The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Challenger powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Dodge Challenger have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 31,000 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
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Challenger | 8 |
| 2012 Challenger | 17 |
| 2013 Challenger | 16 |
| 2014 Challenger | 11 |
| 2015 Challenger (this page) | 28 |
| 2016 Challenger | 13 |
| 2017 Challenger | 5 |
| 2018 Challenger | 7 |
| 2019 Challenger | 6 |
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Dodge Challenger in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗Improper Up Shift With Paddle Shift This bulletin involves replacing both steering wheel paddle shifter. Customers may experience the following:When trying to upshift using the paddle shifter on the steering, the transmission will downshift instead.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Dodge Challenger powertrain shows widespread issues concentrated in the 8-speed automatic transmission, paddleshifters, and driveline. Owners report the transmission jerks harshly between gears, particularly at low speeds and during light acceleration. The right paddle shifter frequently downshifts multiple gears when the owner intends to upshift, creating abrupt deceleration that can startle occupants and mask the stop—a safety issue when following traffic or in wet conditions. Multiple owners have made repeated dealership visits (some documenting 4 to 8+ trips) without permanent resolution.
Transmission loss of power is another recurring complaint: vehicle drops into a limp-mode state and refuses Drive engagement until the driver cycles the shifter through Park, sometimes while stopped in traffic or mid-intersection. The driveshaft center-support bearing is failing early, typically between 49,000 and 110,000 miles, forcing replacement of the entire assembly (not just the bearing) at a cost exceeding $1,100; parts have been on backorder.
A 6.4L HEMI engine failed catastrophically at 56,000 miles with internal cylinder scoring and metal in the oil, requiring a $23,000+ long-block replacement outside of the 3-year warranty window. Electrical and cooling system faults—low battery voltage, battery saver mode, coolant spraying—have also been documented. One manual-transmission variant experienced clutch pressure-plate failure at 26,000 miles. Dodge and Stellantis have resisted goodwill repair, denied valve-body replacement even when dealers identified it as the culprit, and refused to acknowledge the widespread paddle-shifter defect despite owner forum documentation.
Same Dodge Challenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Paddle shifter malfunction—unintended downshifts
Right paddle shifter intermittently downshifts multiple gears instead of upshifting, or downshifts unexpectedly when held. Results in abrupt deceleration without brake lights and potential loss of control, especially in wet conditions or at highway speeds. Issue persists across multiple repair attempts and is widespread based on owner reports.
When: Since 30,000 miles; occurs intermittently throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Right paddle downshifts instead of upshifts; Abrupt multi-gear downshift causing sudden braking effect; Unexpected downshift when holding right paddle to enter automatic drive; Vehicle slams to near-stop, forcing occupants into seatbelts; No brake lights illuminate during unintended downshift; Vehicle slides in wet conditions during event
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visits (8+ documented) have failed to provide permanent fix. Paddle shifters replaced 3 times in one case; issue recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refuses to acknowledge forums discussing issue; claims issues handled individually per customer rather than as a pattern defect.
8-speed automatic transmission harsh shifting
Transmission exhibits severe, jerky upshifts and downshifts, particularly at low speeds and light acceleration/deceleration. Owners report bucking between gears, failure to enter 8th gear, and delayed engagement. Valve body identified as likely culprit in at least one case; Chrysler has denied replacement.
When: Immediate upon purchase; some cases present from 2,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh upshifts and downshifts at low speeds and light acceleration/deceleration; Bucking motion between gears; Failure to engage 8th gear in automatic mode; Transmission lag when shifting from Park to Drive; Forward jerk and popping noise when downshifting to 1st gear; Jerking and clunking noise from rear during gear shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission firmware updates applied; reduce but do not eliminate jerking. Valve body replacement requested but denied by Chrysler, which required 3,000 additional miles of driving before considering repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has denied valve body replacement; advised continuation of driving despite identified transmission dysfunction. Dodge offered one month of car payment as goodwill in one case after shift refusal.
Transmission loss of power and shift refusal
Vehicle loses all drive power while stationary or rolling, displays 'Shift to Park' message, and requires shifting to Park then back to Drive to restore function. Occurs in traffic and intersections, creating serious safety hazard. In one case, transmission refuses to accept Drive command without cycling through Park.
When: At low mileage (13,816 miles reported in one case); varies across ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of drive power while stopped or moving; Dash message instructing shift to Park then back to desired gear; Transmission will not engage Drive until cycled through Park; Red 'D' indicator flashing on gearshift; Loss of acceleration capability
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reports no prior knowledge of issue; unable to diagnose or repair in some cases.
Rear differential internal failure
Rear differential internally ruptures or fails catastrophically during normal driving, causing loss of vehicle control. Pump housing splits with no external damage visible. Issue recurred in at least one documented case even after repair.
When: 60 mph in one case; 98,000 miles in another; low-mileage vehicles affected
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or explosion from rear end; Loss of vehicle control; Differential pump housing split in two; Recurrence of failure after repair in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Differential replaced; failure recurred. Dealership communication was difficult.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recurrent failure provided rental vehicle.
Driveshaft center support bearing failure
Center support carrier bearing fails, causing driveshaft to drop and rub heat shield. Creates noise, vibration, and rear-end swaying with mobility issues. Bearing cannot be replaced in isolation; entire driveshaft assembly must be purchased. Parts on national backorder in several cases.
When: 49,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or vibrating noise from driveshaft; Driveshaft dropping and rubbing heat shield; Rear-end swaying; Mobility and handling issues; Unsafe-to-drive determination by mechanic
Repairs/costs cited: Entire driveshaft replacement required; cannot replace bearing alone. Cost exceeds $1,100. Parts unavailable due to national backorder status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised no recall applies. Dodge cited no parts availability.
Engine ticking and internal failure
Engine develops loud ticking noise, followed by check engine light and diagnosis of internal damage: cylinder wall scoring, metal contamination in oil, and misfire in affected cylinder. Requires complete engine long-block replacement. Occurs despite proper maintenance and factory components.
When: 56,000 miles; ticking began earlier, diagnosis at 56k
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise from engine; Check engine light illumination; Cylinder wall scoring on diagnostic inspection; Metal contamination in engine oil sample; Engine misfire (cylinder 3 identified)
Codes mentioned: P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Engine long-block replacement quoted at over $23,000. Dealership initially lubricated unspecified component as temporary measure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis customer care refused warranty assistance; vehicle out of 3-year window despite low mileage (56k miles). Dealership did not submit goodwill request.
Electrical system power loss and overheating
Vehicle experiences low battery voltage warning, battery saver mode activation, and engine smoking due to coolant spray. Shift lights remain illuminated with engine off and battery unplugged. Issue recurs after battery replacement. All factory components.
When: Mileage not specified; occurred within days of battery change in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Low battery voltage warning on instrument panel; Battery saver mode activation; Engine smoking; Coolant spraying and loss from engine compartment; Radio and navigation unable to turn off with engine off; Shift lights remain illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator suspected; new battery installed but issue recurred. Requires full diagnosis.
PCM failure affecting transmission control
PCM (powertrain control module) malfunction cascades to transmission control unit, preventing 1st gear engagement and causing harsh kicks in 5th gear. Check engine light illuminates. Recall repair did not resolve issue; second dealer gave false information and incorrectly diagnosed need for transmission replacement.
When: Timing relative to recall repair not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Won't engage 1st gear; Harsh kick and whiplash when entering 5th gear; Check engine light illumination; PCM deterioration affecting transmission shifting
Repairs/costs cited: PCM recall repair attempted at two dealers; neither resolved issue. Second dealer gave incorrect diagnostic information.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for PCM; repair ineffective.
Clutch pressure plate failure (manual transmission)
Clutch fails to operate, causing vehicle to stall without warning. Defective pressure plate identified inside clutch assembly. Affects manual-transmission variant.
When: 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch failure during operation; Unexpected stall at 35 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Defective pressure plate identified; vehicle pending repair at dealer.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The transmission has very harsh downshifts when lightly braking or coasting to a stop. The transmission stays engaged and bogs down the car, then frees up suddenly, causing the vehicle to lunge forward. There is an audible clunk from the rear end when this happens. On several occasions it's almost LED to fender benders with the cars in front of me.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,816 and 49,700 miles, with the median around 31,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,816; a quarter make it past 49,700. 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/2015/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.