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 ↗2016 Dodge Challenger powertrain problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 8 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.
Water Drips Onto The Accessory Drive Belt and Freezes. Drive Belt May Come Off Pulleys Due To Ice
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗RFH Security Flash Update Not Available On Manual Transmission Challengers
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Dodge Challengers report a pattern of powertrain failures across the driveline. Clunking noises during downshifting between 3–6 mph and when shifting from Park to Drive appear as early as 500 miles on new vehicles and persist despite dealer visits. Driveshaft issues are significant: one owner describes the carrier bearing disintegrating, leaving the shaft unsupported and bouncing in the tunnel—a potential safety hazard if it breaks. Another reported driveshaft failure at 58,000 miles.
One owner experienced a catastrophic transmission failure at low speed that caused the vehicle to catch fire and burn to the ground. The engine wouldn't turn off, shifter was stuck, and transmission fluid leaked heavily. Chrysler claimed nothing was wrong and rejected the warranty claim.
Additional complaints include squealing and slipping during slow turns (persisting even after a powertrain recall), transmission sticking in gear requiring synchro replacement at 41K miles and clutch work shortly after, and rear differential grinding. Brake problems coupled with transmission clunking suggest interaction between systems. One owner's vehicle was damaged when a dealership removed differential plugs during service and failed to reinstall them, leaving the assembly loose.
Dealers consistently report inability to diagnose issues, duplicate problems, or source parts. Manufacturer case numbers were opened but failures went unrepaired in several instances.
Same Dodge Challenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Driveline clunk and transmission clunking during gear shifts
Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Drive to Park, and when downshifting to a stop. Occurs between 3–6 MPH during downshift and can happen when driving downhill. Multiple owners report it as a new vehicle issue with low mileage.
When: From 500 miles to 16,000 miles; occurs consistently during downshift or gear transitions
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise when shifting gears; Noise when coming to a stop between 3–6 MPH; Clunk when downshifting; Noise when driving downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure or find loose components. Driveshaft replacement confirmed needed at one dealership but parts unavailable; another owner paid $2,500 for drivetrain replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case numbers opened (32657810 and 32920890); failure not repaired at dealer. Owner requested recall or TSB.
Driveshaft carrier bearing failure
Center carrier bearing on two-piece driveshaft disintegrates, leaving the driveshaft unsupported and bouncing inside the tunnel. Presents risk of driveshaft breaking and flying out from under the vehicle or dropping toward the front, potentially causing loss of control.
When: Timing not stated in narratives; described as occurring in many 2016 Dodge Challengers
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft bounces inside tunnel; No warning lights; Potential for driveshaft to break or drop
Crankshaft damper outer bond failure
Center bond of crankshaft damper separates and falls off the front of HEMI engines, typically at highway speeds. Causes a 10 lb metal piece to become a projectile. Engine loses vibration dampening and is at risk of failure.
When: Occurs at highway speeds; timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Damper outer bond separates and falls off; No warning lights; Loss of vibration dampening; Risk of engine failure
Transmission failure with fire
Transmission failure at low speed caused loud bang, dragging sensation, smoke, and flames. Vehicle became inoperable (would not turn off, shifter stuck, Run light blinking). Transmission fluid leaked heavily. Vehicle caught fire and was a total loss.
When: Low mileage; failure occurred at approximately 15 MPH from a red light
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from under vehicle; Dragging sensation; Engine would not turn off; Shifter P blinking; Run light blinking; Smoke from under hood; Flames from vehicle; Heavy transmission fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled by fire; unable to inspect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler inspected vehicle but claimed nothing was wrong and stated fires happen. Warranty claim rejected.
Squealing and slipping during low-speed turns
Distinctive screeching or squealing sound during slow turns or slight inclines, with sensation of slipping (like burning rubber or braking while accelerating). Occurs most at low speed with light throttle. Traction control button stopped working after powertrain recall update. Issue persists 80% of the time after powertrain update, down from continuous occurrence.
When: Began before powertrain recall; 1.5–2 years of occurrence before complaint. At 30K+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Distinctive screeching/squealing sound; Sensation of slipping or burning rubber; Occurs during low-speed turns or inclines; Inconsistent after powertrain update; Slight lag in acceleration after powertrain update; Traction control button non-functional after update; No error codes found by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Powertrain recall/update performed; reduced frequency but did not resolve issue. Two Nissan dealerships unable to find error codes or diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain recall/update performed; issue persisted at 80% frequency after update.
Transmission synchro and clutch plate wear
Transmission sticks in gear when parked or driving. Synchros replaced at 41K miles; by 49K miles, clutch plate replacement needed. Creates safety risk when unable to shift in or out of gear while driving.
When: Synchro failure at 41K miles; clutch plate failure at 49K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Car sticks in gear when parked; Car sticks in gear when driving; Unable to shift in or out of gear while driving; Near-accident situations
Repairs/costs cited: Synchros replaced at 41K miles; clutch plate replacement required at 49K miles.
Rear differential grinding noise
Grinding noise from rear differential when making turns.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge issued STAR number and repaired previously.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge issued STAR number and performed repair.
Driveshaft failure at low mileage
Driveshaft failed and nearly snapped at 58,000 miles.
When: 58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft failure; Near separation from mount
Brake fade and premature wear with transmission noise
Brakes failed to stop vehicle in timely manner; squeaking noises suggest premature brake pad wear. Accompanied by clunking noise during gear shifts and when driving downhill. Dealer replaced brake pads and rotors twice, but failure recurred.
When: Approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes squeaking; Brakes failed to stop in timely manner; Premature brake pad wear; Clunking noise during gear shifts; Clunking noise when driving downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads and rotors replaced twice; failure recurred. Transmission clunking unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case numbers 30285247 and 31041577 opened for brakes; manufacturer investigator stated brakes not in need of repair. Case numbers 32657810 and 32920890 opened for transmission; dealer unable to duplicate failure and vehicle not repaired.
Service check engine warning with bogging and engine overheating
Service now indicator illuminated. Engine bogs down when in gear. Engine runs extremely hot.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Service now warning light; Engine bogging down in gear; Excessive engine heat
Airbag warning light without diagnosis
Airbag warning indicator illuminated. Dealer unable to diagnose failure.
When: Approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose; vehicle returned unrepaired.
Dealership service negligence causing differential hazard
After borescope inspection of rear differential, critical differential plugs were removed and not reinstalled. Multiple fasteners missing. Differential assembly left loose and movable by hand. Created risk of fluid loss, overheating, drivetrain failure, and loss of vehicle control. Documented with photos and video evidence.
When: During or immediately after service
Symptoms owners cite: Differential plugs missing; Fasteners missing; Differential assembly loose; Risk of fluid loss; Risk of drivetrain failure; Risk of loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Issue confirmed by independent repair facility; photos and video evidence available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requests NHTSA investigation of service negligence as potential safety issue.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. Also, whenever the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes made a squeaking noise as if they were prematurely wearing. The contact stated that the brakes failed to stop the vehicle in a timely manner. The vehicle also made a clunking noise as if metal were touching whenever the gears…
Was taking off from a red light, got to about 15 MPH and there was a loud bang and I felt it from under the car. It then felt like I was dragging something under the car, but that couldn't be as I was behind another car and if there were something in the road, they would have hit it. I managed to pull over to the side of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it off. It wouldn't turn off…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 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 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 30,000 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/2016/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.