this page) | 16 |
| 2014 Challenger | 11 |
| 2015 Challenger | 28 |
| 2016 Challenger | 13 |
| 2017 Challenger | 5 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Dodge Challengers report a troubling pattern of powertrain failures. The most common complaint is throttle response failure—the engine revs but the car won't accelerate when pedal is pressed gently during normal highway driving. This happens intermittently (reported in 25% of driving situations in one case) and creates dangerous situations, particularly during merging or passing. The vehicle either delays 8 seconds before accelerating or requires the driver to lift off and reapply the pedal. Dealers have tested these vehicles multiple times and concluded they're operating normally; Dodge sent master mechanics to at least one vehicle but could not identify the root cause.
Transmission problems compound the issue. Owners report the transmission refusing to downshift when commanded, hard jerking when accelerating, torque converter failures, and in one case, sudden shifts into neutral at highway speeds. One dealer acknowledged a history of transmissions needing replacement on this model.
Multiple owners experienced sudden engine shutdown while driving, sometimes without warning lights. In the most severe case, a 20,000-mile Challenger caught fire at a red light; Dodge denied a manufacturing defect despite a known alternator recall for overheating issues. Other failures include key fob stuck in ignition, transmission control module faults, and one reported pilot bearing failure with shaft misalignment.
Same Dodge Challenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle response failure / loss of power during acceleration
Engine RPM increases but vehicle does not accelerate, or vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pedal is depressed. Occurs during normal driving (40–60 mph) on hills or merging onto highways. Vehicle suddenly accelerates after 8 seconds or when driver lifts foot and reapplies pedal. Dealers unable to replicate; manufacturer claims vehicle is normal.
When: 23,400–60,250 miles; intermittent, 25% of time in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM increases without corresponding acceleration; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pedal depressed; Sudden hard acceleration after delay; Check engine light illuminates (P0741 code reported in one case); Vehicle does not respond to gentle throttle input
Codes mentioned: P0741
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer updated transmission software; resolved issue temporarily. Another owner had transmission replaced per dealer history. Most dealers unable to diagnose or replicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers test-drove vehicle and concluded it was normal; manufacturer sent master mechanics to one vehicle but could not identify cause. No repairs performed in several cases.
Transmission torque converter / shifting issues
Transmission fails to downshift when using AutoStick; display shows requested gear (3rd) but transmission remains in higher gear (4th). Hard jerking from rear end. One owner reports dealer diagnosed torque converter issue; another had transmission replaced.
When: Not specified; one case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: AutoStick downshift command not executed; Hard jerking from rear; Vehicle does not accelerate properly after gear selection
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed torque converter failure. Another had full transmission replacement. Hard jerking noted when accelerator released after sustained pressure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer reported history of transmissions requiring replacement; no other manufacturer response documented.
Engine stalling and loss of power while driving
Vehicle suddenly dies or loses all power while in motion at highway speeds or during low-speed maneuvers. Engine shuts off without warning lights in some cases; in others, check engine or ABS lights illuminate. Vehicle fails to restart immediately or at all.
When: Unknown mileage in most cases; one at 20,000 miles, one at 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown without warning; Loss of all electrical power; Vehicle does not restart or takes extended time to restart; No warning lights appear; Hazard lights may not function after stall
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer blamed water in intake (owner disputes claim). One case required towing. Vehicle in several cases declared disabled and required recovery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed water ingestion (disputed by owner as no high water encountered). No other manufacturer response.
Vehicle fire / alternator overheating
Vehicle suddenly began smoking and caught fire while stopped at red light. Owner reports known recall for alternator overheating/short-circuiting issues. Car was only 20,000 miles old, all service done at certified Dodge shop. Manufacturer denied manufacturing defect despite recall.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden smoking; Fire outbreak within minutes; Total vehicle loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle consumed by flames; deemed total loss by insurance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied manufacturing defect despite known alternator recall related to overheating and thermal diode fatigue. No repair offered.
Ignition switch key release failure
Key fob became stuck in ignition switch and could not be removed. Ignition off position displayed ACCESSORIES message same as accessory position, raising fire/short circuit concerns. Battery change did not resolve. Required forceful extraction.
When: Unknown mileage; after vehicle returned from repairs and emissions testing
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob stuck in ignition; Ignition off position flashing ACCESSORIES; Concern about electrical short or fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic changed key fob battery (no effect). Forced fob to left to extract it from switch.
Transmission control module (TCM) failure
TCM illuminates warning; vehicle may not start without pumping brakes. Check engine light cycles rapidly. System status indicates TCM needs service or is out.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Fuel gauge fluctuation; TCM fault warning; Difficulty starting (requires brake pump)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates TCM service needed.
Transmission slipping into neutral during driving
Transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral while vehicle is in motion, eliminating ability to accelerate. Occurred during low-speed turn; nearly resulted in rear-end collision.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected neutral engagement; Loss of acceleration; Vehicle unable to move without restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer informed owner transmission replacement needed.
Pilot bearing failure and transmission shaft misalignment
Pilot bearing failure due to transmission shaft misalignment, causing vibrations in drive wheels and potential loss of traction.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vibrations in drive wheels; Potential loss of traction
Repairs/costs cited: Pilot bearing and transmission shaft alignment required.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
This car has been a complete nightmare, and the worst car I have ever owned. When I first bought it was taken to the shop within the first month and they replaced the oil sending unit, then this year when driving at highway speed and when accelerating with the RPM going above 3 the car would loose power. I took it to the shop again and they didn't fix it but updated the transmission which…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Dodge Challenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 23,400 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,400; a quarter make it past 68,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Dodge/Challenger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.