MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Dodge Challenger

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Dodge Challenger

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
57Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE DODGE CHALLENGER

The Dodge Challenger is a two-door rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe that has anchored the affordable American performance segment for well over a decade. Aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want old-school V8 character in a modern package, it competes against the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Our 2019-2023 coverage captures the final generation of this iconic nameplate before Dodge retired the gas-powered model.

VERDICT

The 2019 Dodge Challenger earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Challenger for its distinctive styling, strong powertrain options, and driver engagement, positioning it as the most spacious and characterful choice in the muscle-coupe segment. Most acknowledge that the platform is aging and that the driving dynamics and technology lag behind more modern competitors, though they tend to view the overall package as a compelling value for enthusiasts.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13552

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record11.5/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

5reported crash
3reported fire
4reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 16Unknown Or Other 14Wheels 11Steering 8Engine 7Power Train 7

Other Challenger years

Rivals in Coupe (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13552), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Dodge Challenger 2019. Class rank 8 of 9 in Coupe 2019. Methodology · Disclosure