NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Dodge Challenger Safety Ratings
The 2021 Dodge Challenger scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Dodge Challenger achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in our Strong band. This assessment reflects the coupe's robust performance in crash testing, balanced against its more limited suite of active-avoidance technologies. This rating indicates that while the Challenger provides substantial physical protection in the event of a collision, its electronic safety features are less comprehensive.
The 2021 Dodge Challenger received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 7 Coupes from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Dodge Challenger ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 7 of 7 Coupes tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
The 2021 Dodge Challenger achieves an Overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100, maintaining its position in the Strong safety band despite a three-point decrease from the 2020 model year's 83. This decline is largely attributable to its performance in avoidance technology. The vehicle’s crash protection is robust, reflected in a sub-score of 61 out of 70. This underpins the 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star rating for side impact protection. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score registers only 4.5 out of 10. Forward collision warning is available as an option, but not standard equipment, and lane departure warning is entirely absent from the model. Electronic stability control is standard across the line. This deficiency in advanced driver-assistance systems is a defining factor for the 2021 model's safety profile. Regarding its defect record, the Challenger earned a sub-score of 14.5 out of 20, reflecting two recall campaigns issued in mid-2021. One addressed issues with instrument cluster warning lights, and the other concerned a manufacturing defect in the windshield. The data indicates strong passive safety measures for the 2021 Challenger, but a reliance on driver vigilance rather than electronic aids for incident prevention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side-impact protection received the agency's highest mark at 5 stars. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 stars; the rollover risk for the Challenger was assessed at 11 percent, with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16003
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Dodge Challenger. The first targets the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster, where safety system status indicators reportedly fail to illuminate. The second, a multi-model campaign, addresses the windshield, citing a manufacturing concern. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL21V664000
Risk: Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y58.
Reported 2021-08-26
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 2021 Dodge Challenger?
Eighteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Challenger, including alleged incidents involving 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. Top components named in unverified allegations include Air Bags, Power Train, Electrical System, and Engine. These are consumer-reported allegations, not established facts.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
The 2021 Challenger presents a specific safety concern regarding its recall record. Prospective buyers must verify the completion of two imperative safety-related recalls: one for the instrument cluster and another for the windshield. These recalls transfer with the vehicle to new owners, making it essential to utilize the NHTSA VIN lookup tool to confirm that these remedies have been performed on any individual unit under consideration.
- The 2021 model year carries two active recall campaigns covering the instrument cluster warning-light system and the windshield, both issued in mid-2021 by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC). VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential for any used purchase.
- The Safety Index dropped three points from 83 in 2020 to 80 in 2021, driven largely by an avoidance-tech sub-score of just 4.5 out of 10, reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and no lane departure warning on this model year.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave the 2021 Challenger a perfect 5-star side-impact score and a 5-star overall, but frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars, with rollover risk quantified at 11 percent.
- Eighteen unverified owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this model year include alleged reports touching Air Bags, Power Train, Electrical System, and Engine components, with the most recent allegation filed in 2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Dodge Challenger places
The 2021 Dodge Challenger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Dodge Challenger safety questions
Was the 2021 Dodge Challenger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Dodge Challenger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2021 Dodge Challenger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Dodge Challenger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Dodge Challenger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 | 90/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Lt1 | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16003), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Challenger 2021.
- 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 7 in the Coupe class for 2021.
- 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.