Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Dodge Challenger
The 2010 Dodge Challenger has notable issues with airbag recalls and a range of owner complaints about the engine and electrical systems. There are also steering and powertrain concerns. Overall, caution is advised when considering these vehicles due to the limited but concerning data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Dodge Challenger has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 299 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V018000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V021000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V352000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V444000 Do Not Drive - Driver Side Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V475000 POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V200000 WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V420000 FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 75 complaints
- Engine 75 complaints
- Electrical System 68 complaints
- Power Train 36 complaints
- Steering 33 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 31 complaints
Of the 299 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 299 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator rupture
How to check: Verify if airbag recalls have been addressed.
Engine noise or stalling
How to check: Listen for unusual noises at idle.
Ignition module binding
How to check: Check if key turns smoothly in ignition.
Power steering hose separation
How to check: Inspect power steering hoses for leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noises and check warm-up time.
Red flag: Excessive noise on cold start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard error lights or warnings.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Feel for steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Heavy or unresponsive steering
- 04
Moderate acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and gear changes.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure the vehicle accelerates cleanly at speed.
Red flag: Lurching or power loss
- 06
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for response and noise.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or noisy
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any engine repairs or replacements done?
- Has the ignition module ever bound up?
- Any steering system repairs done?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of airbag recall repair
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documents, if any
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Dodge Challenger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Dodge Challenger? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.