No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Challenger powertrain problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 report a cluster of powertrain failures across the 2014 Challenger. Transmission failures result in sudden loss of acceleration or complete non-responsiveness; one owner brought the car to the dealer three times in 2019 under warranty citing driving concerns, but dealership inspections found nothing. The transmission failed after warranty expired, and Chrysler refused replacement, claiming the owner hadn't explicitly said "transmission."
Engine ticking—described as loud valve train clatter at 1800 RPM and above—shows up in brand-new cars. Dealers initially claim it's normal break-in, then run diagnostics. Lifter tabs get removed, oil switches to full synthetic, but the noise persists. Chrysler's response: it's "a function of vehicle design," not a defect. One owner gathered 60+ HEMI owners with identical complaints.
Rear differential issues manifest as clunking in stop-and-go traffic and hard shifting at low speeds. The dealer replaced the valve body and reset transmission learning; problem stays. Owners worry the binding could lock up the rear end during traffic.
Two unrelated but serious reports describe unintended acceleration and brake failure—one resulted in a crash, injuries, and airbag deployment. Another involved cruise control that wouldn't disengage, accelerating from 65 to 114 mph. Neither was fully investigated or repaired.
A recall for alternator failure sits incomplete; no replacement parts available months after issue was known. An oil filter housing leaks at 50,000 miles.
Same Dodge Challenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure / loss of acceleration
Complete loss of transmission function resulting in inability to accelerate or shift, requiring replacement.
When: Variable mileage; complaint #1 at undisclosed mileage after warranty expiration in 2020; complaint #8 at 73,300 miles; complaint #9 at undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stopped accelerating at intersection; Failed to respond to accelerator pedal; Loss of power while entering highway; Jerking and lack of acceleration with redlined RPMs; Vehicle would not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Owners report dealership inspections in 2019 failed to identify deteriorating transmission despite multiple visits under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused warranty assistance claiming lack of notice; owners dispute this, stating they reported poor driving dynamics. Manufacturer recommended drive-along diagnostic in complaint #8 but made no repairs.
Engine ticking/valve train noise
Persistent engine ticking or clatter audible inside the vehicle, attributed to valve train design but causing customer dissatisfaction.
When: Present on brand-new vehicle delivery (complaint #2); early mileage 5,000 miles (complaint #3)
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking sound at 1800 RPM and above; Loud valve train clatter inside cabin; Noise gets louder with mileage; Annoying and embarrassing for drivers and passengers
Codes mentioned: STAR CASE (undisclosed reference numbers)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: Tabs removed from lifters at assembly, oil changed to SRT Penzoil 0W40 synthetic (Chrysler-authorized, billed to Chrysler for 5 years). Complaint #3: Lifters replaced by dealer at 5,000 miles—no resolution. Both cases remain unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler states ticking is 'a function of vehicle design' and not a defect covered under warranty. STAR case review confirmed 'slight valve train noise/clatter is characteristic of HEMIs.' Some customers reportedly received engine replacements or full vehicle replacements; others are refused service. Complaint #2 mentions 60 other affected HEMI 5.7 owners.
Rear differential binding and hard shifting
Clunking noise and hard shifting from rear differential with reported shift binding, creating safety concern of sudden lockup during traffic.
When: Present on drive home from dealer purchase; complaint #5 documents ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking in rear end during stop-and-go traffic; Hard shifting at approximately 1500 RPM; Vehicle lurches when slowing and reengaging gas at 30–40 MPH; Shift binding in rear differential
Codes mentioned: STAR CENTER diagnosis: shift binding in rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced valve body and reset transmission shift adaptive learning. Problem persists. Owner expresses concern that rear differential locking could cause sudden, dangerous stops in traffic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirms the condition meets factory specifications despite continued complaints and inadequate resolution.
Unintended acceleration / loss of braking
Vehicle accelerating without driver input or failing to brake, resulting in crash and injury.
When: Complaint #6 at 61,000 miles; complaint #4 at 91,099 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Independent acceleration while exiting driveway at 20 MPH; Vehicle accelerated 3/4 mile downhill with non-responsive brakes; Unable to shift gears to slow vehicle; Cruise control failed to disengage when brake pedal depressed; RPMs increased to 114 MPH when cruise engaged at 65 MPH; Vehicle then accelerated and decelerated simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure suspected in complaint #4, Alternator Generator Regulator failure identified in complaint #4
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #6: Vehicle crashed into trees; airbags deployed; driver sustained bruises, back/neck injuries; towed but not diagnosed or repaired. Complaint #4: Independent mechanic identified PCM and alternator regulator failure; not repaired by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #4: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in NHTSA campaigns 18E053000 (vehicle speed control) or 17V741000 (electrical system); provided case number 64720021. Complaint #6: Neither dealer nor manufacturer notified.
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control failing to disengage when brakes applied, leading to uncontrolled acceleration.
When: Complaint #4 at 91,099 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control did not disengage when brake pedal depressed; RPMs increased and vehicle accelerated from 65 MPH to 114 MPH; After disengaging cruise, vehicle continued to accelerate and decelerate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Control Module failure, Alternator Generator Regulator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to independent mechanic; PCM and alternator regulator identified as failed. Vehicle not repaired by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not covered under NHTSA campaigns 18E053000 or 17V741000; provided case number 64720021.
Alternator failure (P60 recall)
Known alternator defect subject to recall but with extended delays in parts availability.
When: Complaint #7 reports recall issued end of November (year unspecified); issue known since July of prior year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle could stall at any time without warning; Concern for unintended stalling on interstate highways
Repairs/costs cited: Recall part unavailable; no timeline provided by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued recall (P60 alternator) end of November; however, no replacement parts available at time of complaint. Recall hotline stated unable to provide ETA on parts. Owner expresses frustration over months-long delay in parts availability.
Engine whine and hesitation
Intermittent whining noise and hesitation on acceleration reported as normal by dealer.
When: Complaint #10 timing undisclosed
Symptoms owners cite: Whine that comes and goes as vehicle cruises; Hesitation upon start from a stop; Engine ticking from engine bay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated whine and ticking are normal conditions. Owner working with Dodge directly with no resolution.
Oil filter housing leak
Oil leak from plastic oil filter housing.
When: Complaint #11 at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from housing oil filter
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing part number 68105583AF identified as plastic construction.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Brand new car delivered had a ticking sound only while driving at aprox 1800 RPM's and above.. Complained to dealer and was told "normal" for new car until engine break-in. Weeks later star case [xxx] performed on car to remove tabs left on lifters at engine assembly. Tabs removed, no relief from ticking. Chrysler rep authorized dealer to change regular oil to srt penzoil 0w40 full synthetic…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 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?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 51,197 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2014/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.