What 49 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Dodge Challenger

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, when the steering wheel communication button is pressed, the voice prompt announces "SIRI not connected". At that point, hands-free communication is not possible. It should be noted that SIRI is an Apple device feature. I have never used nor connected an Apple device to the system. The radio was dealership replaced in 2021 under partial goodwill coverage and partial cost to me. During my last dealership visit, I noted the issues and asked the service department to check the system software for updates. They verified that the software was already up to date. Additionally which is a minor safety issue, when communication device pairings are lost, other system settings are lost including all of the radio presets. At that point, communication pairings and system settings must be re-done. These issues are noted on several Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Ram and Jeep forums. To view the forum posts regarding these issues, Google search using the term "8.4 unconnect problems". Many functions of this vehicle are controlled through the radio head. Random failures of the head including vehicle hands-free communication operation are critical to highway safety.

NHTSA ODI 11689737

Dear [NHTSA / Indiana Attorney General], I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my vehicle, a 2017 Dodge Challenger, purchased on [XXX] from Wetzel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Richmond, Indiana). Six months after purchase, the steering column failed, leaving the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealership confirmed the repair cost at $4,500 but refused assistance, and Stellantis has also declined support despite the fact that this is a critical safety component necessary to control the vehicle. This defect poses a significant risk of sudden steering loss while driving, endangering both myself and others on the road. I respectfully request that your office review this matter for potential manufacturer accountability, safety recall investigation, or consumer protection enforcement. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11684151

My Service airbag system light keeps coming on and I have done everything to fix it but the light still comes on.

NHTSA ODI 11677638

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 dealership cost me over $5,500. in damages to repair. This is a very known issue with Dodge SRT models. Furthermore, not even a month later the other fan seized and exploded apart, once again causing complete failure of my 1 month old radiator, causing another $5,000 in damages to repair. THIS is a very well known issue on forums across the USA. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11676473

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!

NHTSA ODI 11674937

The front suspension has a problem and the engine oil cooler has a leak

NHTSA ODI 11657907

Airbags did not deploying after passenger side impact

NHTSA ODI 11639206

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 gasket done. I was driving the car around when it began to to run poorly. At idle it was running very badly. I took it back to the mechanic to see what this issue was. After doing some testing they started to take the camshaft out of the car. It came out in 2 pieces. My car has the 3.6 in it. There is a class action lawsuit for this issue but because whatever part was linked to the lawsuit was not installed in my car I am not entitled to the fix. There are many more people with the same issue with the 3.6 liter Pentastar motor that I have had to go through after doing a bunch of research. This car is my dream car. I have taken excellent care of her. She has gotten oil changes religiously. I am at a complete loss as to how a camshaft can break. I have attached pictures of the camshaft and at the break you can see where there are defects in the metal causing it to break in two.

NHTSA ODI 11623878

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 has escalated to a safety concern I do not know how long I can keep it in the car. The screen started delaminating 4 years ago, conveniently months after the car was no longer under the 3 year warranty. In 2020 the dealer charged me the $150 diagnostic fee, and then told me the only thing to do was spend another $1500 to replace the unit. The delamination is happening due to known manufacturer errors in the glue used, and is not exacerbated by owner misuse. After 4 years, the delaminating has spread to over half of the screen and "ghost touches" have increased in frequency so much that they have passed inconvenient/cosmetic and have become dangerous. The touch screen holds more than entertainment and comfort settings, it is also how performance features, and safety features are accessed. These ghost touches started as just changing the radio station, but now opens the performance app, which can not be used while in drive. It will also commonly call the SOS number. If this is activated, it will attempt an SOS call every 60 seconds and there is no way to shut it off. This is distracting to the point of danger at 75 MPH on the interstate. I would be less distracted using a cell phone than trying to ignore a screen flitting to something different every 2 seconds. The NHTSA defines distracted driving as "any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving." I am not distracted by my own poor choices, a recall needs to be made to protect the drivers of these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11613482

Driveshaft carrier bearing out at 28,000 miles of use. Common problem. Needs a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11608777

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 manual transmission option while driving. It has made over 40+ phone calls in the past month and has dialed emergency sos services least once. I am now forced to repair the screen myself because no recall has been issued for defective LCD screens.

NHTSA ODI 11574543

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 quickly - I could not see what else the message was trying to indicate. This happened several times on the trip home from work. Otherwise, the car drove without an issue. A few days later, on a Sunday, I am driving and the check engine light comes on. I bring it to Auto Zone and get a reading of thermostat erratic. Bring it to the mechanic the next day on Monday, who gets the same reading. He calls me to say after replacing the part, it was "throwing really weird erratic codes" & asked if I would approve a temperature sensor, thinking that might fix the issue, which I did. Drove the car home and then to work the next day on Tuesday with no issue. Wednesday morning, I back out of the driveway because I am working home that day & my husband needs to get to work. Waiting in front of the house with my foot on the brake, as he leaves, I do not take my foot off the brake but instead lift off a little but still keep pressure on it to slowly turn the wheel and roll into the driveway. As this happens, with foot still on brake, I see ACC MODE flash on the screen, hear a loud winding noise like someone stomped on the gas, then the steering wheel, & brakes lock. The shifter also locks. The car launches forward, then, on its own, jerks violently to the right and I crash into the house. I try to turn off the car but it will not turn off. I then remember the key fob next to me on the seat and the only way to turn off the car is by the key fob. I find out later via Internet research that day that there was a recall on the V8's for issues with Adaptive Cruise Control activating on its own or not disengaging and my insurance asks me to call Dodge to open a case and the rep yells at me it's only V8 & hangs up.

NHTSA ODI 11563730

They preyed on me, they overcharged me for the car in the 1st place, they lied to me and tried to cleverly extort me while victimizing me with their Predatory Lending. And in the midst of that, they broke several laws. Therefore, after gathering all of the evidence that I have... I really feel they have taken advantage of me. I work hard for my money ( being away from my family, driving from state to state ) to provide/pay for nice things for my family like this Big Beautiful Muscle car. Only to be victimized by the very company I purchased it from. Now... Any type of financing "ANYTHING" stresses me out. I worry will I be victimized again, from companies like Coast 2 Coast? And they have several locations just in the Houston area. Therefore, I'm wondering how many people have they done this to? Or how many people they might continue to do this to? This has me contemplating, should this be taken to the press / social media platforms and/or to congress/the police? To have the laws enforced/enhanced for companies like Coast 2 Coast who take advantage of their customers/consumers? Furthermore, I'm thinking about launching this publicly to see if there are other people that they have done this to? If so, this could be a MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CLASS A LAWSUIT that would include all of their locations and this could possibly be the lesson they need to learn. In conclusion, I know that most companies that victimize people and break the law, think they can resolve these issues by returning all of the finances that the victim(s) paid. However, I see that to be extremely disrespectful and very unethical and completely wrong because it gives them a pass. Due to that, the resolution has no repercussions for the lending predators. And since they tried to gain a monetary advantage, they should experience a monetary disadvantage of "AT LEAST" twice as much! Therefore, I would,ve paid close to $50,000 in total. So (rounding off) to $50,000 X 2 (Twice) = $100,000 is what I want!!

NHTSA ODI 11541628

DRIVE SHAFT VIBRATION AT 46,600 MILES. NEEDS REPLACING BY DEALER. OUT OF WARRANTY. $1400.00

NHTSA ODI 11539469

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 pain that I feel could have been prevented with the deployment of the air bags.

NHTSA ODI 11532511

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, she noticed an abnormal water odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle was overheating. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then continued driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road several times on her way to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the water pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced three times on three different occasions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the thermostat continuously failed due to the vehicle overheating; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11520978

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.

NHTSA ODI 11503066

The touch screen display has suffered from delamination, which has caused serious safety issues for me and my passengers. The delamination has caused the display to become blurry and difficult to read, making it difficult for me to access important features such as navigation and hands-free calling while driving. This has been a significant distraction and has put myself and others at risk on the road. Here is the list of concerns 1. Caused navigation to improperly work 2. Causes temperature to increase without user input. 3. Makes calls without user input 4. Changes vehicle features such as engine and steering setting casting safety issues. 5. Causes Bluetooth and radio issues distracting me while driving 6. Causes system to reboot while driving allowing for some features to not be accessible.

NHTSA ODI 11499687

The touch screen on the 2017 dodge challenger radio is separating, which controls all systems on the car!! System is changing settings on its own. This is very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11491640

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the radio operated independently by changing radio station, making phone calls, and the Navigation System became inoperable. The contact stated that failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was provided an estimate to replace the radio. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was invalid.

NHTSA ODI 11476115

Faulty electric rack and pinion have been such a huge problem. They are not only going bad after a few years, they are expensive to replace. And it’s common problem amongst dodge owners.

NHTSA ODI 11470978

The driver side smart window rolls up and down about a half inch when the vehicle is completely off sometimes causing a dead battery. In addition when driving the window will also Crack open and do the same thing causing loud noise which can easily distract the driver while the vehicle is being operated.

NHTSA ODI 11456720

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 is listed online as a problem.

NHTSA ODI 11455883

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph when the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a median which resulted in none of the air bags deploying. 2 people were injured and were sitting in the driver and front passenger side seat. The contact sought medical treatment and sustained whiplash, concussion, and fiancé sustained contusion on ribs, hematoma in the right knee, concussion, contusion on left thigh. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000

NHTSA ODI 11444613

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH the upper ball joint and the wheel detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 57,469.

NHTSA ODI 11443980