NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Dodge Challenger Safety Ratings
The 2020 Dodge Challenger scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Dodge Challenger achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall rating from NHTSA, anchoring its strong safety profile. This model year also demonstrated a low recall burden, with only one recall issued. These factors contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, positioning it firmly in the Strong safety band.
The 2020 Dodge Challenger AWD coupe received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 9 Coupes from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Dodge Challenger ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 7 of 9 Coupes tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Dodge Challenger?
The 2020 Dodge Challenger marks a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing from 77/100 in the Average band for 2019 to 83/100 in the Strong band for 2020, a gain of 6 points. That improvement is anchored by strong crash-protection scoring: the model earns 61 out of a possible 70 points in that sub-category, the heaviest component of the index. The 5-star overall and 5-star side ratings from NHTSA reinforce that structural performance. The weakest dimension this year is crash-avoidance technology, which contributes only 4.5 out of 10 possible points. Forward collision warning is optional rather than standard, and lane departure warning is entirely absent on this configuration. Electronic stability control is standard, providing a baseline active-safety floor. The defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 reflects the single windshield recall, a visibility concern rather than a powertrain or structural failure. With 20 owner complaints on file, the complaint volume is modest, though the reported electrical and engine allegations are worth noting when inspecting a used example.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?
For the 2020 Dodge Challenger AWD coupe, side protection stands out, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance contributes to an overall 5 out of 5 star safety rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The Challenger AWD coupe demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk in testing, with a "No Tip" dynamic tip test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14237
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers this model year. It targets the windshield, specifically a manufacturing defect affecting visibility on certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD21V516000
Risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.
Reported 2021-07-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Dodge Challenger?
Twenty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged incidents of 1 crash and 1 fire, with no reported injuries or deaths. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System, Engine, and Unknown or Other categories. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Dodge Challenger?
Before purchasing a used 2020 Dodge Challenger, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the windshield visibility recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a 6-year-old vehicle is a concrete safety item, not a minor paperwork formality.
- The 2020 model year Safety Index rose 6 points over 2019, moving from the Average band into the Strong band, driven primarily by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70.
- NHTSA's windshield visibility recall is the sole recall campaign on record for this model year and covers a manufacturing defect shared with 2021 Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles.
- Crash-avoidance technology scored only 4.5 out of 10 in the index breakdown because forward collision warning is optional and lane departure warning is not available on this AWD coupe configuration.
- Twenty unverified NHTSA complaints include allegations of 1 crash and 1 fire, with Electrical System complaints representing the single largest reported category at 7 of the 20 total filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Dodge Challenger places
The 2020 Dodge Challenger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Dodge Challenger safety questions
Was the 2020 Dodge Challenger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Dodge Challenger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Dodge Challenger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Dodge Challenger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Dodge Challenger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Dodge Challenger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Ford Mustang Gt350r | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 5 |
| 2020 Subaru BRZ | 84/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota 86 | 84/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 83/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14237), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Challenger 2020.
- 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 7 of 9 in the Coupe class for 2020.
- 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.