MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Dodge Challenger

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Dodge Challenger Safety Ratings

The 2023 Dodge Challenger scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 40 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

2Recalls
40Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2023 Dodge Challenger achieved an overall five-star crash test rating from NHTSA, contributing to its Strong NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100. This is further supported by a clean record of zero reported crash-related injuries. However, two active recall campaigns warrant attention and resolution prior to operation.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 11 Coupes from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Dodge Challenger ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 Dodge Challenger safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index84 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk11.1%
Recalls on file2
Owner complaints40 (unverified allegations)
Class rank7 of 11 Coupes tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Dodge Challenger?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger moved one point forward from the 2022 model's index of 83/100 to reach 84/100, holding firmly in the Strong band. That incremental gain is modest but consistent, and the underlying numbers explain the score clearly. Crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the five-star overall and five-star side ratings from NHTSA. The two four-star results, frontal and rollover, are the visible ceiling on that sub-score. Avoidance technology is the measurable weakness: at 4.5 out of 10 points, the 2023 Challenger's tech profile reflects a platform where forward collision warning is optional rather than standard and lane departure warning is not available at all. Electronic stability control is standard, which preserves some credit. The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 is a genuine strength for this year, despite the two recall campaigns, and the absence of any alleged crashes or injuries in the forty owner complaints reinforces that picture. The 2023 model year is the final production run of this generation, and the recall activity, both campaigns issued after the model year closed, is the most operationally relevant safety detail for anyone evaluating this specific vehicle.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Dodge Challenger perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger secured a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with side protection emerging as a particular strength, achieving a perfect five stars in its test suite. Frontal impact and rollover resistance both earned four stars. The rollover risk was assessed at eleven percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19354

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record18/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: Not AvailableStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?

Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Challenger. The first targets seat-back integrity: the left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position, creating an occupant safety risk. The second addresses the parking brake, which may be improperly adjusted on certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but both warrant prompt VIN verification.

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V573000

Risk: A seat back that is not locked into position can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and adjust the seat back latch striker as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 38B.

Reported 2024-08-01

PARKING BRAKE24V112000

Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will properly adjust the parking brake, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 01B.

Reported 2024-02-15

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Dodge Challenger?

Forty unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Challenger. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Visibility and Wipers with twelve reports, followed by Unknown or Other at ten, Service Brakes at six, Electrical System at five, and Engine and Structure at four each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.

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

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsVisibility/Wiper 12Unknown Or Other 10Service Brakes 6Electrical System 5Engine 4Structure 4

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Dodge Challenger?

Two recalls have been issued for the 2023 Challenger, addressing both the seat-back and parking-brake systems. Shoppers considering this model year should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that these campaigns have been remedied, as unresolved recalls transfer with ownership and are completed at no cost by authorized dealers.

  • The 2023 model year carries two open recall campaigns, one for a left rear seat back that may not lock upright and one for a potentially improperly adjusted parking brake, both issued after the model year ended.
  • NHTSA awarded the 2023 Challenger a five-star overall and five-star side rating, with four-star results in frontal and rollover categories and an eleven-percent rollover risk measurement.
  • The avoidance-technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is not available on this model year and forward collision warning requires an optional upgrade rather than coming standard.
  • Forty unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Visibility and Wipers the most frequently alleged category at twelve reports, and zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among all forty.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Dodge Challenger places

The 2023 Dodge Challenger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2023 Dodge Challenger safety questions

Was the 2023 Dodge Challenger crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Dodge Challenger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2023 Dodge Challenger crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Dodge Challenger have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Dodge Challenger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Dodge Challenger?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Dodge Challenger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Challenger years

Rivals in Coupe (2023)

Safest Coupe rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Ford Mustang GT 50092/1005 of 50
2023 Ford Mustang87/1005 of 56
2023 Dodge Challenger Awd86/1005 of 50
2023 Chevrolet Camaro Lt1 Without Recaro85/1005 of 50
2023 Chevrolet Camaro Ss Without Recaro85/1005 of 50
2023 Chevrolet Camaro Without Recaro85/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19354), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Challenger 2023.
  • 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 11 in the Coupe class for 2023.
  • 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.