2017 Dodge Challenger Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 49 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 3 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger receives a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 49 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 3 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 6,000 miles (IQR: 6,000 – 6,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
8.9 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
3 Active / Free Remedies
2017 Challenger Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The 8.4 Uconnect radio controls many aspects of the vehicle including hands free communications. When a communication device is paired to the system, at a random time, the device becomes unpaired and hands free communication becomes unusable. Additionally, at a random time, wh...”
“8.4" touchscreen delaminating, causing ghost touches, which is changing my steering , timing, wipers, headlights, and suspension. The radio is going through stations, inputs, i can not use my android auto or use gps, all of my settings. It is very much a safety concern!”
“My 2017 Dodge Challenger has an 8.4 UConnect touch screen that is experiencing the common delamination defect. There are no warning lights or codes, and my car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It is currently available for inspection, but as it...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The 8.4 Uconnect radio controls many aspects of the vehicle including hands free communications. When a communication device is paired to the system, at a random time, the device becomes unpaired and hands free communication becomes unusable. Additionally, at a random time, wh...”
“Dear [NHTSA / Indiana Attorney General], I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my vehicle, a 2017 Dodge Challenger, purchased on ... from Wetzel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Richmond, Indiana). Six months after purchase, the steering column failed, leaving ...”
“8.4" touchscreen delaminating, causing ghost touches, which is changing my steering , timing, wipers, headlights, and suspension. The radio is going through stations, inputs, i can not use my android auto or use gps, all of my settings. It is very much a safety concern!”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“2017 Dodge Challenger 392. my radiator fan motor seized, causing the fan blades to explode sending plastic pieces into the radiator and other fuel lines. The fuel lines were my biggest concern because of fire. however, it did not. Next the repairs at a certified Dodge dealersh...”
“The front suspension has a problem and the engine oil cooler has a leak”
“I took my car to the mechanic because the car was leaking radiator fluid. In testing the car he found that the head gasket had blown. He confirmed this with a hydrocarbon test. The car has 72,000 miles on it. I am the original owner. After saving the money to get the head gask...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Driveshaft carrier bearing out at 28,000 miles of use. Common problem. Needs a recall.”
“The LCD of the uconnect control panel has progressively continued to delaminated since about 12-18 months after purchasing. Recently it has become a driving hazard. It presses the screen at random, which has changed the engine performance mode while driving and engaged the man...”
“2017 Dodge Challenger GT, very well maintained. About two months ago, I would hear chimes but no messages popping up. A few days after this started happening, I am driving on the parkway and then ACC MODE flashed on the message center behind the wheel, but then went away very ...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“2017 Dodge Challenger GT, very well maintained. About two months ago, I would hear chimes but no messages popping up. A few days after this started happening, I am driving on the parkway and then ACC MODE flashed on the message center behind the wheel, but then went away very ...”
“When stepping on the throttle to quickly merge into traffic it delays a few seconds and after removing foot off gas pedal it continues to accelerate and sticks for a few seconds. Which requires me to brake. This is Not SAFE!! The dealer has never heard of this problem but it i...”
“COMPUTERAPPS ON DISPLAY SCREEN CONSTANTLY RESETTING ITSELF, FREEZES UP CONSTANTLY AND CANNOT TURN DOWN OR OFF RADIO OR ANY OTHER FEATURES UNTIL IT RESETS ITSELF . BACK UP CAMERA TERRIBLE WHEN IN USE AT NIGHT SCREENS BLURRY AND BRIGHT RED FROM BACK UP OR BRAKE LIGHTS. BACK UP C...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“My Service airbag system light keeps coming on and I have done everything to fix it but the light still comes on.”
“My airbags failed to deploy in a head on collision with a jeeps enormous tail hitch that was shaped like a hook. This is definitely something worth looking into. My safety was compromised due to the airbags not deploying and because of this fault I’m experiencing neck/shoulder...”
“Seat belt buckles have stop locking on drivers side and back seat belt after putting a carseat in the back. Front end driver side sounds like a crinkled noise and steering wheel feels like car wants to go a different direction then you actually turn.”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 5.7L V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission may not remain in the PARK position if that gear is selected, the engine is still running, and the driver exits the vehicle exited.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 Dodge Challenger
Before purchasing a used 2017 Dodge Challenger, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 Dodge Challenger
Is the 2017 Dodge Challenger a reliable used car?
The 2017 Dodge Challenger earns a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 49 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 6,000 miles (IQR: 6,000 – 6,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
Yes, the NHTSA records 3 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.