NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Dodge Challenger Safety Ratings
The 2019 Dodge Challenger scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 57 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Dodge Challenger 2DR AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, positioning it in the Average safety band. While the vehicle demonstrates strong performance in its crash-test scores, these are offset by a modest rating in avoidance technology and a record of three recalls. This combination indicates a reasonable, but not exceptional, safety profile.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger 2DR AWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 9 Coupes from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Dodge Challenger ranks 8 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 57 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 9 Coupes tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
The 2019 Dodge Challenger 2DR AWD achieves a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, contributing significantly to its 77 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score. This strong performance in crash protection, accounting for 61 of a possible 70 points, is further bolstered by a "no tip" dynamic rollover risk result. However, the vehicle's active safety features show a notable deficiency. The absence of lane departure warning and the optional nature of forward collision warning limit its avoidance technology score to 4.5 out of 10. The defect record, scoring 11.5 out of 20, is impacted by three recall campaigns. One recall addresses the brake and wheel package directly, while another concerns the electrical instrument cluster, a component critical for driver awareness of vehicle status. The 2019 Challenger 2DR AWD demonstrates robust passive safety; its safety index is constrained by its limited suite of standard driver-assistance features.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Dodge Challenger achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Notably, it secured a perfect 5-star rating for side impact protection. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Challenger's rollover risk stands at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with no tip, a favorable outcome for a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13552
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. One addresses an incompatible front wheel and brake package, a direct safety concern. A second involves the instrument cluster failing to properly display warnings. A third, delivered as an over-the-air software fix, targets a backup camera sensing system shared with other FCA vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
SERVICE BRAKES19V758000
Risk: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Reported 2019-10-24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V203000
Risk: Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
Reported 2019-03-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
Fifty-seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged 5 crashes and 3 fires. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System with 16 reports, Unknown or Other with 14, and Wheels with 11, followed by Steering, Engine, and Power Train.
57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
Anyone shopping this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. All three recall campaigns, including the brake package and instrument cluster issues, may or may not have been completed by the current owner. Confirm remedy status in writing before finalizing any transaction.
- The 2019 model year carries a specific recall for an incompatible front wheel and brake package installed at the factory, a hardware issue that distinguishes this year from surrounding model years.
- The instrument cluster recall unique to 2019 Challenger and Charger vehicles means warning displays may have failed to function correctly, a condition that should be confirmed as remedied via VIN lookup.
- Forward collision warning is only an optional feature on this 2019 AWD configuration, not standard equipment, meaning many examples on the used market may lack it entirely.
- With 57 reported complaints including 16 alleged to involve the Electrical System, prospective buyers should ask specifically about electrical history, keeping in mind these are unverified consumer allegations to NHTSA, not established defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Dodge Challenger places
The 2019 Dodge Challenger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Dodge Challenger safety questions
Was the 2019 Dodge Challenger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Dodge Challenger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Dodge Challenger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Dodge Challenger earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Dodge Challenger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Dodge Challenger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 57 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Dodge Challenger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Challenger years
Rivals in Coupe (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Mustang Gt350r | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2019 Ford Mustang | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Subaru BRZ | 83/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13552), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Challenger 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 8 of 9 in the Coupe class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.